Microsuction for Ear Wax
by Jason Levy
Posted on 14-12-2019 01:59 PM
Microsuction for Ear Wax
We’ve all heard of ear wax and ear wax removal- most of us have seen our own ear wax at some point. We know it as the yellowy, brown substance – not too appealing to look at and perhaps even a source of embarrassment if it becomes visible! However, this yellowy substance has more to it than meets the eye. We’re going to delve a little deeper to find out more about ear wax itself, how it builds up and complications from that, ear wax removal, and the benefits of microsuction ear wax removal.
Unlike ear syringing or ear irrigation , where ear wax is flushed out ‘blindly’, with microscopic and microsuction ear wax removal the ear wax is being directly visualised under the microscope whilst it is being removed. This makes the procedure much quicker, safer and comfortable for the patient.
Ear wax removal is commonly carried out in gp surgeries or audiology clinics using ear irrigation which involves injecting a jet of water into the ear to remove the wax. Microsuction ear wax removal has many benefits in comparison: safer – the clinician can see what he/she is doing. Faster – it provides immediate results.
The benefits of microsuction ear wax removal
Microsuction is a safe wax-removal technique using specialised a high magnification binocular operating microscope allowing depth-perception and magnification to look directly into the ear canal. The clinician then uses a very fine sterile suction device at safe low pressure to remove the wax buildup.
Wax microsuction is the gold standard ear wax removal technique. It involves the use of an air suction device at low operating pressure to remove wax from the ear, all performed under an operating microscope. It is the safest and quickest means to conveniently remove ear wax and allows full visualisation of the ear canal so that any touching of the sensitive skin layer or fine hairs within the ear canal can, in most instances, be avoided. It is advised that wax softening drops (such as earol) are used by patients a few days prior to attending for wax removal.
We mainly use microsuction as our preferred option as it is cleaner, non invasive and significantly quicker than irrigation and find that most people find it more comfortable. Our recommendation if you have wax is to put olive oil, or preferably sodium bicarbonate ear drops in to your ears 2 to 3 days prior to your appointment as this will aid removal.
Our registered nurse has specialist training in ear wax removal using microsuction allowing us to offer a fast, safe and high-quality service to adults and children at very competitive prices. Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a precision suction apparatus to suction unwanted or obstructing skin cells and wax from the ear canal. We use surgical lenses which provide binocular magnification so that the tip of the suction tube is always under direct vision.
Ear microsuction is the most effective and safest form of earwax removal as it avoids touching the sensitive area around the ear canal and evades contact with the ear drum. A low pressure suction probe is used to gently and safely remove earwax. This technique of ear wax removal does not use high pressure water unlike ‘syringing’, therefore allowing microsuction to be the safest, fastest and cleanest method of choice When it comes to the safe and effective removal of earwax, there are three methods that an audiologist can use: irrigation, mechanical removal and microscopic suction (microsuction). Many of you may be familiar with irrigation (flushing of the ear with warm water). Mechanical removal requires excellent visualization of the ear canal while using an appropriately selected tool to remove the wax. These tools include various types of loops, scoops and forceps. Microscopic suction involves suctioning “vacuuming” the ear canal while visualized under a microscope.
Ear Wax Removal/ Microsuction
Some clinics can perform microsuction to remove earwax. During this procedure a clinician will use a microscope to look into the ear canal and a very tiny suction device to suck out the wax. This technique can be a very safe and effective way to removing persistent blockages.
If ear drops or ear irrigation do not work, other options include: microsuction, which is a quick and comparatively painless treatment involving a small device which sucks out the wax from your ear. This is usually a safe option even if you have a damaged ear drum. An aural toilet uses a thin instrument with a hoop at one end to clean your ear and remove the wax.
The process is pretty straight forward. We will examine your ears to confirm that there is earwax present. We will then explain the procedure in detail so that you understand what will take place. You will be asked a few questions about your ear health, perforations of the eardrum and any previous experience you have had with the procedure. The earwax will be removed using the microsuction tube. This process can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the amount and position of the wax. Once the earwax is removed we will again check the ear canal to make sure it is clear and healthy.
As the name suggests, microsuction employs a tiny suction tube to gently remove excess wax from your ear canal. We also use a microscope to target locations where wax has built up. Because we have a better view of your ear, microsuction is faster than irrigation, typically lasting just a few minutes. It is generally considered free from discomfort and like irrigation we usually ask that you use sodium bicarbonate eardrops beforehand.
Traditionally, ear wax is removed by ‘syringing’, which means water is forced into your ear canal to clear the wax. Here’s why modern microsuction is better: it isn’t messy, like water. It’s much safer than syringing. Water irrigation can lead to bleeding and soreness from bruising or a resulting infection. When it goes badly wrong, syringing can perforate your ear drum or lead to tinnitus or hearing loss. Whereas microsuction is safe even if you’ve had a perforated ear drum in the past.
Simple And Safe Microsuction Ear Cleaning Service
Micro-suction ear wax removal is one of the safest methods of ear cleaning and it is an ideal method of wax removal for people who have had a perforation to their eardrum or who have had any mid-ear surgery. Microsuction uses no water for the ear wax removal and there is no mess and little fuss. Lindsay is fully qualified and certified in carrying out this simple and effective treatment for ear wax blockages.
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