Wax Removal
Ear wax blocking the ear canal can be annoying, frustrating and can cause temporary hearing loss. We provide a safe and effective ear care service and are now offering microsuction ear wax removal to all our patients.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Microsuction is the most effective and quickest form of wax and debris removal - the procedure is painless and takes about 30 minutes in total for two ears. Wax and debris can be removed more easily and quickly if you use softening drops, or olive oil, prior to your appointment.
What is ear wax?
Ear wax is a waxy material produced by glands inside the ear. It cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and repelling water. Ear wax is slightly acidic and has anti-bacterial properties. Without ear wax, the skin inside your ear would become dry, cracked, infected or waterlogged and sore. Ear wax can be wet or dry, hard or soft. Soft ear wax is more common in children and hard ear wax is more likely to cause problems.
Ear wax problems
Ear wax doesn't usually cause problems, but if too much ear wax is produced it can lead to a blocked and painful ear. Repeated ear infections, flaky skin near your ear, or hair in your ear canals can also increase your risk of developing ear wax problems. To reduce your risk of developing problems, avoid putting objects into your ears, such as cotton buds, matchsticks and hairpins. As well as possibly damaging your ear canal or ear drum, sticking things in your ears can also cause ear wax to become lodged in your ear canal.
What you can do
Ear drops can be used to soften and loosen the ear wax, which may help it work its way out naturally. Avoid sticking cotton buds in your ears because it can push the ear wax further into your ears. If there is a large build-up of ear wax, it may need to be removed. If ear drops haven't worked, a number of alternative treatment methods are available including:
- Ear Irrigation - this involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the ear wax.
- Microsuction - where a special suction device is used to remove the earwax under a microscope. The procedure is quick, safe and painless, and it doesn't involve putting liquid into your ear.
Complications of ear wax & ear irrigation
There are several complications that can occur as a result of impacted ear wax or ear irrigation. An ear infection may develop if you have untreated impacted ear wax. If the ear wax touches your ear drum, it may cause discomfort and vertigo (the sensation that you're moving even though you're still). Certain complications have been observed in some patients following ear irrigation, but such complications or similar issues are not reported for ear wax removal through the microsuction method.
- Infection of the external ear canal (otitis externa)
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- A perforated ear drum
- Damage to the external auditory meatus (the tube that connects the outer ear to the middle ear)
- Ear pain
- Vertigo
- Worsening of pre-existing tinnitus (the sense that there are noises in your ear, which come from inside your body)