SERVICES
Menu
SERVICES
Contrary to the common misconception that ear wax is dirty, it actually protects the ears and acts as a natural lubricant. Issues occur when ear wax, or cerumen, accumulates in the ear and becomes too difficult to shed on its own.
Naturally, ear wax is meant to protect the ear canal by trapping dirt and debris while slowing the growth of bacteria. However, too much wax production can cause problems.
When this happens, professional ear wax removal is recommended.
Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
Normally, earwax is light brown, orange, or yellowish. These colors indicate that the earwax is healthy and normal. The darker the earwax, the older it is assumed to be. Adults tend to have darker earwax with a harder consistency.
Earwax that is dark brown with a tinge of red may indicate trauma or bleeding injury. See an audiologist right away if you notice a reddish tinge in your earwax or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
The color and texture of earwax alone doesn’t necessarily produce a reliable diagnosis of what’s happening inside your ears. While some might assume that earwax issues can be easily dealt with, a thorough examination is recommended to ensure that there are no underlying problems in the ears.
Having someone look inside your ears with a flashlight is not really an effective method to check if you have excessive ear wax. A visit to an audiologist is recommended, with proper tools, lighting, and equipment to thoroughly check your ears.
Additionally, having decreased hearing or an earache doesn’t always indicate an earwax buildup. There are instances when there is another medical condition that could be causing your ear troubles. Hence, a visit to an audiologist is recommended.
Regular cleaning of the ears needs to be done gently. Note that cleaning should only involve the external or outer part of the ear. You can use a wet washcloth to soften the wax and dirt.
You can also use over-the-counter ear wax removal kits but make sure to follow instructions.
Using cotton swabs, ear candles, or any other tiny and pointy objects for DIY ear wax removal is highly discouraged.
The eardrum and the ear canal are very delicate parts of the ear. They can be easily affected by excess earwax and can also be susceptible to perforation and damage. Ear wax removal is best done by audiologists.
While there are numerous DIY ear wax removal kits in the market, we highly discourage trying to remove ear wax by yourself if you have had ear surgery, have a hole in your eardrum, or are experiencing drainage or ear pain. Doing so will only do more harm than good.
The process of cerumen management or ear wax removal starts with an otoscopy. The audiologist will visually examine the outer ear and ear canal with an otoscope, which allows the provider to determine if there are impacted cerumen.
If impacted cerumen is visualized, it can likely be effectively removed by various tools and procedures including manual instrumentation or irrigation.
Ear irrigation is a routine procedure performed in an audiology clinic primarily used to remove excess earwax and other foreign objects from the ear.
While earwax is a natural body secretion, too much earwax production can lead to cerumen impaction and ear blockage. When a person has ear blockage, temporary hearing loss or tinnitus can be experienced.
Ear irrigation is a safe way to minimize the risk of ear damage. In some instances, foreign materials, like insects, dust, and debris can get in the ear.
When this happens, the goal is to get the object out of the ear canal without pushing it deeper into the ear canal while keeping the delicate ear canal safe.
Take note that ear irrigation is not for everyone. Patients who have undergone ear surgery, have ear perforations, or are prone to ear infections are discouraged to undergo ear irrigation because it may result in more problems and complications.
Older persons and young children are at high risk of earwax impaction but may be unaware or unable to express symptoms. Medical professionals should evaluate if there is a need for treatment in such patients if the ear canal is obstructed.
Before earwax removal is performed, a visual inspection of the ear will be performed to ensure that the obstruction is really caused by excess wax buildup or other foreign objects.
An otoscope is usually used to check the opening of the ear. The otoscope is an instrument that shines a light in the ear and magnifies the image.
Once it is confirmed that earwax buildup is the issue, we will perform the irrigation in our clinic using a syringe-like tool. This tool will be used to spray water or a water and saline mixture into the ear to flush out the wax.
Fort Bend Hearing uses Earigator Management System, the world’s most advanced self-contained ear irrigation system for ear wax removal.
With state-of-the-art technology that allows full temperature and pressure control, Earigator Management System allows our audiologists to safely and comfortably clean out the patient’s earwax in under 30 seconds.
Earigator Management System combines the functions of an irrigation system and otoscope into one, providing one of the world’s most advanced means of cerumen control.
With the Earigator, removal of the most stubborn and impacted earwax can be done in a short period of time.
The Earigator features self-contained temperature control that regulates the water to the temperature of the human body, avoiding any vertigo or caloric side effects.
The precise pressure controls of the Earigator can quickly remove impacted cerumen without any risk to the eardrum.
Ear wax removal session that feels like a visit to the spa? That’s what the Earigator Management System can offer. Enjoy the feeling of warm water massaging your ear without any pain or discomfort.
With the Earigator Management System, you can say goodbye to the traditional method of earwax removal.
The Earigator will clean even the deepest, most impacted ear wax. Patients who are taking blood thinners as maintenance meds will greatly benefit from the Earigator Management System because it eliminates the risk of bleeding ears.
The elderly and children are highly susceptible to earwax buildup. Earigator System Management allows safe and efficient cerumen removal in a shorter period of time compared to traditional earwax removal procedures.
The Earigator is also gentle enough to use even on younger patients.
The Earigator Management System is one of the best innovations in earwax removal. It’s time to step away from the traditional procedures and discover this new and efficient way to free your ears from earwax!
Are you ready to hear better?
Fort Bend Hearing provides comprehensive preventative, diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services for pediatric and adult patients. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Are you ready to hear better?
Fort Bend Hearing provides comprehensive preventative, diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services for pediatric and adult patients. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Ear Wax Removal Services - Fort Bend County, Texas
Fort Bend Hearing provides professional ear wax removal and ear irrigation services for pediatric and adult patients in Sugar Land, TX and nearby locations.