We use cookies to improve your experience on this website.

Online Hearing Test Book now

A Guide to Ear Wax Removal

A Guide to Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax (cerumen) is the most common problem presented by patients at our nationwide clinics. A full hearing test cannot be performed if a build-up of ear wax is present, so the initial inspection of your ear canal is an important part of your consultation. We have decided to focus this month’s blog on Ear Wax, the symptoms and causes of ear wax build-up as well as taking a closer look at microsuction ear wax removal.

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS EAR WAX?

Wax helps protect our ears from dust, dirt and bacteria. The body produces ear wax naturally, but excessive amounts can effect your hearing. Our Audiologists use a gentle Microsuction technique developed by Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, to remove wax and debris. The procedure is regarded as the quickest, easiest and safest method of ear wax removal.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN EAR WAX BUILD-UP?

There are several different symptoms to look out for as an indicator of an ear wax build-up. If you have any of the below symptoms, we recommend getting your hearing checked by an audiologist as it could be caused by an ear wax build-up and if so would more than likely be easily treated. Symptoms include:

  • - Earache, as it builds up it can press against the ear canal causing pain
  • - Hearing loss
  • - Itchiness in the ear
  • - Dizziness, a spinning sensation
  • - Tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ear)

 

WHAT CAUSES EAR WAX BUILD-UP?

Some people just suffer from regularly blocked ears. It can be simply that they over produce ear wax naturally and ear wax gradually builds over time. There are several other causes of ear wax build-up however, which include:

  • - Narrow ear canals
  • - Hairy ear canals
  • - Dry ear wax
  • - Swimmer’s ear and Surfer’s ear (bony growths in the ear canal)
  • - A tight or hard ear canal bend
  • - Overuse of cotton buds in the ear
  • - Wearing hearing aids
  • - Wearing in-ear headphones

 

WHAT IS MICROSUCTION EAR WAX REMOVAL?

Microsuction is regarded as the safest, most effective and quickest method of ear wax removal. With few limitations, the use of a microscope or head loupes allows us to see directly into the ear canal while a medical vacuum gently removes any excess ear wax from the ear. To accommodate the growing demand for ear wax removal across our nationwide clinics, our audiology team has undergone extensive training in Microsuction Ear Wax Removal.

 

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO EAR WAX REMOVAL?

All medical procedures have benefits, risks and possible side effects. Microsuction is considered to be a safe procedure, but you may notice some temporary changes to your ears, especially if the ear wax has been building up for some time. These include:

  • - A cold feeling in your ears
  • - Greater sensitivity to sounds
  • - Disorientation or dizziness

 

In rarer cases:

  • - Throbbing, or a sore feeling in your ear
  • - Damage to skin of the ear canal or the ear drum during the procedure
  • - Temporary reduction in hearing
  • - Triggering of new tinnitus or temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus

 

Most of these symptoms will pass within 24 hours as your body adjusts. For any throbbing or soreness, it is recommended that you keep your ears dry for 24 hours. Please visit your GP if symptoms persist longer than 24 hours. We are also happy to review cases and refer to ENT, if necessary.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE THE TREATMENT?

Everyone produces different amounts of wax and at different rates. Some people need regular appointments to manage this, others only need occasional ones. Your audiologist will recommend what’s best for you.

 

DON’T USE COTTON BUDS IN YOUR EARS

Finally, many people use cotton buds to clean their ears and their ear wax, but we would 100% not advise you to do this. Cotton buds can irritate the ear canal and even push wax further into the ear. Also, the lining of the ear can be damaged easily as it is quite delicate. It’s important to have a little bit of wax in our ears to prevent harmful particles such as dust entering, plus the ear is actually a self-cleaning organ. If you have excess wax you wish to remove, we recommend seeking a professional opinion.

 

Audiology Medical Services

Audiology Medical Services offer microsuction ear wax removal to all adults and children over the age of 5 years old at all our clinics nationwide. If you have any questions on microsuction ear wax removal or about your hearing, simply ask a member of our hearing care team. We have clinically trained professional audiologists, available at clinics nationwide. Freephone us on 1800 501 501.

0 Comments

Add Comment
Leave this field empty