Dallas and Frisco, TX
Main Phone: 972-566-7600
Hearing Center: 972-566-7359
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Conditions and Diseases We Treat at Dallas Ear Institute
Ear wax, or cerumen, is made by the glands in the outer third of the ear canal. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. Cerumen and old skin of the ear canal makes its way out of the ear canal in a “conveyor belt” fashion, taking with it any dirt, dust, and particulate matter that may have gathered in the canal. Jaw movement assists this process by dislodging debris attached to the walls of the ear canal, increasing the likelihood of its expulsion.
Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal and impair hearing. Q-tips are usually not advised for ear cleaning. Please see below for techniques to remove the cerumen. Please note that if you have a perforation, or hole, in your eardrum the following should not be performed.