What is the right way to clean earwax?

Usually ear canals will clean themselves if left alone. The skin cells grow in a way that they act like a little conveyor belt from the eardrum to the outer ear carrying debri and wax outside the canal.

However, sometimes wax and debris can accumulate and form a hard lump that blocks the canal. This can happen following a foreign body in the canal which blocks wax from exiting, such as earbuds from an iphone or earplugs to protect the ear from noise (a good idea!).

Other times people use cotton tips to "clean" their own ears, which instead can push wax deeper in the ear and also stimulate the ear to produce more wax!

Sometimes environmental conditions or the shape of a person's canal (narrow and/or very bendy) means wax accumulates and it's not their fault.
However it happens, when wax accumulates and compacts itself it needs to be removed by either a trained Ear Nurse or an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. Special drops, or even a mild cooking oil, can be applied 24-48hrs before removal to help soften the wax and facilitate easy removal.

In the past, water in a syringe was used to flush out the wax, but this can (in rare cases) do damage to the eardrum. The medical community is moving towards using special micro-suction machines to gently and effectively suction the wax/debri from the canal.

Source: Ryan Johnson-Hunt

Which hearing aids are considered top of the line in terms of engineering and form?

There is not one manufacturer that can meet the needs of every patient. This is why it is always best to choose a hearing care provider that works with multiple manufacturers. We work with 4-5 of the top manufacturers in the world for all reasons including technology, cosmetics, and flexibility for our patients. Almost every major manufacturer carries bluetooth technology these days.

Now here's the REALLY important part… You can buy the very best, most expensive hearing aids available but if they are not programmed correctly they will do you no good, you won't get the benefit you should, and ultimately you wont wear them.

TIP: When "shopping" for a hearing aid, choose a hearing care provider that works with multiple manufacturers, does not work on commission, and who uses REM (real ear measurement) verification equipment. REM is the only way to ensure the hearing aid is programmed correctly for your hearing loss and ear canal characteristics.

Source: Courtney Sterk

What can you do to help prevent hearing loss?

Here are a few things audiologists recommend:
1) Never use earphones (for calls/ listening music) for a long time.
2) Always use earphones at minimum volume only.
3) Do not make mobile phone calls for a long time.
4) Do not listen to music when doing exercise/jogging etc.
5) Try to avoid or reduce parties where DJ and huge music is present.
6) Learn to watch TV in a lower volume

Source:  Rohit Aredath

The BEST option is to leave it to the pros. Let Raleigh Audiologists deal with all that for you. Give us a call and we can walk you through it..

Ex. Ready to schedule your initiial consultation? Call us NOW at 919-646-3412.

Get in touch with us NOW at 919-646-3412

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