Cerumen (Ear Wax) Removal
Under ideal circumstances, the ear canals should never have to be cleaned. However, that isn't always the case. The ears should be cleaned when enough earwax accumulates to cause symptoms or to prevent a needed examination of the ear by your doctor. This condition is called cerumen impaction, and may cause symptoms such as earache, pressure in the ear, partial hearing loss, tinnitus, itching, discharge or coughing. When at home cleaning recommendations do not work, the providers at Cass Street E.N.T. can help. Removal of earwax can be done using suction, special miniature instruments, and a microscope to magnify the ear canal. Although irrigations may also be effective, manual removal is preferred if your ear canal is narrow, the ear drum has a perforation or tube, other methods have failed, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.