Ear wax is your body’s way of self-cleaning and catching dust or small particles that could damage the eardrum. However, too much ear wax can lead to blockages.
Microsuction is an alternative to ear syringing or irrigation and uses suction rather than water to remove the earwax. It’s safe and more effective than syringing.
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1.It’s Safe
Unlike other methods of ear wax removal, like syringing or irrigation, Staffordshire ear cleaning is completely dry. This significantly reduces any risk of infection. It’s also painless and quick. It usually only takes a few minutes for the specialist to remove all the earwax and blockage from your ear canal.
Earwax is naturally produced in your ear canal and helps to protect it from dust, germs and irritation. It’s also self cleaning – the earwax will move itself from part way down the ear canal to the outside of your ear, and your body doesn’t need any help with it.
When earwax gets trapped in your ear canal, it can cause discomfort and even hearing loss. That’s why many people choose to have it removed. Generally, a small amount of earwax is fine and can be left alone, but if there’s a large build-up it may need to be removed by a professional.
At Specsavers, we use microsuction as our preferred method of ear wax removal because it’s safer than other traditional methods, such as irrigation. That’s why all our ear care professionals have undergone microsuction training with accredited training providers. However, there are some ear-related conditions that mean you won’t be able to have this procedure done, such as suffering from regular ear infections or having a perforated ear drum.
2.It’s Effective
Earwax is a natural substance produced in the ears to protect them from dust, germs and irritation. It also helps to moisturise the ear canal. In most cases, earwax does not need to be removed and should be allowed to move out of the ear canal on its own. If it builds up too much, it can cause problems like itchiness in the ear canal or hearing loss.
Aural microsuction is an effective way of removing excess earwax. The procedure is safe for most patients and is a quicker alternative to home methods such as ear irrigation or syringes. However, it is important to pre-soften the earwax before you have your appointment so that the procedure is as smooth and painless as possible. Your audiology professional will advise you on how to do this best, but a good rule of thumb is to use a cerumenolytic such as Waxsol for a few days before the appointment.
Mr Raithatha uses a technique called Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal (EWAR), which was found to be safer, easier and faster than traditional ear syringing or irrigation during a clinical study1. This method allows him to visualise the ear canal and debris at all times, which reduces the risk of ear trauma or infection. The EWAR technique has also been shown to be more effective than syringing or irrigation.
3.It’s Painless
Ear microsuction is a safe, effective and comfortable procedure for removing excess wax from the ears. It is also much safer than ear syringing as it does not use any water and therefore minimises the risk of rupturing or damaging your ear drum.
Ear wax is a natural secretion that helps to keep the ear canal lubricated and protects it from dust, dirt, and irritation. However, if the earwax builds up and becomes impacted in your ear canal, it can cause problems including hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus.
To remove the earwax build-up, an ear microsuction device is used which involves a small suction tube that is inserted into your ear canal and then gently removed from the ear. It is a safe, quick, and effective method for removing earwax and is recommended by Specsavers as the preferred approach to removing ear wax.
Before an ear microsuction appointment, the ear wax should be pre-softened with a medicated ear drop. This is to help reduce the risk of damage and ensure that only healthy earwax is removed. During the ear microsuction procedure, the audiologist is able to visualise the canal and earwax at all times using microscopic vision – which is more comfortable than using irrigation tools whilst reducing the risk of rupturing or perforating your eardrum. This makes ear microsuction the most clinically effective and safe option for removing ear wax.
4.It’s Affordable
Ear wax is a natural substance that keeps your ears moisturised and protects them from dust, germs, irritation and insects. Although small amounts of earwax are fine, too much can lead to your ears becoming blocked and cause symptoms like pain, itching and reduced hearing. It is important to seek professional help if this occurs as DIY methods for removing earwax can damage your ear canal and lead to long term issues such as aural fullness, ringing in the ears and even hearing loss.
Microsuction ear wax removal is a safe, quick and effective way to remove excess earwax. The consultant inserts a small suction tube (called a cannula) into the ear canal and then uses it to suck away any earwax that is blocking your ear. They may also use a sterile saline solution to assist with the process. The procedure is completely painless and takes between 30-40 minutes per ear.
Conclusion
Unlike traditional ear syringing or irrigation, which are done ‘blind’ and can lead to ear infections and ear trauma, endoscopic ear wax removal is a ‘dry’ procedure using a high-definition digital otoscope with an operating ENT microscope. In fact, this technique has been shown to be safer and more comfortable than ear syringing and irrigation in a clinical study1.