If you’ve never been for a professional ear cleaning, you might be wondering when you know it’s time to go for one. Below, you’ll find the top signs that indicate you should go for a professional ear cleaning, or at least book a visit with an audiologist.

You’re experiencing ear achiness/pain

Experiencing achiness or pain in your ears is not a good sign. It could indicate an infection, impacted wax, or something else going on. You just don’t know until you visit a professional and get them to take a look at it.

Your ears are draining/itchy

If you find your ears are itchy more so than they have ever been, and they are even draining wax more than before, it could be time to have them looked at and clean. The ears naturally produce wax; we need it for ear lubrication and keeping infections at bay. This is why it can be dangerous to clean your ears yourself, as you can overclean them. However, if you’re noticing that a lot of wax is draining from your ear, it’s a good sign you should have them cleaned. Don’t be tempted to do it yourself.

Your ears feel full/clogged

There are many reasons your ears may feel full or clogged. Perhaps there’s some water in your ear, a change in altitude, or maybe something is stuck in there. However, sometimes it can be from a build up of wax in your ear. Professional ear cleaning will get rid of this feeling.

You’re getting older

Getting older is a good reason to begin booking regular ear cleanings, perhaps every 6 months to a year. This is because as we get older, the part of the ear that produces wax can shrink, and struggle to push the wax out of the ear, resulting in more cases of impacted wax. This can be uncomfortable and impact quality of life. Taking preventative measures with regular, professional ear cleaning is a must.

You’ve noticed a change in your hearing

A change in your hearing can be caused by many things, and in some cases is easily fixed with a professional clean. However, it could be down to something else, so it’s worth going for a check up.

You have tinnitus

A ringing in your ear can happen due to wax accumulating near your eardrum. In some cases, it can be caused by listening to loud music, going to concerts, and using loud machinery without using ear protection. Whatever the cause, a professional audiologist will be able to get to the bottom of it.

Again, it’s important to note that even if you don’t need your ears cleaned, visiting an audiologist will rule other issues out and ensure your ears are healthy. Cleaning your ears yourself is not a good idea, as there are too many risks – swimmer’s ear, hearing damage, burns, and other dangers all lurk when you consider using home remedies. Go for a professional ear cleaning instead and you’ll be cleaning your ears in the safest, most effective way possible.