Earwax Removal

Earwax is a natural and vital component of the body’s defense mechanisms. It is necessary to clean, lubricate, and protect the ear canals, by trapping dirt and reducing the growth of bacteria. When there is an excess of earwax, however, it can lead to a blockage which can cause several unpleasant symptoms. For this reason, Douglas Anderson, MD offers earwax removal procedures to patients throughout Utah.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

• Full feeling in the affected ear
• Earache
• Ringing noises in the affected ear, known as tinnitus
• Decreased hearing in the affected ear
• Dizziness
• Cough

What Causes an Earwax Blockage?

Earwax regularly makes its way to the opening of the ear where it is washed away or falls out. When a patient secretes an excess amount of wax, or it is not cleared effectively, it can build up and block the ear canal entirely. Most commonly, a blockage will occur when a patient attempts to clean their ears with cotton swabs, but actually pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Earwax Removal

To diagnose your earwax blockage, Douglas Anderson will use an instrument (otoscope) with a light, to give him a magnified view of your inner ear and observe the blockage. From here, he will remove any excess earwax using one of two methods.

• Curet or suction: To remove earwax, your doctor may use a small, curved instrument called a curet to carefully remove the wax, or use suction to eliminate it from the ear.
• Flushing: Your doctor may also choose to flush the wax out of your ear with a bulb syringe filled with warm water.

For patients with reoccurring earwax problems, your doctor may recommend using wax-removal medication to reduce the amount of wax in the ear. These medications can irritate the delicate skin of the inner ear, so it is important to only use them as directed.

Are you concerned you may have an earwax blockage? Come see Douglas Anderson, MD at Ogden Clinic for earwax removal in Ogden. Reach out to us today to schedule your appointment.

To learn more about earwax removal at Ogden contact Dr. Douglas Anderson's Utah Allergist office to schedule an appointment.