Device and method for removing earwax

Abstract

The present invention describes an earwax removal device having varying structures to provide different earwax removal capabilities. In all designs, the overall contour of the earwax-extracting member resembles the dimensions of the external auditory canal and is flexible enough to conform to it during insertion. Each engages and collects wax using the pressure of insertion and rotation effects. Embodiments include a club-like member having multiple protrusions and extractions to collect wax along its sides, and an opening in the tip that leads to a channel to collect wax; a flexible spiral member to compress when the device is inserted in an ear and thereby extract wax as it expands when the device is removed; a screw-like structure to laterally move wax and grind as it rotates; a multi-channel structure to cut and collect wax simultaneously; and a shovel-like structure to effectively shear and scrape wax from an ear canal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a device and method for removing earwax.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Devices for the extraction of earwax are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,061 discloses a body with a padding mounted at one end of a shaft, wherein the padding has multiple grooves formed spirally in the body around the axis of the shaft. This design is disadvantageous because the body has narrow grooves that collect a small fraction of the superficial wax in an ear canal. Further, these general swab-type devices pack dense wax down into the ear canal generating a bolus of deep, chronic wax against the eardrum.[0005]Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,450,612 describes an earwax removal device comprising an ear manipulator mounted at one end of a shaft, wherein the outer surface of the manipulator is covered with a series of radially disposed soft fins, which serve to brush the passage in the ea...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This design is disadvantageous because the body has narrow grooves that collect a small fraction of the superficial wax in an ear canal.

Furthermore, the blind manipulation of small tool tips can often result in damage to the delicate canal skin-tympanic membrane surface interface.

Techniques of wax removal known in the art fail to penetrate into hard, dry impacted wax for effective extraction.

The known devices for removal by experts under direct visualization, e.g. metal curettes and picks, tend to stir and particulate the material, disengaging it piecemeal from the mass and often cause canal skin injury.

Present rotating devices may engage soft wax on walls but do poorly with more solid accumulations, are readily misdirected hazardously, and can be dangerous near the eardrum.

Known irrigation techniques are often performed blindly, can be cumbersome in many settings, and do not detach wax from skin.

Poorly performed irrigation results in vertigo by stimulating the posterior semicircular canal.

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