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Earwax is essential for healthy ears, but its buildup can cause problems. Avoid using cotton buds or sharp objects, which can push wax deeper and damage your ear. Instead, you can safely remove earwax at home by irrigating with warm sterile water or using approved ear drops from your local chemist to soften the wax.

If you experience pain, drainage, or hearing loss, consult your GP or healthcare provider in your local Australian medical centre. For those prone to excessive wax, regular professional cleanings through accredited Australian audiologists or medical practitioners are recommended. Many Medicare-registered clinics across Australia offer safe wax removal services.

Learn more about the science behind earwax and the best removal methods approved by Australian health authorities.

Understanding the Role of Earwax

Composed of gland secretions and dead skin cells, earwax – or cerumen – serves crucial functions in maintaining ear health and hygiene. It hydrates the ear canal skin, protects against infection, traps dust and foreign particles, and repels water to prevent damage. The ear’s self-cleaning mechanism pushes earwax outward, where it falls out or is washed away.

Earwax is your body’s natural defence against harmful bacteria and particles. It creates a structural barrier and generates an unfavourable chemical environment for germs. The movement of your jaw joint and skin migration patterns help push earwax out, making the ear canal self-cleaning. Earwax traps dust particles before they can enter the ear in the Australian climate, where humidity and temperature variations can affect ear health, removing earwax is usually unnecessary and can do more harm than good, like pushing it deeper into the ear. The absence of earwax could lead to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as infestations. Earwax’s variation in colour and consistency doesn’t affect its protective functions, which are crucial for maintaining ear health. 

Seeking Professional Wax Removal

When faced with persistent or difficult-to-remove earwax, seeking professional assistance is strongly advised. Australian audiologists or medical centres can safely remove earwax using manual instruments, irrigation, or microsuction methods. These techniques are more effective than at-home remedies and can help improve hearing, alleviate discomfort, and prevent infections. Earwax has antibacterial and antifungal properties to help prevent infections. Earwax removal can also prepare the ear for accurate hearing tests and proper hearing aid function.

Professional evaluation through Medicare-approved providers is crucial to determine the best removal method and identify any underlying issues. Combination approaches may be used for more stubborn wax buildup. After the procedure, it’s important to keep the ears dry and avoid inserting any objects. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure complete removal and prevent future accumulations, especially for those prone to excessive earwax.

Many Australian healthcare providers and audiology clinics offer bulk-billing options for earwax removal services. Whilst home remedies can be tempting, entrusting your ear health to trained Australian healthcare professionals is the safest and most effective way to address this common concern. Medicare benefits may apply for eligible services when referred by a GP.

Preventing Excessive Wax Build-up

Maintaining healthy ear hygiene is crucial in preventing excessive wax build-up. Earwax is a naturally produced substance that cleans, protects, and lubricates the ears. Softening earwax with over-the-counter ear drops from your local Australian chemist can aid its natural removal, whilst flushing your ears with a saline mixture or sterile water using a syringe can also help clear wax. When using medicated ear drops, be sure to follow the recommended usage and duration to avoid irritation.

Avoid using cotton buds and other small items, as they can push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockage. Instead, focus on cleaning only the outer, visible part of your ear. Chewing and moving your jaw can also assist in the natural expulsion of earwax, as it’s a natural part of ear health and shouldn’t be excessively cleaned.

Regular monitoring for signs of wax build-up, such as hearing loss or tinnitus, is essential. If you’re prone to earwax blockage, consult your GP or an Australian-registered audiologist for personalised care, and consider preventive measures like wearing earplugs or hearing aids. Many Medicare-registered hearing clinics across Australia offer professional ear cleaning services when needed.

Avoiding Hazardous Wax Removal Practices

It’s important to avoid hazardous do-it-yourself (DIY) methods when attempting to remove ear wax. Cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages. Ear candling poses risks of burns, wax blockages, and punctured eardrums. Peroxide drops can irritate the ear and cause temporary hearing loss if used undiluted. Water bulbs and sharp objects like hairpins can also damage the delicate skin of the ear canal.

Improper removal can lead to serious consequences, including eardrum damage, inflammation, infections, impacted wax, and even permanent hearing loss. Trying to remove wax yourself increases the risk of infection and can cause pain, discomfort, and temporary hearing loss. Long-term effects on hearing health may also occur if not addressed properly.

Instead, seek professional care from an Australian audiologist or GP, or use pharmacy-available ear drops to soften wax, gently rinse with warm water, or let a healthcare provider use specialised tools to safely remove excess wax. Many Medicare-covered options exist across Australia for professional ear wax removal. Guided removal by a healthcare professional is the safest option for maintaining ear health.

DISCLAIMER: The content on our site is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation of any treatments or products without a comprehensive hearing assessment. Users should seek professional advice and fully understand any potential side effects or risks before starting any treatment. Products mentioned on our site are not available for purchase by the public without prior consultation with a hearing health expert.
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