Spring has sprung, birds are tweeting and lambs are bleating. So, as we listen out for some of our favourite sounds, now’s a good opportunity to put your ears in focus.
And, while it’s a subject that some of us might shy away from, let’s talk earwax in particular.
One of the impacts of lockdown has been a rise in the number of people seeking earwax removal. As a result of increased use of in-ear headphones and other in-ear devices, earwax can become impacted. This can lead to pain and issues around hearing properly too. Here Specsavers Nottingham, West Bridgford and Bingham audiologist Kirsty Pykett offers her top tips and advice to help manage earwax and explains what you should never do.
“At Specsavers we advise people to avoid putting anything in your ears that could push earwax further into your ear canal and to avoid home removal of wax. Recent research[1] shows that two thirds of the nation (65%) are risking permanent damage to their hearing by using cotton buds and other items such as their fingers, pencils, paper clips, hairgrips and even match sticks to remove wax. The golden rule is never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.”
Why do we have earwax?
There are many reasons why we have earwax but ultimately its function is to protect and clear the ear, taking trapped dirt and debris with it when it falls out. Its sticky texture prevents bacteria and germs from moving further into the ear and causing infections and helps keep out any unwelcome guests. Earwax also helps lubricate the skin and maintains the ear’s natural PH balance to prevent irritation and dryness.
Usually your body will produce enough earwax to maintain ear health but sometimes this wax can become hard or impacted, which can lead to problems such as hearing loss or discomfort.
What is earwax (this may surprise you)?
Earwax isn’t actually wax. It gets its name from its waxy, sticky texture.
It is produced by the outer part of the ear canal, and is made up of natural oil and sweat, mixed with dead skin cells and hair. You tend to get two types of wax and it’s all down to your genetics. Some people will have dry, flaky wax, others will have softer, moist earwax that is brown or orange in colour. The correct medical term for earwax is cerumen, but some slang terms include ear potato, ear raisin and golden balls!
Other mammals also have ear wax, including whales. Whales never clean out their ears. Their earwax builds up, leaving behind a life story in fatty acids and cholesterols. In medieval times, earwax and other human substances were used as pigments to write manuscripts. It was also used to stop threads from fraying before we had waxed thread.
Believe it or not, the early versions of a lip balm were also based on earwax. It was recommended in the 1832 edition of the American frugal housewife to help treat cracked lips. Not something we recommend today!
What are the symptoms of excess earwax?
If your ears are blocked with wax it can sometimes feel as if you’ve lost your hearing as noises can become more muffled. You may experience ringing or a popping sensation or feel pain or a ‘fullness’ in your ear.
How can you prevent earwax build-up?
The best thing to do is to avoid putting anything in your ears that could push earwax further into your ear canal. It’s also important to keep your ears clean. You should regularly wipe around the outside of your ear, particularly after showering or washing your face.
What should you do if my ears become blocked?
Earwax does usually fall out on its own. If it doesn’t and causes a persistent blockage, it’s best to seek professional advice, from your pharmacist, GP or audiologist.
Getting some sound advice
Under current government guidance, Specsavers stores remain open for all eye and hearing needs during lockdown.
The earwax removal service carried out by trained and accredited hearcare professionals, costs £55 for 1 or 2 ears.
In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment is thoroughly sanitized before and after each use.
Appointments need to be made in advance and there are also restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.
To book an appointment for earwax removal or a full hearing test contact the stores below:
Bingham: T: 01949 837808, www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/bingham
Nottingham: T: 0115 958 8361, www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/nottingham
West Bridgford: T: 01159 694830, www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/westbridgford
[1] Specsavers Customer Panel 29/04/20 – 01/05/20 (survey of 1,643 people)
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