At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we recognize the discomfort and potential hearing impairment that earwax impaction can cause. Our skilled ENT specialists offer comprehensive care for individuals experiencing earwax impaction, providing effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.

Symptoms:

Earwax impaction occurs when earwax accumulates and becomes impacted in the ear canal, leading to symptoms such as:

• Ear Discomfort: Individuals with earwax impaction may experience earaches or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
• Hearing Loss: Excessive earwax buildup can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss or difficulty hearing.
• Ear Itching: Earwax impaction may cause itching or irritation in the ear canal.
• Tinnitus: Some individuals with earwax impaction may experience ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear known as tinnitus.
• Ear Drainage: In severe cases, earwax impaction may cause drainage or discharge from the ear.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing earwax impaction typically involves a thorough examination by an ENT specialist. This may include:

• Visual Inspection: The doctor will visually inspect the ear canal using an otoscope to assess the presence and severity of earwax buildup.
• Audiological Evaluation: In some cases, hearing tests may be conducted to evaluate the extent of hearing loss associated with earwax impaction.

Treatment:

Treatment options for earwax impaction aim to safely remove the impacted earwax and alleviate symptoms. These may include:

• Ear Irrigation: Ear irrigation, also known as ear syringing or ear lavage, involves flushing the ear canal with warm water or saline solution to soften and remove the impacted earwax.
• Manual Removal: In some cases, the ENT specialist may manually remove the impacted earwax using specialized instruments, such as a curette or suction device, under magnification.
• Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops or eardrops prescribed by a healthcare professional may be used to soften and facilitate the removal of earwax.
• Avoiding Cotton Swabs: Individuals should avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears, as this can push earwax further into the ear canal and increase the risk of impaction.

Prevention:

To prevent earwax impaction and promote ear health, individuals can take the following measures:

• Regular Ear Cleaning: Gently clean the outer ear with a damp cloth, but avoid inserting objects such as cotton swabs or Q-tips into the ear canal.
• Earwax Softening Drops: Use over-the-counter ear drops or mineral oil drops periodically to soften earwax and facilitate its natural expulsion from the ear canal.

 

Can earwax impaction cause hearing loss?

Yes, excessive earwax buildup can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss or difficulty hearing.

 

Is it safe to remove earwax at home?

It is generally not recommended to attempt to remove earwax at home using cotton swabs or other objects, as this can push earwax further into the ear canal and increase the risk of impaction or injury.

 

How often should I have my ears cleaned professionally?

The need for professional ear cleaning depends on individual factors such as the rate of earwax production and the presence of symptoms. It is advisable to consult with an ENT specialist for personalized recommendations.

 

Can earwax impaction cause ear infections?

Yes, earwax impaction can create a conducive environment for bacterial growth and increase the risk of developing ear infections. Prompt removal of impacted earwax can help reduce this risk.

If you are experiencing symptoms of earwax impaction or have concerns about your ear health, our experienced ENT specialists at SHIFAA PAN African Hospital are here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan to address your earwax impaction and improve your ear health.