Why Does My Ear Hurt After Cleaning?

An image depicting a professional performing an ear cleaning procedure on a patient. The professional is using a specialized tool to gently remove earwax, demonstrating a safe and careful process.
| Approximately 4 minute read

Do sounds around you seem like they're lost behind a curtain? This could be a sign of too much earwax at play. Like housekeeping freshens up a room for visitors, a good ear cleaning can freshen up your hearing experience. Curious about what happens during a professional earwax removal? What's the technique, and how's your hearing going to improve?

Let's acknowledge that earwax isn't the most glamorous topic for conversation, but hey, it's a reality for all of us, isn't it? Maybe you've got a friend who's had it done and they've assured you it's not a big deal. So, what are you in for at a professional ear cleaning session? Let’s not beat around the bush and get right to it. Shall we learn how a cleaning can fine-tune your hearing and why your ears can be a bit tender afterwards? Let's delve in without making a mess.

What To Expect

Going in for your first ear cleaning and curious about what's going to happen? Expect a straightforward visit. The staff will welcome you, and you'll chat about any symptoms that are concerning you, laying the groundwork for your visit.

Initial Assessment

First things first, the professional will get a good look inside your ears. They use an instrument that brings the nitty-gritty of your ear canals into view. It's nothing high-tech – just a look-see with an instrument that's part flashlight, part magnifier.

Explaining The Process

They'll walk you through what's about to happen. "We'll apply a solution that softens the earwax," they might say, "And then we'll remove it carefully." They'll assure you there's no pain involved, they're here to make sure you're comfortable.

During The Cleaning

Now, relax while they start the cleaning. You may notice the fizzing sound of the solution before they begin the removal. The professionals know their stuff; they'll handle your ears with care.

Aftercare Tips

Once done, they'll give you some straight talk on keeping your ears clean going forward. "Simple steps," they'll advise, suggesting safe ways to take care of your ears without any risk.

Types of Procedures

An illustration showing the irrigation method for earwax removal. Warm water is gently introduced into the ear canal to loosen and wash away wax blockages, similar to a gentle rinse.

Curious about how those pesky earwax blockages are cleared out? There are a few tried-and-true methods professionals turn to. For less stubborn wax, they might resort to a warm water flush, known as irrigation. It's similar to a gentle rinse that coaxes wax out of hiding. On the other hand, if the wax seems determined to stay put, a variety of small instruments, akin to a surgeon's set of precise tools, might be used to delicately extract the wax.

Irrigation

Think of irrigation as a soft bathing of the inner ear. Warm water is introduced lightly to loosen and wash away wax blockages, much like rain nudging soil off a leaf. Sometimes the process is prepped with oil drops, which soften the wax and ease its exit, ensuring everything goes smoothly without any hitches.

Physical Extraction

What if water can't do the job? In such cases, healthcare providers might employ special tiny instruments to gingerly remove the stubborn wax. It’s a task that calls for a steady hand and expertise; your ears are sensitive, and the goal is to keep them healthy and functioning well without any mishaps.

Potential Causes of Ear Pain

Maybe you're thinking, could cleaning my ears lead to discomfort or even pain? On the off chance that it does, you might feel some soreness post-cleaning. It's like how your skin might react after a good scrub – a little tender but it’ll pass. Sometimes it's just a matter of being too vigorous with the wax removal. But usually, it's a short-term issue and pretty manageable.

Overzealous Cleaning

If you've ever cleaned a surface with too much zeal, you know it can get scratched up. Now, apply that to your ears. Over-enthusiastic wax removal can irritate the ear's lining, making it feel sore. Remember, the inside of your ear deserves the same gentle treatment as any delicate surface.

Sensitivities or Allergies

Just like trying a new lotion that doesn't sit well with your skin, ears can be picky too. Drops or instrument materials can occasionally cause reactions. If your ears are telling you they’re unhappy post-cleanse, it's probably a temporary thing. It can be just the ears’ way of saying they prefer a lighter touch next time, like finding how to clean hearing aids without damaging them.

Clean Sound

After a routine ear cleaning, many people notice sounds are crisper, like the clear peal of a bell. It's the difference clean ears make—sounds that were once muffled can come through loud and clear. After getting their ears cleaned, folks often report hearing the fridge hum or distant bird calls they had missed before—a pleasant surprise.

The Joy of Subtleties

It's the little things, isn't it? The tiny sounds, easily overlooked, can become crystal clear after an ear cleaning. It’s akin to wiping smudges off your glasses—suddenly everything is in high definition. The soft ticking of a clock or the whisper of leaves can become unexpectedly delightful.

A Word on Safety

However, your ears are delicate organs, so it's better to trust the experts with the cleaning. DIY attempts sometimes backfire, and it's risky to gamble with your hearing. Professionally done, ear cleaning keeps the soundtracks of your life in perfect clarity and your ears in top shape.

Wrapping Up Ear Care

Isn't it nicer when you can hear every little sound around you? Getting your ears professionally cleaned might do just that. Cleaning your ears can make sounds clearer, much like wiping your glasses improves your sight. With clean ears, you could pick up on the soft patter of rain or the buzz of a bee - sounds that perhaps you've been missing out on. Not bad, huh?

If you've cleaned your ears and you're still straining to hear, maybe it's time to consider hearing aids. HearWell Group's hearing aids are straightforward and user-friendly, similar to popping in a set of headphones. It's worth a try. You may be surprised at the difference they make in how well you can hear. It's a practical move, wouldn’t you agree?

Sources & References

  1. Schwartz, S. R., Magit, A. E., Rosenfeld, R. M., Ballachanda, B. B., Hackell, J. M., Krouse, H. J., Lawlor, C. M., Lin, K., Parham, K., Stutz, D. R., Walsh, S., Woodson, E. A., Yanagisawa, K., & Cunningham, E. R. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline (Update): Earwax (Cerumen Impaction). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 156(1_suppl), S1-S29. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599816671491
  2. Guest, J. F., Greener, M. J., Robinson, A. C., & Smith, A. F. (2004). Impacted cerumen: composition, production, epidemiology and management. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 97(8), 477-488. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hch082
  3. Michaudet, C., & Malaty, J. (2018). Cerumen Impaction: Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician, 98(8), 525-529. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1015/p525.html
  4. Clegg, A. J., Loveman, E., Gospodarevskaya, E., Harris, P., Bird, A., Bryant, J., Scott, D. A., Davidson, P., Little, P., & Coppin, R. (2010). The safety and effectiveness of different methods of earwax removal: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment, 14(28), 1-192. https://doi.org/10.3310/hta14280
  5. Manchaiah, V., Arthur, J., & Williams, H. (2015). Does hearing aid use increase the likelihood of cerumen impaction?. Journal of Audiology & Otology, 19(3), 168-171. https://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.168
  6. Wright, T. (2015). Ear wax. BMJ, 351, h3601. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3601

The Hear Well Group Research Team: Trusted Hearing Health Insights

Our experienced research team compiles hearing health data from credible, peer-reviewed sources and presents it in easy-to-understand terminology. We ensure accuracy and trustworthiness, providing up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations to enhance hearing care practices and inform our readers' hearing well-being decisions.

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