Have you ever wondered if your ears need professional cleaning? At Total Ear Hygiene, Brisbane, we see patients who come to us for many reasons—some are keenly aware of their ear health, while others are surprised to learn their ears are blocked. Here’s how to determine if it’s time to book an appointment for ear cleaning.
Common Signs You May Need Ear Cleaning
Some people are well aware that they are “big wax producers” and can easily tell when it’s time for a cleaning. They might notice symptoms such as:
- Muffled hearing: Sounds seem distant or less clear.
- Blocked sensation: Your ears feel full or heavy.
- Visible wax: Excess wax may come out of your ears.
- Stickiness or discomfort: Your ears might feel sticky or have a pressure-type sensation.
- Water trapped in your ears: After swimming, water may stay stuck, signaling wax build-up.
- Blocked ears in the morning: Many patients report waking up with a blocked ear after sleeping on their side. They can often relieve it by pulling on their earlobe or moving their jaw. This happens because tiny muscle movements shift the wax in the canal, lifting it off the eardrum—but it’s a clear sign of wax build-up that needs to be addressed.
In fact, we get especially busy during summer because swimming often highlights ear issues. When water doesn’t drain properly, it may point to a deeper wax problem.
When You Don’t Know There’s an Issue
Some patients aren’t aware their ears are blocked until they experience more noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Pressure or pain: Wax pressing against the eardrum can cause discomfort.
- Recommendations from medical checks: During pre-employment or other medical screenings, you may be told your ears are blocked with wax.
If left unaddressed, excessive earwax can create the perfect environment for an infection to develop.
How to Know for Sure
The best way to determine if you need an ear cleaning is to have your ears professionally assessed. At Total Ear Hygiene, our registered nurses specialize in ear cleaning and can quickly diagnose if there are any wax issues of occlusions.
If you’d like a more affordable option, we also recommend using an ear camera, which you can purchase directly from our clinic. These devices connect to your phone via WiFi and allow you to see the entrance of your ear canal and your eardrum. Ear cameras are reusable and great for checking multiple people in your household—just ensure you wipe the tip with disinfectant or alcohol between uses for infection control.
We’ve also provided photos of healthy eardrums and wax-filled canals on our website to help you understand what you’re seeing. If your canal is full of wax or your eardrum isn’t visible, it’s time to book an appointment.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
Ignoring earwax build-up can lead to discomfort, hearing difficulties, and even infections. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want reassurance, a quick visit to Total Ear Hygiene can make all the difference.
Ready to book your appointment? Visit our website or contact us today.
You can also find us on Google by searching for terms like “ear clinic near me”, “ear cleaning Brisbane”, or “professional ear cleaning”.
Let us help you enjoy clear hearing again!
