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Blocked ears feel full or clogged and can cause symptoms including tinnitus or dizziness. Swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum are ways to help naturally remove earwax buildup.
An audiologist can remove ear wax using a variety of methods, including scooping it out with a curette or by irrigation. However, microsuction is the preferred method.
1.It’s Safe
Unlike syringing, Ear wax removal Staffordshire the ear wax from the surface of your ear canal. This is done with a probe with a small suction tube that has a very fine tip. This removes the earwax without any damage or irritation to the eardrum. This is why it’s so much safer than syringing and the other water-based methods like irrigation.
When performed by an experienced audiologist, microsuction is very safe and completely pain-free. Typically, the only thing you will feel is a slight sensation from the suction tip. This is due to the fact that it’s so small and delicate. The audiologist will also have a very clear view of your ear canal via the binocular microscope which helps to ensure that only the earwax is removed and that it doesn’t push it further into your ear.
In addition to being safe, microsuction is more comfortable than the syringing method. It’s a great option for anyone with sensitive ears or for those who are concerned about the safety of ear syringing. Unlike syringing, you don’t need to use earwax softening drops before microsuction as the procedure can be carried out on hard earwax. The audiologist will be able to easily break up and suck out the hard earwax using the gentle vacuum action of the microsuction probe. This can be done in one short appointment without any discomfort or damage to your ears.
2.It’s Effective
Ear wax build up is a common problem for many people. It can lead to ear pain, ringing and hearing loss. This problem is often caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which happens when the small tubes that connect your ears to the rest of your body get clogged up with hardened earwax. It can also be caused by infections and enlarged adenoids.
Using micro suction to remove your earwax is one of the most effective methods available. It’s quick and simple and doesn’t involve any messy solutions being flushed into the ear canal like ear syringing. This significantly reduces the risk of infection.
The audiologist uses a fine suction tool to gently suck away the earwax. They will usually only need to do this in your affected ear. Unlike syringing, which can cause damage to the delicate lining of your ear canal, microsuction doesn’t have any such side effects.
The audiologist can also advise you on ways to prevent blockages from occurring in the future. For example, chewing gum while travelling on planes or trains can help to change the pressure in your ears and trigger the Eustachian tubes to work properly. Alternatively, you can try using a wax softener, such as baby oil, olive oil or mineral oil. These can be bought at most drug stores.
3.It’s Fast
Ear wax is a natural substance that moisturises your ears, protects them from dirt and debris and helps to prevent an ear infection. It is produced in your ear canal by sweat glands, sebaceous glands and ceruminous glands in the outer two thirds of your ear canal. When your ear canal is healthy, it moves from part way down the ear to the outside of the ear without you needing to manually remove it with cotton buds or other home methods.
However, sometimes a build-up of earwax can develop and if left untreated, this can lead to impacted ear wax which can cause issues including pain, dizziness and hearing loss. Ear microsuction is a quick and safe way to remove excess ear wax.
Your Specsavers audiology professional will use a tool to suck away the ear wax from your ear canal. The appointment should not be painful and lasts approximately 30-40 minutes for both ears. The microsuction method is preferred over syringing and irrigation which can cause damage to the ear drum, ear canal, tinnitus and more.
To ensure your ear wax removal is as effective as possible it is advised that you prepare your ears using cerumenolytics (wax softening drops or spray) for 2-3 days before your appointment. Your health adviser will provide you with a recommended brand.
4.It’s Comfortable
Ear microsuction is completely pain-free and the blockage is removed in minutes. In contrast to ear syringing and ear irrigation, it’s dry and doesn’t cause any discomfort or lasting effects.
The ear canal is naturally self-cleaning, but sometimes this process can lead to a build up of ear wax which can affect your hearing and cause itching or ringing. Rather than trying to remove it yourself, which can push the wax further into your ear canal and cause further issues or damage your ears, you should visit an audiologist to get your ear wax removed professionally.
When it comes to safe ear wax removal, there is no better option than ear microsuction. This procedure is very quick and painless, with most patients only noticing a slight tickling sensation. It’s also very effective at removing hard, impacted wax and is safe for those who have a perforated ear drum or if you’ve had previous ear surgery such as grommets.
Conclusion
Using ear drops to soften the ear wax before your appointment can make microsuction much more comfortable. Ideally, you should start this two days before your appointment with an audiologist and use a product such as Earol spray. This is recommended as a study found that the use of cerumenolytics reduced reported pain and dizziness during ear wax removal.
