2025-02-16

Doctor advises: 'Get a check-up' if you ever encounter this alarming sound.

Wellness
Doctor advises: 'Get a check-up' if you ever encounter this alarming sound.
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The experienced doctor mentioned that this concerning symptom might indicate a widespread issue that can be resolved in just a few minutes.

Discomfort in your ear could indicate a blockage in the ear canal, and it’s important to consult a doctor promptly.

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Discomfort in your ear could indicate a blockage in the ear canal, and it’s important to consult a doctor promptly.

A doctor has spoken about an ear problem that can cause pain and a certain sound. Dr Ahmed, an NHS doctor who shares advice and medical knowledge on TikTok, said he's recently noticed an influx of people attending his surgery with the common condition.

He encouraged anyone experiencing ear discomfort, tinnitus, or a general decline in hearing to "seek medical attention." He elaborated: "It might be necessary to have your ears examined and potentially undergo micro-suctioning."

He continued, "Often, individuals experience impacted earwax, which can cause discomfort." Typically, earwax will naturally exit the ear, but if it becomes obstructive, it's important to consult a professional for assistance.

Earwax typically doesn't lead to any noticeable symptoms unless it accumulates significantly. When there is a buildup of earwax, it may result in ringing in the ears, referred to as tinnitus. This ringing can vary in intensity, ranging from soft to loud, and can have different pitches, either low or high. It may also be intermittent or persist continuously.

You may experience these sounds in one ear, both ears, or even internally in your head. In addition to ringing, you might also perceive buzzing, hissing, pulsing noises that sync with your heartbeat, roaring, clicking, or humming. Additional signs of earwax accumulation can include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Earache
  • Feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Itchiness in the ear
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Odor or discharge in the ear
  • Pain or infection in the ear

The NHS states that the accumulation of earwax can happen for various reasons, including:

  • Narrow or damaged ear canals
  • Lots of hair in your ear canals
  • A skin condition affecting your scalp or around your ear
  • Inflammation of your ear canal (otitis externa or 'swimmer's ear')
@dra_says If you have any ear symptoms make sure you get them checked for wax! This can help symptoms if there is wax but also will allow us to examine your ear drum better once the wax is removed. #earwax #earwaxremoval #doctor #privatedoctor #tinnitus #ringingintheears #earpain #earpainrelief #eardrum #earmicrosuction #privategp #earinfection #otitismedia #otitisexterna ♬ original sound - Dr Ahmed

Fortunately, Dr. Ahmed clarifies that the method to relieve ear blockage is "quite straightforward." In certain instances, the entire procedure may only require a few minutes. Nonetheless, it is essential that it is performed by a qualified professional.

The procedure will be conducted by a doctor, an audiologist, or a highly skilled nurse, who will first examine your ear with a specialized microscope. Following this, a suction tool will be gently inserted to extract the earwax.

If your earwax isn't naturally coming out, it may be necessary to see a doctor to assist in flushing out your ear canal.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

If your earwax isn't naturally coming out, it may be necessary to see a doctor to assist in flushing out your ear canal.

Dr. Ahmed noted that when wax is the issue, patients often experience immediate relief from their symptoms. He mentioned that the ringing in the ears typically ceases and any discomfort diminishes. Additionally, removing the troublesome earwax not only alleviates the blockage but also enables physicians to have a clearer view of the eardrum, which can help in diagnosing other concerns like infections.

Earwax buildup can prevent sound waves from reaching the ear, causing conductive hearing loss. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent hearing loss. You cannot prevent earwax from forming as it's there to "protect your ears from dirt and germs". You should never use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax as this will push it deeper and make any problems worse.

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