Firstly, What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is the combination of skin cells, dust, and oily secretions from the sebaceous and ceruminous glands. The composition of ear wax varies from individual to individual depending on diet, age, and environment. The purpose of ear wax is to lubricate the ear canal and prevent it from becoming too dry. Wax builds up in everyone's ears, but approximately 15% of us experience excessive earwax buildup.
Sometimes, earwax can mix with other substances or cause discharge, leading to additional discomfort or complications. In such cases, it's important to consult a professional. According to ENT LDN, earwax combined with discharge can be a sign of an underlying issue and should be treated by a healthcare provider.
How to Clean Your Ears Safely at Home
Unfortunately, it is impossible to clean your own ears safely; however, 85% of the time, the ear does clean itself. You can take certain steps to keep your ears clean and to prevent a buildup of wax:
- Don't poke anything in your ear, e.g., cotton buds, as they can push the wax further into your ear and contribute to earwax blockage.
- We advise you to try and keep your ears dry. When water enters your ears, they respond by producing more wax to repel the water. Trapped water can also easily lead to ear infections.
- Avoid soap and shampoo in your ear as they can alter the pH of your ear canal. Furthermore, such substances can wash away important oils, causing the skin to dry out and flake off.
- Hearology strongly advises against the use of olive oil! Even though olive oil can soften the wax, it rarely makes the wax just fall out. At Hearology, we've seen many cases where olive oil has caused more harm than good to earwax blockages.
Microsuction wax removal is the safest professional way of removing earwax buildup.
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is a safe, advanced method for removing ear wax using gentle suction devices. Unlike traditional techniques, which can be less precise, microsuction allows for accurate and efficient ear cleaning. Microsuction is widely considered the safest method for ear wax removal due to its precision and minimal discomfort, as highlighted by the NHS.
But what is microsuction ear wax removal exactly? It involves using controlled suction to gently remove earwax without introducing water into the ear canal.
Advanced Equipment for Precision
A specialist performs this procedure using a basic head loupe or magnifying goggles. However, for the most precise procedures, specialists use a floor-mounted ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgical microscope. This type of equipment has several levels of zoom and includes a variable light source. This improves the view of the ear canal, making the ear cleaning process more thorough and careful.
The micro-vacuum, carefully adjusted for safety and efficiency, actively removes earwax buildup or infections. The vacuum can produce a loud noise, which some patients with tinnitus may find uncomfortable. However, you usually notice the noise only after it has cleared most of the wax and exposed the ear drum.
The procedure requires specifically designed, sterile attachments. These fine ends enable cleaning all the way to the eardrum or the deep, hard-to-reach anterior recess of the ear canal.
Specialists use the Zollner suction tube, designed for a sturdy yet delicate grip, which is crucial for the procedure. It connects to a long, flexible tube that safely carries the wax from your ear to a clinical waste bag for disposal.
Performing such precise work requires an experienced clinician with an extremely steady hand.
Safety and Comfort with Microsuction
Microsuction provides the safest and most comfortable way to remove ear wax. People often choose it over traditional methods like ear irrigation, syringing, and low-pressure irrigation. These older techniques use a jet of water to flush out wax from the ear, which can be messy and soak the patient’s clothes. They can also cause complications like a perforated eardrum and outer ear infections, known as Swimmer's Ear.
However, microsuction might not suit everyone, particularly those with a heightened sensitivity to sound or tinnitus. In such cases, specialists advise manual wax removal as a gentler option.
Clinicians Training at Hearology
At Hearology, clinicians receive thorough post-qualifying training and supervision before they can perform this procedure. This training includes theoretical learning, documented logbooks for tracking progress, and hands-on practice to master these skills. Hearology's clinicians can remove wax attached to the eardrum without causing any discomfort.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Microsuction ear wax removal is generally safe; however, some people may experience temporary side effects, including:
- A slight feeling of dizziness because of sudden removal of wax.
- Temporary changes in hearing because of wax removal microsuction.
- Mild irritation of the ear canal.
In rare cases, individuals with a perforated eardrum or those who have recently undergone ear surgery should consult with a specialist before undergoing microsuction.
Can I Use Ear Drops Before Microsuction?
Yes! Many specialists recommend using ear drops such as sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide to soften the wax before microsuction. This can make the removal process more efficient and comfortable.
Why Choose Hearology?
We are a clinic that is CQC-regulated. This ensures that both our clinic and clinicians uphold the highest clinical standards, much like those in NHS ENT clinics.
Your hearing is invaluable and Hearology treats it with the respect it deserves. We are a regulated clinic for microsuction ear wax removal to protect your ear health and safety. Avoid providers that do not meet basic healthcare standards.
Please click any of the links below to book an appointment, or call 020 3747 4615.
