What is ear wax?

Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that is formed in the ear canal. It helps to keep the ears moist and protects them from dust, bacteria, irritation, and even insects. Earwax spontaneously makes its way from a point about halfway down the canal to the exterior of the ear, thus most individuals do not need to remove it. This is because our ears are "self cleaning."

Some individuals may struggle with an excessive amount of earwax, or it may become lodged in their ear canals. In these circumstances, people may have pain or a reduction in their hearing, both of which may be improved by having the earwax removed. Earwax removal performed by our trained specialists is a risk-free and very efficient method for resolving these concerns.

Why do I have ear wax buildup?

• Hairy or narrow ear canals. This can make it easier for wax and debris to become trapped in the ear.

• Age. As we get older, ear wax often becomes harder in texture, making it more likely to clog.

• Use of ear plugs or hearing aids that may block the ear canal.

• Overusing cotton buds to clean the ears. This may contribute to wax being pushed back into the ear canal and blocking up.

What is Microsuction?

Microsuction involves placing a narrow suction tube into the ear canal under magnification to gently suck the wax out.

There is no water involved, is a completely dry procedure and less chance of any infection.

Is Microsuction painful?

Microsuction should not be painful. There may be a mild discomfort due to the sensitive area of the ear canal

What are the possible side effects of Microsuction?

The clinical practitioner will discuss the possible side effects and risks prior to treatment.

As with any procedure, Microsuction carries a small amount of risk and potential side effects, most of which are very rare. The most common side effect is some dizziness, faintness or vertigo during or shortly after the procedure. This is temporary and is because Microsuction ‘cools’ the temperature of the ear canal.

What is irrigation?

An electronic ear irrigator is used; it involves a pressurised flow of warm water that removes the build-up of earwax. The irrigator has variable pressure control so that irrigation can be performed at the minimum pressure. A controlled flow of warm water will be squirted into your ear canal to flush out the earwax. Ear irrigation should be a painless procedure.

Ear irrigation is not suitable for everyone and will never be done for the following reasons:

• Patient has previously experienced complications following this procedure in the past

• History of middle ear infection in the last 6-8 weeks

• Patient has undergone any form of ear surgery (apart from grommets that have extruded at least 18 months previously and it is documented subsequently that the tympanic membrane is intact) in the last 18 months

• Patient has a perforation (hole) of the eardrum

• History of a mucus discharge

• Patient has a cleft palate (repaired or not)

• There is evidence of acute otitis externa (infection of ear canal) with pain & tenderness of the pinna

• Total hearing loss in the other ear

You should not have ear irrigation if the ear to be treated is your only hearing ear. This is because there is a small chance it could cause permanent hearing loss.

Do I need to do anything prior to my appointment?

Whether you are having Microsuction or Irrigation, all treatments require the application of olive oil for 3-5 days prior to the procedure being performed.

You will also need to complete the consent form which you can download ‘ ‘or request to have sent to you via email/text.

If you have any questions that have not been answered above, please click the below button to submit your query.