Month: February 2024

Why You Should Visit an Audiologist for Ear Wax Removal

Posted on by Georgia Posted in News

Articles are a great way to build authority on a topic, educate readers, and drive traffic and engagement. This article discusses why you should visit an audiologist for earwax removal and what to expect from that appointment.

Melbourne Audiology Centre are front-line ear care professionals that are trained in identifying and treating issues with hearing and balance. They are also skilled in performing earwax removal safely and effectively.

Earwax can lead to hearing loss

Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ears by keeping harmful materials out of the ear canal. However, it can build up if it is not allowed to naturally dry and fall out of the ear canal. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including ringing in the ears, dizziness, and itching.

Some people produce a lot of earwax, while others have misshapen or narrow ear canals that don’t allow for the proper removal of earwax. In addition, a person may be prone to earwax blockage due to genetics or certain health conditions such as diabetes.

The body produces earwax as a way to protect the skin of the ear canal and the eardrum. While some earwax may accumulate inside the ear, most of it should be pushed out of the ear through normal actions such as chewing and talking. Unfortunately, a number of people tend to put objects in their ears with the good intentions of getting rid of excess earwax. These include cotton swabs, keys, and pen caps. These objects can scrape the ear canal or pierce the eardrum, leading to a loss of hearing.

A visit to an auditory specialist is the best way to remove earwax safely and quickly. They recommended the ear wax removal in Bundoora. They use irrigation and microsuction to remove earwax without damaging the eardrum or other structures in the ear. Their audiologists may also examine the ear for problems such as impacted earwax or other signs of damage.

Earwax can be impacted

The ear canal and eardrum are delicate and can be damaged when people try to remove earwax themselves. In addition, the use of items such as cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and lead to impacted earwax. An impacted earwax blockage can be painful and it can cause hearing loss. Earwax impaction can be treated by a health care provider using special ear drops, suction or irrigation. It is best to see an auditorologist, as they have medical equipment to examine the ears and can perform a procedure called cerumen flushing.

Some people are more prone to earwax buildup than others. Dry earwax is thick and can become compacted into a hard plug that blocks the ear. Other risk factors include aural fullness, tinnitus and ringing in the ear, and use of earplugs.

An audiologist can safely remove earwax with tools such as curettes and tweezers or with suction. Irrigation can also be used, but doctors are usually cautious about this procedure due to the potential for causing vertigo from the water temperature and the risk of a perforated eardrum or an undiagnosed underlying condition. This is why an audiologist prefers to use tools and suction rather than irrigation when managing earwax. This is especially important when an individual has a history of ear infections or perforations in the eardrum.

Earwax can be irritated

Earwax (cerumen) is a bodily emanation that many people attempt to remove with cotton swabs, which tends to push the wax back into the ear canal. This may make the ear feel itchy. The best thing to do is let the ears take care of themselves, avoiding contact with irritants such as hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, water or over-the-counter ear drops.

If the ears produce a lot of wax, it is a good idea to see an audiologist for regular cleaning. An audiologist can use tools such as curettes and alligator tweezers to gently remove the wax. They can also irrigate the ears using body temperature water to soften and flush the earwax from the ear canal.

Another common treatment is a procedure known as ear candling or thermo-auricular therapy. This involves putting a hollow cone made of cotton or linen into the ear canal and lighting one end. The theory is that a vacuum will be created, pulling the wax out of the ear. This practice is not recommended, as it can be dangerous and cause hearing loss.

An audiologist can also remove excess earwax with suction. This is done in the doctor’s office and is not painful. There is a slight chance that the eardrum could be damaged, however. For this reason, the ear should not be irrigated at home, as it can lead to a perforated eardrum.

Earwax can be dangerous

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish, sticky substance that is produced in the outer part of the ear canal. It is actually a protective layer that shields the ear from dust, dirt, and bacteria.

It is formed by glands in the ear canal and naturally migrates from the inside of the ear to the outside. This is why it is important to not stick anything in the ears, such as cotton swabs, fingers, paper clips, or other objects. These objects can cause damage to the ear and lead to earwax build up or even a worse condition called impacted earwax.

Impaired hearing, aural fullness, or a foul smell coming from the ears may indicate that there is excessive earwax buildup. The best way to treat this is by visiting an audiologist for earwax removal, ensuring optimal hearing health. Additionally, for individuals experiencing prolonged hearing difficulties, seeking expert advice on hearing aids in Dandenong can greatly improve quality of life.

The audiologist will usually use drops to soften the earwax and help it to fall out of the ear. They may also irrigate the ear with body-temperature water. However, they will not irrigate the ear canal if there is a perforated eardrum or active infection present.

Getting regular earwax removal treatments can prevent many complications that are caused by a build up of earwax. It is important to not ignore these issues as they can lead to more serious problems.

5 Signs It’s Time to Book an Appointment With a Podiatrist

Posted on by Georgia Posted in Health

Foot and ankle pain should never be ignored, even if it can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. Issues like calluses and corns can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated.

A podiatrist will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical exam to identify the cause of your pain. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI to help with diagnosis.

1. Pain

If your foot or ankle hurts consistently, it’s a good idea to see a local podiatrists. The doctor can take a look at your ankle and foot to determine what is causing the pain, then recommend treatment options such as ice application, rest, physical therapy, custom orthotics or surgery depending on the condition.

Any sudden swelling or numbness in your feet or ankles should be addressed right away. This could be a sign of a more serious problem, like Morton’s neuroma, which is a nerve issue between the third and fourth toe bones that can cause pain, burning, or a feeling that there’s something stuck in your shoe.

Any lumps or bumps on your feet are also worth checking out with a podiatrist. They may be a cyst or tumor that requires surgery, or they could be a sign of arthritis. Bunions, which are a bony bump on the outside of your big toe joint, can be painful and interfere with normal walking when they get too large. A podiatrist can prescribe anything from padding to surgery to treat a bunion.

2. Bruising

If you’re finding that you have a lot of calluses, corns or blisters, they may need attention from a podiatrist. They can help remove the areas of thickened skin that cause pain and recommend a topical treatment. They also have the ability to properly “break in” new shoes so that you don’t get any pain, blisters or injuries. If you have a bunion, the bony bump that develops on the outside of your big toe joint, they can help you by taking an x-ray and recommend treatment options based on its size and severity.

Unexplained bruising can be a sign of abuse or domestic violence. If you or a loved one are experiencing this, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor right away. They may be able to identify the underlying cause of the problem, like blood platelet levels or an autoimmune disease. They can also give you tips for reducing the chance of bruising, such as by removing hazards around the home like clutter or electrical cords. They may also suggest getting regular x-rays to identify problems early.

3. Soreness

Foot pain can be a symptom of a variety of different conditions, from a simple bruise to a severe fracture. If you notice a persistent soreness, especially if it doesn’t go away with rest or over-the-counter medication, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist website.

Swelling in your feet is another sign it’s time to see a podiatrist. Swelling can indicate an injury, infection, or an underlying health issue like heart disease or diabetes. Numbness or a sensation of ‘pins and needles’ in your feet is also something to be concerned about. It could be a sign of nerve damage, which is often associated with diabetes and neuropathy.

Changes in your nail color and shape should also be considered a reason to see a podiatrist. Nails that are discolored, brittle, thickened or wavy can be an indication of a fungal infection or other health issues. Thick calluses or corns are often due to improper footwear, but a podiatrist can help you find the best treatment for these conditions.

4. Changes in Your Gait

If you notice that your feet aren’t as stable and comfortable as they used to be, it’s time to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can help you improve the condition of your foot and ankle so that it doesn’t worsen over time.

Furthermore, if you’ve been experiencing heel pain while standing or walking, it could indicate plantar fasciitis, a prevalent condition that can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. If you’re unsure where to seek treatment, consider searching online for “plantar fasciitis treatment near me” Keep in mind that heel pain may also be symptomatic of arthritis, underscoring the importance of consulting a podiatrist to receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Other signs that it’s time to visit a podiatrist include unexplained swelling or numbness in the feet or ankles. Swelling that doesn’t go away may indicate an infection, blood clot, or heart/circulation problems. Podiatrists have extensive training in the foot and ankle and can help you treat these conditions. If you have these symptoms, ask your family doctor for a referral to see a podiatrist. You’ll be glad you did! The letters “DPM” after a doctor’s name mean that he or she has completed rigorous podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency training, making them uniquely qualified to treat the feet and ankles.

5. Changes in Your Footwear

A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in foot, ankle and related problems. He or she focuses on these areas because the feet are the foundation of your body, supporting your weight and providing you with the mobility you need to perform daily activities without any discomfort.

As such, any changes in your foot or ankle that don’t go away may indicate a condition that requires professional attention. For instance, if you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness or swelling in your foot and ankle, it’s time to visit a NYC podiatrist.

Also, it’s a good idea to visit a podiatrist if you’ve recently started a new exercise routine and are having trouble performing the activity or are getting blisters or other injuries. Your podiatrist can provide you with proper shoe recommendations and orthotics to help reduce these issues. Also, he or she can offer advice on breaking in new shoes to prevent injury and discomfort.