Additional Services
Earwax Management
Earwax, also called cerumen, is a normal and important substance produced by special glands in the outer ear. Earwax can vary in amount and consistency from person to person. Learn what it is there for, how to manage it, and what to do if there is a problem.
Why do we have earwax?
Earwax is produced by a mixture of secretions from modified sweat and oil glands. This mixture creates a sticky and acidic substance that has several important jobs. Earwax acts to lubricate the ear canals, so they do not become dry and itchy. It creates a hydrophobic environment, which helps keep the ears dry. Earwax is sticky, catches debris and foreign bodies, and facilitates the ears’ natural cleaning process. Finally, the acidic environment created by earwax inhibits the growth of fungal and bacterial microbes in the outer ear.
When Should Earwax Be Removed?
Typically, we consider the ears self-cleaning, which means nothing needs to be done to clean the ear canals. Nothing should be placed in the ear canal to clean wax (including cotton swabs). With that being said, cleaning the external ear with a damp cloth is totally fine.
​
In some individuals, excessive production of earwax can occur. In others, the ears can not naturally extrude the wax and debris that accumulates in the canals. This occurs more often in those with narrow and twisty canals, patients who wear hearing aids and earplugs, and in those who just naturally produce more wax. In these cases, professional earwax removal may be necessary. The excessive build-up of earwax can cause any of the following:
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
• Muffled or reduced hearing
• Pain, itchiness, or discomfort
• Hearing aid feedback
If any of the above symptoms are present, and/or excessive earwax is observed by a healthcare professional, it may be time to consider consultation with your audiologist.
Dos and Don’ts of Ear Cleaning
DON'T place anything in your ear canals
​
DON'T use ear candles, as they are dangerous, often cause injury, and have shown little benefit in clinical trials
​
DO use a cloth to clean the external part of the ear
DO visit your audiologist if you have concerns of excessive ear wax or need removal
When should you see your Audiologist
Sometimes ear wax accumulation requires the attention of a professional, who can examine your ears and customize treatment to your specific needs. We have the training and tools to remove ear wax effectively and safely. If you have concerns or if an ear wax impaction has been identified, please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Why Hearing Protection Is So Important
Hearing loss happens for many reasons, one of the most popular being exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL). Repeated exposure to sound levels above 85 decibels (the sound of a bulldozer) can cause permanent, irreparable hearing loss. To give you perspective, hearing professionals consider exposure to loud music, either live or through headphones, to be particularly dangerous with sound intensity sometimes reaching 100 to 115 decibels (dB). This is where hearing protection, like earplugs, come in.
While hearing loss is irreversible, that doesn’t mean it’s not preventable. Knowledge, hearing protection, and prevention can help keep your hearing healthy and you happy!
Custom Hearing Protection Products
For Riders, Rockers, Shooters, and Everyone in Between
NIHL happens in all situations from concerts to recreational sports, from your work environment to your personal life. The best kind of hearing protection plan for you will depend on your lifestyle. There are different styles of hearing protection depending on what you need. We offer protection for:
• Musicians
• Hunters and shooters
• Motorcyclists
• Concert and sporting event enthusiasts
• Listening to music through your personal player
Custom Vs. Generic Products
Benefits of custom protection:
• A custom mold helps ensure they stay in place and offer a secure fit.
• They are designed to retain accurate frequency response, so you’ll hear the full range of sounds — just at a reduced volume.
• They are vented to allow sound to pass both ways, which means the sound of your voice won’t reverberate inside of your ears like it does with most earplugs.
• You get specific, measurable protection with precision-engineered filters that offer the most natural sound available, clear and unmuffled.
• Custom molded from medical-grade silicone, these plugs can be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort.
• Several models offer replaceable sound filters so that you can select the level of sound protection you need for the situation with 10, 15, 17, 20, 26, or 27 dB sound reduction.
-
​
Make an appointment with our audiologists, to learn how our comfortable, effective hearing protection can not only help safeguard your hearing but can also enhance your auditory experience.
