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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An earwax removal device comprising:
 a shaft having a longitudinal axis;   an earwax-extracting member comprising a central rod having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to an end of the shaft, the central rod extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; and   a helical ridge member extending about the central rod.   
     
     
         2 . The earwax removal device of  claim 1 , the helical ridge member having widths perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein widths of the helical ridge member at two different distances from the end of the shaft to which the flexible body is connected are different from each other. 
     
     
         3 . The earwax removal device of  claim 1 , wherein an opening is formed in the first end of the central rod, a hole is formed in the central rod, and a tunnel is formed inside the central rod such that the opening of the central rod and the hole of the central rod are connected to the tunnel. 
     
     
         4 . The earwax removal device of  claim 1 , the helical ridge member having at least one notch therethrough, whereby the at least one notch grinds engaged wax within a channel of the helical ridge member. 
     
     
         5 . The earwax removal device of  claim 4 , wherein the helical ridge member has at least two notches therethrough. 
     
     
         6 . The earwax removal device of  claim 5 , wherein the least two notches are substantially in vertical alignment to each other along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The earwax removal device of  claim 1 , wherein the helical ridge member is a conical helical ridge member. 
     
     
         8 . The earwax removal device of  claim 1  wherein the helical ridge member has a blunt end, whereby the blunt end minimizes damage to an eardrum. 
     
     
         9 . A method for removing earwax from an ear canal, the method comprising:
 providing an earwax removal device according to  claim 1 ;   inserting the earwax-extracting member of the earwax removal device into the ear canal;   rotating the earwax removal device while the earwax-extracting member of the earwax removal device is located in the ear canal; and   pulling out the earwax-extracting member of the earwax removal device from the ear canal.