Should I Have My Ears Professionally Cleaned?

Your ears are an amazing organ. They help you hear the world around you, and the best part is they clean up after themselves. Earwax and other debris will move and fall out of your ear on their own, without any outside intervention. However, while your ears are naturally self-cleaning, sometimes earwax buildup can occur. When this happens, your ability to hear can be diminished, and it can be quite uncomfortable, so having your ears professionally cleaned is recommended.

But how do you know when you need your ears professionally cleaned? What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?

Minor Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, make an appointment as soon as possible with a hearing care specialist to ensure that earwax buildup is the culprit behind your ear issues.

• Itchy ears
• Ears that drain
• Ears feel clogged
• Minor hearing loss
• Muffled hearing
• Crackling or popping in ears while chewing

Major Symptoms

If impacted earwax is left untreated, not only can it affect your hearing, it can also lead to an ear infection. Ear infections can be dangerous, especially if not treated properly. If you are experiencing the previously mentioned symptoms, on top of the symptoms listed below, see a doctor immediately.

• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Fever
• Ear drainage
• Earaches
• Pain in the ear
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping

When it comes to cleaning your ears, it’s important to avoid using ear candles and cotton swabs. To help keep your ears clear and infection-free, schedule an appointment with your hearing care specialist as soon as possible. If you suffer from an overproduction of earwax, impaction can occur, so scheduling maintenance appointments with your doctor for earwax removal is necessary if you want to stave off ear infections and keep your ears clear and healthy. Under no circumstances should you try to remove impacted earwax yourself, as you could make the problem worse, so contact your doctor today.