Ear wax – that golden, gooey substance we all love to ignore.
Did you know, this mysterious substance isn’t something to fear? In fact, it’s our ears’ natural defence system! Really, it’s true.
Ear wax’s scientific name is cerumen. It is produced by glands in the ear canal and has a vital role in protecting our hearing. Think of it as a personal bodyguard for your eardrums, preventing dirt, dust, and tiny bugs from getting too close. Plus, it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping keep infections at bay.
When you get a build-up or when the wax goes hard it can be a problem though as it can block the ear canal. When this happens, you may start to notice feelings of fullness, muffled hearing, or even ringing in your ears. In extreme cases, it might cause discomfort, itching, or a sense of vertigo. But don’t worry! Most of the time, ear wax is nothing to panic about.
What can you do to help your ears?
Firstly, don’t go digging around with cotton buds. I know, it’s tempting, but they can push the wax deeper into the ear, making things worse. Instead, you can try some simple home remedies like using over-the-counter ear drops or olive oil to soften the wax. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call in the professionals to perform ear wax removal magic.
Professionals, like audiologist Georgina Nobel, can safely remove the wax with gentle techniques such as irrigation or microsuction. Most of the time these days ear wax removal is carried out by gentle microsuction, which works just like a little Hoover! Both techniques are quick and easy. And afterwards you should hear better!
Remember, we have designated parking spaces in Midland Road, just a 3 minute walk from the clinic, so you don’t have to stress about parking.