FAQs
What is ear wax?
Earwax is produced by the ear to clean and protect itself. It's secreted by glands (ceruminous) in the skin that line the outer half of your ear canals. The wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures, such as your eardrum.
Ear wax which can build up in the ears and cause problems with hearing, aching, dizziness and tinnitus. Often the body removes the wax itself, but in others it may need to be removed by a trained health care professional.
What causes ear wax build up?
Ear wax build up is caused by a number of reasons including:
- Frequent use of cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids
- Some people naturally secrete a lot of ear wax
- Consistency of the ear wax- producing hard or dry ear wax
- Narrow or excessive hair in the ear canal
- Surgery, injury and anatomical abnormalities
- Ageing, causes glands in the ear to secrete dry wax
- Bony growth in the ear (exostoses)
- Exposure to excessive dust and debris^
^limited research
What are the symptoms of ear wax build-up?
Symptoms include earache, itchiness, ear infections, nausea and sickness, hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo (dizziness).
What is Micro-suction?
Micro-suction ear wax removal uses a medical vacuum to gently remove any excess wax from your ears. It is largely considered the safest & most effective treatment for clearing earwax. Our ear care practitioners use a state-of-the-art high-definition otoscope specifically designed for the procedure to provide the best full view inside of the ear, enabling pinpoint accuracy and maximising safety. Hence, this can be used in patients with grommets or perforation.
What is manual ear wax removal?
Occasionally, other instruments to remove hard wax may be necessary. The Jobson Horn is a thin probe instrument with a looped end. The end of the Jobson Horn is carefully inserted into the ear canal to clear the ear canal of wax. Crocodile forceps have small fine jaws, which are used to ‘grab’ ear wax and gently remove it with accurate precision and control. We use of direct visualisation with Tympa system to safely guide instrumentation removal.
When is ear wax removal recommended?
If you think you have a build-up of ear wax, do not try to remove it with your finger, cotton bud or anything else you could put in your ear – this can cause damage and push the wax further into your ear.
Where ear wax is causing you minor symptoms, speak to your pharmacist about ear drops which soften the wax and help it to drop out naturally. Do not use drops if you have a perforated ear drum and stop using them if they cause irritation.
How often do I need ear microsuction?
This may vary as some people prefer to get this done on regular basis and for others as and when required. On average it can take about 6-12months to develop and cause impaction and symptoms.
How long does Ear Wax Removal Take?
It could take an average 10-15 minutes per ear and occasionally bit longer depending on the severity of the ear wax build up.
What are the results of Ear Wax Removals?
With the removal of the ear wax, any symptoms caused by the ear wax will quickly disappear. If you are prone to ear wax build-up, your ear care practitioner may recommend using ear drops to keep the wax soft and help it remove itself if no contraindications noted.
What are the risks and complications of ear wax removal?
Risks and complications are very minimal in comparison with other treatments options such as irrigation/syringing and ear candling. In general, procedure is painless, occasionally may cause some discomfort, particularly when the wax is dry and hard. Patients identified with other health conditions may experience other side effects and risks which will be discussed during pre-procedure questionnaire.
What if my hearing loss or discomfort is not due to wax build-up?
Unfortunately, not all the associated symptoms improve with ear wax removal. Should an infection or any other cause for concern be found, before or after wax removal, you will be advised to see your GP/audiologist for further examination and treatments.
