What is earwax removal by microsuction?
Although usually harmless, a buildup of earwax over time can be harmful to your hearing health. Impacted wax can reduce hearing and serve as a trigger for painful ear infections. There is even some evidence that the hearing reduction caused by earwax may increase the risk of cognitive problems such as dementia. Microsuction is the safest and most effective way to remove earwax. In this post, we explain the procedure in more detail
Image: A patient having earwax removed via microsuction
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is one of the safest methods to remove wax and other debris from the ear. The doctor looks at your ear using a microscope or special otoscope. This magnifies the ear, making it easier to assess and treat. A small suction device, like a little hoover, is used to clean the ear without the use of water. Although the suction device can be quite noisy, it is quick and painless. If the wax being removed is hard, then removal can be slightly uncomfortable. The doctor performing the procedure will try and advise you if they feel it is going to be uncomfortable, and you can communicate with them at any point if you need. Treatment with microsuction tends to be most successful and less uncomfortable if the wax is softened for a few days before using olive oil.
How do you know if you need earwax removal?
Earwax build-up may not be the first thing you think of if you develop problems with your ears or hearing. Nevertheless it is one of the commonest conditions seen by GPs and ENT specialists, and the good news is it is one of the easiest to treat. Some potential signs that you may need earwax removal include:
Partial hearing loss: You find it hard to make out conversations and hear quieter sounds especially in noisy environments. You may find that you are straining to hear what people are saying.
Muffled sounds: You hear the way you normally do, but some sounds are not clear and may sound muffled as though you are underwater.
A feeling of fullness in your ears: A sensation that your ears are full or something.
Itchiness or irritation: A constant desire to itch the ear, which can cause bleeding from small traumas caused by your fingernails
Tinnitus: A buzzing or ringing sound in the ear
Earache: Impacted earwax can itself be uncomfortable, but can also lead to painful swelling and infection of the ear canal.
Dizziness: Occasionally earwax can cause vertigo, a sensation of dizziness like the room is spinning around you.
Coughing: Although it seems unconnected, the same nerve which controls coughing has a small branch to the inner ear. If it gets irritated by impacted wax, it can cause bouts of coughing.
VIDEO: A soft wax plug being removed using microsuction using the Tympahealth system
Who needs Microsuction?
Anyone with earwax can benefit from treatment with microsuction. It is considered much safer and more pleasant for the patient than ear irrigation, a traditional style of earwax removal in which a jet of warm water is sprayed into the ear. Although often effective, irrigation has a much higher risk of causing complications such as a perforated (burst) ear drum.
How do I take care of my ears?
Here are some general tips to help you take better care of your ears:
Never use cotton buds or other implements to scratch, poke or try and remove things from your ears. They tend to push wax further down the ear canal worsening the problem over time. They can also cause significant ear trauma such as a hole in the eardrum.
Clean the outside of your ear before showering or bathing using dry tissues or un-perfumed, alcohol free wipes. Allow your ears to dry naturally after and never use tissue or other materials to try and soak up moisture from within the ear.
If your ears are feeling sensitive or itchy, avoid getting water, shampoo or soap in them when bathing or showering. Place a piece of cotton wool about the size of a 50p coin, coated with white soft paraffin (which you can buy at a pharmacy), at the entrance of both ear canals. Do not push the cotton wool down into the ear canal as it may be difficult to remove.
Keep your ears dry when swimming by using a tight-fitting swimming hat over your ears. Some people may benefit from seeing an audiologist to have custom-made earplugs made to the shape of their ear.
If you wear a hearing aid, follow the manufacturers recommend instructions on keeping it clean
Never use over-the-counter products in your ear without discussing first with a pharmacist or doctor. If your eardrum is perforated it could be harmful.
How do I prepare for my microsuction appointment?
For information about what to expect in your microsuction appointment, as well as how to best prepare for it, please see our separate blog post via this link.
Booking a Microsuction appointment
If you are interested in booking a microsuction appointment please use the button below or contact us via email on reception@drdanielgordon.com or phone on 07771 724 488
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only. It is not intended to provide instruction and you should not rely on this information to determine diagnosis, prognosis or a course of treatment. It should not be used in place of a professional consultation with a doctor. The medical information is the personal opinion of the stated author(s). It is based on available evidence or, where no published evidence is available, on current medical opinion and practice. Every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed – rapid advances in medicine may cause information contained here to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. The author(s) is/are not responsible for the results of your decisions resulting from the use of the information, including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not to seek professional medical care, or from choosing or not choosing specific treatment based on the information. You should not disregard the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider because of any information you read on this website. If you have any health care questions, please consult a relevant medical practitioner.
