Earwax has numerous protective functions such as trapping dust\/debris, serving as a moisture barrier, and killing microorganisms that enter the ear canal. In general, individuals should not attempt to remove the earwax by inserting objects such as cotton swabs, paper clips, or hairpins into the ears. Earwax will most often move out of the ear naturally over time without any assistance. Cerumen impaction occurs when the wax builds up or becomes too hard to exit the ear canal naturally. In some people, earwax is produced at a greater rate than can be naturally removed by the ear. Earwax may also become impacted after the use of cotton swabs and other such instruments that push the wax deeper into the ear canal. Patients who use hearing aids or earplugs regularly also have an increased incidence of cerumen impaction. In general, management options for cerumen impaction include saline irrigations or direct removal under an operating microscope. Once earwax is fully removed, a maintenance regimen of at-home ear irrigations may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Otologist\/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology\/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n