EARWAX

Earwax, known as cerumen, is part of the ear’s natural process to keep dust and dirt from reaching the eardrum. Normally, dust and dirt are trapped in the earwax, which then dries up and falls out of the ear. But some people experience a build-up of earwax, which causes a blockage that reduces hearing. 

Hearing aid and earplug users have a higher incidence of earwax blockage than other. However, using a cotton swab to clean your ear can also contribute to earwax build-up. 

It is recommended that you do not use a cotton swab 

to clean your ear as it may pierce the eardrum.

Symptoms of earwax blockage include decreased or muffled hearing, dizziness, ear pain or ringing in the ears. Wax-softening drops and irrigation of the ear with warm water are two home remedies. For more difficult cases, please contact our office 218-454-3777 and schedule an appointment to remove your earwax build-up.

Dr. Sarah Nelson

Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)!

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source. Some of the more common sounds reported are: ringing, humming, buzzing, and cricket-like. It can be constant or intermittent and is heard in one ear, both ears or in the head. Tinnitus can originate in the middle ear (behind the eardrum) or in the sensorineural auditory system.

The most common causes of tinnitus are:

• Noise exposure (e.g. from shooting or machines at work)

• A natural part of the aging process

• Head injury (e.g. from a car accident or fall)

• As a side effect of medications (e.g. aspirin — see ototoxic drugs)

Impact and treatment of tinnitus will be discussed in next blogs! You can contact me at 218-454-(EARS)3277 for a consultation.

Have a great day!

Dr. Sarah Nelson