One of the services we offer is cerumen (wax) removals. Cerumen (ear wax) is produced by glands in our ears, in order to help lubricate and protect the ear canal. Although cerumen aids in protecting our ears, there are many different factors that can cause a cerumen impaction to occur. These may include hearing aids, certain medications and even stress. Dr. McArthur is skilled in removing cerumen from the ear. She is also able educate our patients on preventative care, which may help discourage future cerumen impactions from occurring. This service uses a video otoscope, which is a tool that allows our patients to view the procedure as it is being performed.
Signs of a Cerumen Blockage:
- Feeling of pressure/fullness
- Itching
- Earache
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Ear pressure
What NOT to do:
Q-tips or cotton swabs are not to be inserted in the ear canal. It says it right on the box of swabs. Cotton swabs can push a blockage further down into the ear canal, creating a huge wall or blockage of wax causing a conductive hearing loss. In addition, cotton swabs can be inserted too far into the ear canal and can scratch the walls of the canal or they can even rupture your ear drum.