Ear wax is the most common problem presented by patients at our clinics. A full hearing test cannot be performed if a build-up of cerumen (ear wax) is present, so the initial inspection of your ear canal is an important part of your consultation.
Ear wax is the build-up of dirt and particles from the sebaceous glands and apocrine sweat glands in the canal. Normal levels of ear wax act as a protective layer, providing a barrier against dust and other bacteria entering the ear drum. However, excessive ear wax can often be the underlying cause of a hearing deficit.
To accommodate the growing demand for ear wax removal across our nationwide clinics, our team has undergone extensive training to become certified in both micro-suction, endoscopic wax removal and irrigation. Audiology Medical Services is proud to be the first clinic in Ireland to introduce endoscopic wax removal and our team is the first to be trained in micro-suction.
Micro-suction is regarded as the safest and quickest method of ear wax removal. With few limitations, the use of a microscope and finely balanced medical suction device allows us to see directly into the ear canal.
Endoscopic wax removal is the process by which wax is removed from the ear with the help of a specialist endoscope. An endoscope is an instrument attached to a video monitor that is used in medical procedures to look inside the body.
Irrigation is an alternative wax removal procedure available to patients who are comfortable with it. Safer and more straightforward than syringing, an irrigation solution is warmed to body temperature before a controlled flow is gently streamed into the ear.