If you have ever had a significant earwax impaction, you have likely experienced the discomfort it causes, but some may have also felt slight pain after a professional cleaning.
The ears are very sensitive. The buildup of earwax and the subsequent cleaning can cause some discomfort.
Learn in detail about the ear cleaning process and the possible causes of discomfort during and after the procedure.
What to expect
Ear cleaning is a routine procedure performed either in an audiologist's office or at an ENT specialist's clinic. Most people do not need it. However, some people develop a buildup of earwax. This can then lead to impactions due to various factors such as age, genetics, and the environment.
Here is a detailed look at what you can expect when you have your ears professionally cleaned due to earwax buildup. Knowing exactly how it happens allows you to arrive with confidence and less apprehension.
Medical history
The very first thing to expect is to fill out a medical and personal questionnaire. During any consultation, the doctor only has a very brief overview of your life. These questions allow them to better identify the factors that may be contributing to your problem.
No one likes filling out paperwork, but the information you provide on these forms is invaluable to ensure you receive the best possible care. It helps practitioners identify specific risk factors that may exclude you from a particular type of cleaning. For example, if you have had a perforated eardrum, irrigation may be ruled out to avoid potential complications.
Your doctor will also be attentive to any family history of sensorineural hearing loss. Many people who come in for an ear cleaning believe their hearing loss is most likely due to earwax buildup.
However, in some cases, this only explains half the problem. A form of hearing loss called mixed hearing loss may be to blame. If suspected, the doctor may wish to perform a hearing test in addition to the cleaning.
The examination
Once all the forms are completed, you are generally taken to an examination room where you meet the practitioner. They may ask you to clarify certain points in your medical history and then usually proceed to the examination.
The doctor typically uses a device called an otoscope to observe the ear canal and see what type of earwax buildup is present. They are primarily interested in the size of the buildup, the color of the wax, and the general appearance of the surrounding ear canal. Each of these elements helps them determine the most appropriate approach for your impaction.
The procedure
Regarding the cleaning itself, practices can vary greatly. Procedures range from irrigation to manual extraction.
Read on to learn more about each of them and what to expect.
A possible hearing test
Once the ear canal is clear, your audiologist may perform a hearing test to check if you need additional assistance. As mentioned above, mixed hearing loss is one of the potential concerns for your practitioner. By removing the earwax impaction, it is easier for them to identify the precise cause of any potential hearing loss.
A hearing test includes several evaluations: audiometry, tympanometry, and bone conduction. Thanks to these tests, the audiologist will better understand your hearing capabilities and any potential issues. If a hearing deficit is found, they may recommend hearing aids to bring the volume of sounds above your hearing threshold and allow you to hear them.
If hearing aids are recommended, many people give up because of their extremely high prices. Some hearing aids sold at an audiologist's office reach several thousand dollars.
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Post-procedure care
After cleaning, your ears will likely be free of wax and your ear canals cleared to receive all the sounds of your environment. Many think the procedure ends there, but the reality is that most cleaning procedures require some follow-up.
A common post-procedure care step involves ear drops that temporarily protect your ear canals. Earwax plays an important role in the health of the ear canal: it reduces the risk of ear infection, keeps the skin hydrated, and helps trap small particles.
After cleaning, there is little to no wax left. Ear canals therefore need temporary help while the wax is being produced and restored.
Types of procedures
When talking about ear cleaning, there are many ways to remove earwax, from using water to manual extraction using instruments.
Here is an overview of the techniques commonly used to remove earwax:
Irrigation
Ear irrigation is a technique that uses water to flush out excess earwax. Lukewarm water is typically introduced into the ear canal using a syringe and very light pressure.
To soften the earwax beforehand, oil can be used. A few drops of oil in the ear help soften a hard impaction and allow it to drain more easily once water is introduced.
Manual extraction
Manual extraction is a procedure that involves using small medical instruments to remove a significant impaction. Generally, one should avoid inserting objects such as medical instruments into the ear. In the case of a severe earwax impaction, it is sometimes the only way to remove it.
As with water irrigation, oil can be used at the beginning to soften the wax enough to be able to manipulate and remove it. Oil also facilitates manual extraction by lubricating the ear canal.
The practitioner uses a wide variety of instruments to remove the impaction or earwax: forceps, curettes, and hooks, among others. These tools can be purchased online, but this procedure should be left to professionals. Done poorly, it can push the impaction deeper and even damage your ears.
Possible causes of pain
The risk of complications during or after an ear cleaning is low, but discomfort or pain is still possible.
Here is an overview of the reasons why you may have ear pain after a cleaning:
An ear infection
An ear infection is a possible complication after a cleaning. Earwax protects the ears thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Cleaning can remove most of the wax present in the ear canal. Without wax, the risk of infection can increase.
An ear infection can be the source of pain after a cleaning, but several post-procedure steps can reduce this risk.
Irritation of the ear canal
Another possible cause of pain after a cleaning is the irritation suffered by the ear canal. When a significant buildup of earwax forms in the canal, it exerts pressure on its walls and eventually irritates it.
Much like the pain felt when wearing hearing aids that are too large, earwax can exert force on the ear canal, stretching and irritating it. Once the impaction is dislodged, the irritation and discomfort may persist for some time.
A clear sound
Ear cleaning is a very common procedure and, when performed by a professional in a medical setting, the risks of complications are very significantly reduced. Even if complications remain unlikely, many people feel some discomfort or pain following an ear cleaning.
Whether it is a persistent infection or simple irritation following the cleaning, these annoyances are generally brief and disappear on their own. If the pain persists after a cleaning or if you notice a decrease in your hearing, make an appointment with your doctor, simply to ensure everything is fine.
Sources
Genetic Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology | Medscape
Earwax blockage - Diagnosis and treatment | Mayo Clinic
Ear Irrigation - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf
