Ear wax is a naturally-occurring bodily secretion that helps to protect the ear canal. However, it can build up if it is not removed properly.
The traditional method of ear wax removal is by irrigation (using water). This was previously carried out in GP surgeries using manual syringes that were difficult to regulate the pressure manually.
1.Safer
Ear wax build-up is a common problem that can affect anyone at any time. When left untreated, earwax blockages can lead to a number of symptoms including earache, tinnitus and hearing loss. One of the most effective ways of removing excess earwax is by using Ear wax extraction in Staffordshire, which is a safe and clinically proven method of treatment.
During the micro suction procedure, an audiologist will use either a special otoscope or a microscope to magnify your ears so they can see where the blockage is located. They will then use a small suction device to remove the ear wax from your ear canal. The whole procedure is quick, painless and safe.
The good thing about micro suction is that no water is used which can cause damage to the ear canal and ear drum, unlike the traditional ear irrigation method. It is also safer for people who have a perforated eardrum, grommet or mastoid cavity.
The only downside of the procedure is that it can be a little noisy as the ear is being removed, but this is to prevent the doctor or nurse from accidentally injuring your ear canal or eardrum. You will need to remain as still as possible during the procedure to avoid this occurring. It is also a good idea to use cerumenolytics (earwax removal drops or spray) a few days before your appointment as this will make the earwax much softer and easier to remove.
2.More Comfortable
Ear wax removal using Microsuction is a comfortable procedure for most people. There is a little bit of discomfort, but it is far better than the discomfort experienced with traditional methods.
This is because the ear canal is not flushed with water like with ear syringing or irrigation which can cause the blockage to move deeper into the ear canal. Instead, Microsuction is performed ‘dry’ reducing the risks of infection and accidentally ‘pumping’ ear wax deeper into the ear canal.
Your audiologist will use a binocular microscope (or loupes in the case of a private Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser) to get a clear view of your ear canal and the earwax that has built up. Once a good view has been obtained, the audiologist will gently suction away the earwax with low suction pressure.
Some people can feel a little dizzy or faint during the earwax removal process, but this should only last a short time. This is because the ear canal cools down during the earwax removal process, which can sometimes induce vertigo and other symptoms in some people.
Although it is not essential, most Audiologists advise patients to use a cerumenolytic (earwax removal drops or sprays) for one or two days prior to their appointment to help soften the earwax for easy removal. This helps to make the process even faster and more comfortable, especially for those with a very large build up of earwax.
3.Faster
Ear wax removal is a necessary part of good ear health, but improper cleaning can cause issues. Unfortunately, many people attempt to clean their ears with cotton swabs and other objects that can actually push the wax deeper into the ear canal and lead to infections or blockages.
Traditional methods of ear wax removal include syringing and irrigation. Syringing involves the use of metal syringes to manually inject water into the ear at varying levels of pressure. While this method was often effective, it also resulted in a number of complications, including ear infections and damage to the eardrum.
Fortunately, the syringes have now been replaced with electronic irrigators that apply a safer and more consistent level of pressure to the ear canal. While these devices are still used in some GP surgeries and private clinics, they are not as effective as microsuction.
Microsuction uses suction to remove the earwax from your ears rather than flushing it out with water. This means that it’s a much faster process. It’s also less messy and doesn’t involve the risk of water or other substances getting into the ear canal and causing irritation. The only drawback of the process is that it can generate a loud noise during treatment, which some people find uncomfortable. However, the noise only lasts a short period of time.
4.More Effective
Ear wax build-up can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or hearing loss. Safely removing ear wax with micro suction can significantly improve these symptoms.
Microsuction uses a small tube with a fine suction end to remove the wax. It doesn’t require ear drops before the procedure which reduces your risk of infection. Also, no water is flushed into the ear canal which reduces any risk of recurrence of the blockage within a short period of time.
An audiologist will inspect your ear canal using a binocular microscope or head loupes (magnifying glasses). Once they have a clear view, the audiologist will then use a low-powered suction tool to remove the ear wax. The audiologist will be able to see the earwax and debris at all times with their magnified vision which allows them to carefully remove the ear wax without damaging your ear canal or ear drum.
Conclusion
This method is far more effective than traditional syringing and is the preferred earwax removal technique for audiologists. It is also suitable for people with a perforated eardrum unlike ear irrigation which is not. The risks of complications are far higher with syringing as there is a chance of re-impacted earwax, otitis externa, damage to the ear canal and eardrum, and tinnitus. With the risk of pain, ear irritation, and dizziness reduced by microsuction compared to other methods, it is certainly worth considering for anyone suffering from a blocked ear.
