Earwax Removal

Earwax Removal By A Trusted Ear Specialist in Houston

Did you know, that when you use typical ear cleaning methods, such as Q-Tips, you may actually be making your ears dirtier instead of cleaner? Tools such as Q-Tips, tend to push the earwax further into the ear canal instead of helping bring it out, and this can lead to increased ear infections, damage to the eardrum, and sinus and allergy problems.  Having an Otolaryngologist perform ear wax extraction and complete a comprehensive ear cleaning protocol is the best way to ensure it is done safely and efficiently, reducing your risk of long-term complications.

What is Earwax Removal?

Earwax removal involves removing excess earwax from the ear canal and eardrum. Earwax is naturally produced by the body as a self-cleaning system for the ear canal.  It is secreted to help catch dust and debris and prevent it from entering the canal and reaching the inner ear. Unwanted particles in the ear can lead to infection and cause unnecessary damage.

Why Should I Have Earwax Removal?

Because earwax is a naturally secreted bodily fluid, it is necessary to have some earwax, and for most people, the body secretes and eliminates the wax in appropriate amounts.  For others however, this is not the case and it may be necessary to undergo ear cleaning procedures.  There are several indicators that you may need to undergo earwax removal:

  • Ringing in the ears
  • Regular earaches or ear infections
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Pressure in the ears
  • Feeling that the ears are full or blocked
  • Unusual or bad odour from the ears

What Can I Expect From Your Earwax Removal Process?

When you schedule ear cleaning at Houston Sinus & Allergy to undergo earwax extraction, the procedure is typically quick and efficient and does not require general anesthesia.  Using a small, curved instrument, called a Curette, Dr. Nguyen will remove the earwax using suction, and inspect the ear during the procedure. If necessary, in addition, or as an alternative, he can also flush out the wax using a water pick or rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water.  While the procedure may be slightly uncomfortable or feel unusual, it is not painful and Dr. Nguyen has years of experience in safely and efficiently completing ear cleaning treatments.

Why Choose a Professional to Remove Earwax?

When it comes to undergoing earwax removal in Houston, Houston Sinus & Allergy offers a service like no other. We offer a high level of care and compassion to our patients and are dedicated to helping you receive the best treatment available.  Not only are we committed to offering you the optimal service, but we are also dedicated to helping you feel better and get relief, and we won’t be happy with the job until you are.

Do you think you may qualify for earwax removal or need a professional ear cleaning? Get started by filling out the quote form and we will be in touch with you to book an appointment.  If you’re unsure, simply reach out to us and we are happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

What Is Earwax Buildup?

Your ear canal produces earwax. The function of the wax is to protect the inner ear from dust, bacteria and foreign particles. It also protects the lining of the ear canal from getting irritated when water touches it. Normally, excess wax goes out of the canal on its own and then it’s washed away.

Unfortunately, there are times when the glands of the ear canal may produce excess wax and it’ll end up blocking the ear. Also, when attempting self-cleaning with cotton swabs, you may end up pushing the wax in deeper and cause a blockage. When this happens, you may suffer temporary hearing loss.

Instead of trying to treat earwax buildup at home, you need to consult an earwax removal and cleaning doctor in Houston. An earwax specialist like Dr. Nguyen will help you use the safest procedure to clean out the excess wax in your ears. The treatment is quick and painless, and it’ll restore your hearing completely.

What Procedures Would An Earwax Removal Doctor Use?

Before your doctor does any form of wax removal, he’ll spend time looking inside your ear. This is to ensure the symptoms you have are due to excess earwax buildup and not a more serious medical condition.

One of the tools used by doctors to examine the ear is an otoscope. When he inserts the otoscope into the opening of the ear, it’ll shine a light into the ear and magnify the view. There are two ways he can remove the wax.

1. Ear Irrigation

If he is convinced that the earwax buildup needs to be removed, he’ll perform an ear cleaning procedure called ear irrigation. He’ll carry out this process in the office with a tool that looks like a syringe.

He’ll use the tool to insert water or a saline solution into the ear, and the liquid will dissolve the wax and flush it out. However, irrigation won’t be used if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tube in your eardrum, diabetes or a compromised immune system.

2. Manual Wax Removal

Manual earwax removal is a very effective method for removing excess wax and cleaning the ear canal. An earwax cleaning doctor like Dr. Nguyen can help you carry out this safe and effective procedure in his office. He’ll use a microscope to get an enlarged view of the ear canal before using special instruments and suction to extract the wax blocking the inner ear.

This manual method is the best option if:

  • You have a narrow ear canal
  • An ear tube has been inserted into your eardrum
  • Other methods like irrigation have failed
  • You are at risk of complications from using other cleaning methods

It’s important to avoid trying to remove wax blockage at home by yourself. Attempting to use cotton swabs will only push the wax further into the ear canal and make the blockage worse.

Do You Need an Earwax Cleaning Doctor in Houston?

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