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When you think of self-care you usually imagine caring for your skin, hair, mental health, or maybe even your physical health. However, there is one self-care activity that is often overlooked- your ears. That’s where earigators come in-they are small devices that help remove wax from the ear canal safely and effectively. The benefits of an earigator treatment include the safe removal of excessive earwax, the prevention of hearing loss, and the relief of pain and discomfort associated with earwax buildup.1
There are many reasons why you should make ear irrigation a part of your self-care routine. For one, it can help to prevent ear infections. Ear infections are common, especially in children, and they can be very painful. By irrigating your ears on a regular basis, you can help to flush out any bacteria or other irritants that could potentially cause an infection.
Ear irrigation can also help to relieve congestion and pressure in the ears. This can be due to allergies, a cold, or even sinus problems. If you have ever had your ears “pop” due to changes in altitude, then you know how relieving that pressure can be. Ear irrigation can provide that same relief, without having to wait for a change in altitude!
Finally, ear irrigation can simply help you to feel cleaner. If you wear headphones or earbuds on a regular basis, they can trap dirt and wax in your ears. This can lead to an unpleasant feeling (and sometimes even an unpleasant smell). Regular ear irrigation can help to remove any build-up of wax and dirt, leaving your ears feeling clean and refreshed.
Earwax buildup is a natural substance that helps protect your ears from bacteria, dust, and other debris. But sometimes too much wax can accumulate and cause problems like hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and even infection.
While most people turn to cotton swabs to remove ear wax buildup. It’s important to know that putting foreign objects in the inner ear can actually cause more harm than good. Cotton swabs can push the ear wax further down into the ear canal, which can lead to blockages and even infection. And while earwax impaction can cause severe pain you should never turn to objects like swabs and bobby pins to remove it.2
Related: 11 Best Ear Infection and Ear Ache At-Home Remedies
Taking your hearing health seriously early in life can help you avoid the need for hearing aids later on. If you prefer to take care of earwax with home treatments you can use hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Using an ear irrigation syringe is the best way to remove earwax blockages. The pressure from the syringe will help to break up and remove the wax to help prevent ear pain or an ear infection.3
The best way to stay on top of excess earwax is with professional ear cleaning. During a professional cleaning, an ENT will use special tools to delicately remove the earwax. This is usually done in a short office visit and doesn’t require any type of anesthesia. Many people find that professional ear cleanings help them feel more comfortable and can improve their hearing.
The earigator is a medical device used to remove ear wax. It is a handheld syringe that uses a small amount of water to flush out the ear wax4. The nozzle flushes body temperature water into the ear, dislodging impacted cerumen (earwax) that can cause hearing difficulties. The catch basin is shaped to fit snugly under the ear, preventing wax from spilling out and making a mess. The earigator is easy to use and can be done at home with no need for a doctor’s visit.
There are many other treatments to choose from like:
- Ear candling – involves placing a lit candle in the ear to draw out the wax.
- Ear vacuums – uses a small, handheld vacuum to suction out the wax.
- Home earwax removal kits – contain ear drops and a syringe to rinse the ear with water.
- Olive oil – is thought to help soften the wax so that it can be removed more easily.
- Hydrogen peroxide – may help to loosen the wax so that it can be flushed out with water.
- Baby oil – a few drops of baby oil in the ear may help to soften the wax so that it can be removed more easily.
Related: 11 Amazing Ways to Protect Your Ears and Hearing Health
What makes the earigator treatment more beneficial is that it is part otoscope, part irrigator, allowing your audiologist a more accurate view as they are cleaning your ears. This is also helped by the LED light and magnifying glass attached directly to the nozzle. The best thing about the ear wax removal experience is that it’s a comfortable and painless procedure. It is like an ear spa for your self-care routine.5
9 Benefits of an Earigator Treatment
1. Improves Hearing Health
Hearing issues can result from a buildup of ear wax. This is because the wax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Regular earigator treatment can help to improve hearing health and prevent future issues.6
2. Prevents Ear Infections
Ear infections are often caused by a buildup of ear wax. This is because the wax can trap bacteria and lead to an infection. The benefits of an earigator treatment can help to remove the wax and prevent ear infections.7
3. Relieves Ear Pain
Ear pain is often caused by a buildup of ear wax. This is because the wax can block the ear canal and put pressure on the eardrum. Irrigating the ear can help to remove the wax and relieve the pain.8
4. Prevents Hearing Loss
One of the common causes of hearing loss is a buildup of ear wax. This is because the wax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Ear irrigation can help to remove the wax and prevent hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss, in particular, can be effectively treated with ear irrigation.9
5. Treats dizziness
Dizziness can often be caused by a buildup of ear wax. This is because the wax can block the ear canal and cause an imbalance. The benefits of an earigator treatment can help to remove the wax and relieve dizziness.10
6. Protects ear canal skin
A perforated eardrum can occur when the skin in the ear canal is damaged. This can be caused by using foreign small objects to clean the ear or by excessively scratching the ear canal skin cells. Ear irrigation can help to remove ear wax without damaging the skin in the ear canal.11
7. Improves quality of life
Ear irrigation can improve the quality of life for those with hearing impairments. This is because the treatment can help to remove the wax and improve hearing health. The benefits of an earigator treatment can also prevent ear infections, which can cause a great deal of pain and suffering.
8. Reduces Risk of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing in the ears. It can be caused by a buildup of ear wax. Getting an earigator treatment on a regular basis can help to remove the wax and reduce the risk of tinnitus.12
Related: 7 Tips How to Stop Whooshing Sound in Ear
9. Improves Mental Health
Mental health can be improved by getting an earigator treatment. This is because the treatment can help to improve hearing health. When people can hear well, they are able to communicate better and participate in social activities. This can lead to a better quality of life and improved mental health.
How Do I Find An Earigator Clinic Near Me?
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of an ear irrigation procedure. However, it is always best to check with your insurance provider to be sure. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of ear irrigation, there are many clinics that offer affordable ear wax removal services.
You can search for “ear wax removal clinic” or “ear irrigator treatment” on Google Maps to find a clinic near you. You can also search for “affordable ear wax removal” to find a list of clinics that offer affordable rates.
Earigator treatment is a painless, safe and effective way to remove ear wax. The treatment can also help to improve hearing health, prevent ear infections and relieve ear pain13. Ear irrigation is an important self-care routine for those with hearing impairments.
Our favorite at-home ear irrigation kit:
You can also buy an ear irrigator online or at a local pharmacy. However, it is always best to get the treatment done by a professional. This is because professionals have the training and experience to safely and effectively remove ear wax. A skilled ear cleaning can help you avoid infection, enhance your hearing, and generally feel better. They can also evaluate your general ear health and offer any tips or maintenance procedures to assist you to maintain good hearing in the future. If you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, we recommend that you seek out an earigator clinic near you for a consultation.
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