Earwax plays an important role in preventing dust, debris, and microorganisms from entering your ear canal and causing damage to your hearing. Despite its importance, many people find the natural substance to be unpleasant or annoying. Typically, earwax works its way out of the ear canal on its own, but that doesn’t stop many from attempting to dig it out with dangerous cotton swabs. But what if you’re unsure if your earwax is clearing properly? Read along to learn when to handle earwax removal at home and when to seek professional help to maintain optimal ear health without causing injury.
Whether you need a simple checkup or specialized ear care, Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee is here to help. Our ENT specialists are recognized as some of the best in Tennessee, offering comprehensive care for earwax removal, sinus issues, hearing evaluations, and beyond. If you’re dealing with stubborn earwax or any ear-related concern, you can trust OAT to deliver safe relief and personalized treatment.
Understanding Earwax Buildup
Earwax is naturally generated by glands in the ear canal to moisturize and preserve the skin. While most of it migrates out on its own, factors such as small ear canals, usage of earbuds, or rigorous cleaning might push wax deeper, resulting in impaction. Common symptoms of buildup include a sense of fullness in the ear, impaired hearing, itching, and, in rare cases, ringing or pain.
If left untreated, impacted earwax can raise the risk of ear infections and, in severe situations, damage to the eardrum. Regular check-ups with a Nashville ENT specialist can help monitor wax levels and prevent complications.
Removing Earwax Yourself
In most cases, you do not need to remove your earwax. You should only attempt earwax removal at home if you’re experiencing mild symptoms of buildup, like:
A feeling of slight fullness within the ear, but no pain or discharge.
Mildly affected hearing, like muffled noise.
You have no history of eardrum surgery or perforation.
For mild wax accumulation, safe home removal methods include softening drops, which can be found at a local pharmacy, followed by gentle irrigation using a bulb syringe and warm water. Never insert cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, or any other objects into your ear canal, as it can push wax deeper and cause injuries.
For personalized guidance on safe earwax removal, reach out to Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today.
Signs You Need Professional Help
Sometimes earwax accumulates to the point where it becomes impacted, meaning it fully blocks the ear canal. It’s time to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these warning signs:
Persistent earache, pain, or a sense of pressure and fullness.
Significant hearing loss or muffled hearing.
Dizziness, ringing, or balance issues.
Foul odor or unusual discharge from the ear, especially if it’s pus-like or bloody.
Any of these symptoms can indicate blockage or another ear problem that isn’t wax at all. The only way to know for sure is to have a medical professional examine your ears. OAT’s specialists can thoroughly inspect your ears and create a personalized recovery strategy to ensure your hearing is restored.
How Allergy Clinics Help
When you visit OAT for earwax issues, our ENT doctor will examine your ear canal with specialized instruments to confirm a wax impaction. Wax production and buildup can also be affected and caused by allergies, which is why ENT specialists’ evaluations identify triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. By addressing underlying allergies in our Allergy Clinic, you reduce inflammation and improve natural ear drainage, diminishing the risk of future wax impactions.
Discover how our allergy clinic services at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee can enhance your ear health and prevent impaction. Contact us today by calling us at (615) 340 - 4000.
Preventing Earwax Accumulation
To support your ears’ self-cleaning mechanism and prevent impaction, avoid inserting cotton swabs or small objects into your ears. Instead, occasional use of gentle softening drops can maintain balance. Always keep your ears dry, as moisture trapped in the canal can mix with wax and exacerbate blockages. For those who are prone to buildup, such as those with hearing aids or who work in dusty environments, schedule routine cleanings with OAT’s ENT specialists in Nashville. By combining simple at-home habits with professional oversight, you minimize the need for urgent intervention and protect your hearing long term.
OAT: Your Trusted Nashville ENT Doctors
At Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee, our highly skilled ENT doctors stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat ear conditions, including stubborn earwax impactions. But earwax buildup is just one of many ear, nose, and throat issues that we expertly handle. Our practice is a leading Nashville ENT and allergy clinic offering comprehensive care under one roof. From routine ear cleanings and hearing evaluations to advanced allergy testing and sinus treatments, our team provides the full spectrum of ENT services.
Ready to hear and feel better? Contact Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT and allergy specialists in Nashville. Visit us online or call us at (615) 340 - 4000 to start your path towards ear, nose, and throat relief.
