Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the
body to protect the ear canal from dust, bacteria, and other foreign
particles. While it is important for ear health, too much earwax can cause
blockages that can lead to hearing loss, earaches, and even infections.
One way to safely remove earwax at home is by using an earwax
irrigation kit. Here are some things to look for when buying an in-home
earwax irrigation kit.
1. Quality and Durability: The kit should be made of high-quality
materials that are durable and easy to clean. It's important to check the
manufacturer's warranty or guarantee to make sure you're getting a
good product.
2. Ear Irrigation Tip: This is the most important feature. The kit should
include a multi-stream irrigation tip specifically designed for ear irrigation.
Multi-stream tips are much safer than single stream tips and protect the
delicate eardrum from injury. The tip should be soft and flexible to avoid
causing any discomfort or injury.
3. Trigger Sprayer: The trigger sprayer should produce at least 3.0ml of
water per stroke. The increased volume and pressure are critical to
successful earwax removal.
4. Water Tank: The plastic water tank should be at least 300ml to reduce
the number of refills necessary to flush the earwax from the ear.
5.Easy to use: The kit should be easy to use and come with clear
instructions. It's important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure
safe and effective use.
6. Earwax Softening Drops: Ear drops can be purchased separately
but if included is a nice bonus. Studies show that successful irrigations
can increase to 97% with the use of drops.
7. Otoscope: This is another bonus if included in the kit. It is an
instrument used by doctors to look into the ear canal to see if earwax is
a problem.
8. Customer Reviews: Before buying a kit, it's a good idea to read
customer reviews to see what others have experienced with the product.
This can give you a good idea of how well the kit works and if there are
any common issues.
9. Beware: Avoid kits that contain tools you stick in your ear. This
includes steel pick tools, spiral pick tools and ear cleaner cameras which
require a level of training and skill to understand what you are seeing.
Conclusion: When buying an in-home earwax irrigation kit, it's important to look for a kit that includes a comfortable and flexible multi-stream irrigation tip specifically designed for ear irrigation, is easy to use, made of high-quality materials, and has good customer reviews. Avoid kits that contain tools you stick in your ear. Finally, it's important to always follow the instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if you have difficulty removing earwax, or have symptoms such as pain, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears.