Earwax Removal – Microsuction
The Importance of Earwax Removal
Earwax, or cerumen, plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health by trapping dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures inside the ear. Despite its protective functions, earwax can sometimes accumulate excessively, leading to blockages that may cause discomfort, hearing loss, tinnitus, and even infections. Regular earwax removal is essential for preventing these issues and ensuring optimal auditory function.
Professional earwax removal is particularly important as improper cleaning methods, such as using cotton swabs, can push the wax further into the ear canal, exacerbating the blockage or even causing damage to the ear drum. Audiologists and healthcare professionals use specialised tools and techniques to safely and effectively remove excess earwax, reducing the risk of complications and promoting ear health. Ensuring regular check-ups and cleanings can help maintain clear hearing and prevent potential ear-related problems.
Cause of Earwax build-up
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several important functions, such as protecting the ear canal from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. Earwax also has lubricating and antibacterial properties. However, when earwax accumulates excessively, it can lead to a blockage, causing discomfort, hearing loss, and even infection.
There are several reasons why earwax build-up might occur. One common cause is the overproduction of earwax by the glands in the ear canal, which can be due to genetic factors, irritation, or inflammation of the ear canal. Additionally, using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing it to become compacted. Certain conditions, such as eczema or ear infections, can also lead to increased earwax production. Lastly, wearing hearing aids or earplugs frequently can prevent earwax from naturally exiting the ear canal, leading to build-up.
6 Steps of Earwax Removal
Assessment
Before attempting to remove earwax, it’s important to determine if the blockage is significant and requires intervention. Check for symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Prepare the needed materials, including a soft cloth, ear drops, warm water, a bulb syringe, and a towel. This ensures you have everything ready for a safe and effective earwax removal process.
Soften the Earwax
Apply ear drops or a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear. This helps to soften the earwax, making it easier to remove. We let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Irrigate the Ear
Fill a bulb syringe with warm water and gently squirt it into the ear canal. Tilt your head to allow the water to flush out the softened earwax. Ensure the water is at body temperature to avoid dizziness.
Drain and Dry the Ear
Tilt your head to the side to let the water and earwax drain out. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess water from the outer ear. It’s important to keep the ear dry to prevent infections.
Follow-Up and Prevention
After earwax removal, monitor for any remaining symptoms. To prevent future buildup, avoid using cotton swabs in the ear canal and consider using ear drops regularly to keep the earwax soft.
Do you need your earwax removed?
Ear wax removal is available by micro-suction or curette. Micro-suction vacuum is a less invasive and less messy option to irritation or syringing. The procedure employs a small gentle vacuum with sterile, disposable equipment, ensuring a safer and more hygienic solution. We use a high quality converged binocular optics microscope essential to achieve depth perception in narrow cavities and allowing the Audiologist the use of two hands. It’s also quick, typically taking between 5 to 10 minutes per ear. In some cases it is recommended that patients use ear drops for 2-7 days prior to ear wax removal, to help soften the wax and allow easier extraction.