Earwax removal by Microsuction
by Jason Levy
Posted on 12-12-2019 08:36 PM
Earwax removal by Microsuction
Microsuction ear wax removal is a procedure that uses gentle suction to remove excessive or troublesome ear wax. Using a microscope, our trained audiologists are able to look directly into the ear canal and use a sterile suction device to gently remove the wax. Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax, or to soften the wax using olive oil.
There are few limitations or cons of micro suction earwax removal, microscopes or loupes if used provide a narrow view. However, it just means that we re-adjust our positioning so we can get the view we need. Micro suction ear wax removal is regarded as being exceptionally safe and well tolerated. However no treatment of ear wax is completely risk-free.
Micro-suction as a tool for ear wax removal has been around for a very long time. Generally, most ent departments used micro-suction to remove ear wax from the ear canals of people with perforations or large cavities after mastoid operations. The reason was simple, removal of ear wax using water could be dangerous for these people.
Earwax should be removed if it is totally blocking the ear canal and one of the following: the person is symptomatic (with conductive hearing loss, earache, tinnitus or vertigo) the tympanic membrane is obscured by wax but needs to be viewed to establish a diagnosis the person wears a hearing aid and an impression needs to be taken for a mould, or wax is causing the hearing-aid to whistle.
Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a very fine sterile suction device under a microscope. The gentle suction device is used to provide pain free and immediate results, and whilst using the microscope the audiologist can clearly see inside the ear canal during the procedure making it an entirely controlled treatment.
With the ear wax removed, any symptoms caused by the wax disappear quickly. If you are prone to ear wax build-up your doctor may recommend using ear drops to keep the wax soft and help it remove itself, but this advice will only be given if drops are right for you.
Microsuction is the term used for cleaning ear canals under the magnified view of a surgical microscope, and using a tiny vacuum cleaner and/or tiny instruments to remove ear wax.
Micro suction or manual clearance is used to remove wax / infection / debris from the ears as sometimes the ears stop cleaning themselves or are unable to do so. The wax / infection / debris will need to be removed to allow any treatment required to be more effective.
Wax is the body’s natural protection of the ear canal, but too much of it can cause problems. We went to the clear ear clinic in oxford to get our ears cleared with a procedure called microsuction. It's done with a tiny vacuum that hoovers everything that's in the ear gently. It takMicrosuction is a procedure which uses gentle suction to remove excessive or troublesome earwax. It is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and a finely calibrated suction device, without the introduction of any materials or liquids. You may be asked to use olive oil spray or drops for several days beforehand. This will make the treatment easier for you. Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax. The technique means that we can always see what we are doing and can avoid touching the skin of the sides of the ear canal which makes the process a lot more comfortable.
Earwax is naturally occurring and serves an important purpose. On occasion earwax can build in the ear canal and can cause hearing loss or discomfort. For many people, microsuction offers a quick and long-lasting solution to hearing loss. Years of excess wax build up can be gently removed - providing an immediate improvement to their quality of life. It helps to protect and clean the inside of the ear by creating a natural protective layer. Other wax removal treatments such as syringing often completely clear the canal of all wax, leaving no protective layer inside the ear. Microsuction is a much more controlled treatment which allows your audiologist to carefully remove excess wax whilst preserving a necessary level of protection.
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.
A comprehensive medical history will be taken microscopic examination of the inner ear canals and ear drums gentle removal of the earwax with a surgical microsuction unit. The pharmacist will wear a pair of illuminated microscopes, namely “loupes”, and air will be heard rushing through the suction wand during the procedure. There may be an occasional mild ‘pop’ as the wax is sucked through the probe. Generally, the appointment will be painless..es around 15 minutes to clean both ears.
Ear drops can be used to soften and loosen the ear wax, which may help it work its way out naturally. Avoid sticking cotton buds in your ears because it can push the ear wax further into your ears. If there is a large build-up of ear wax, it may need to be removed.
Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Ear wax removal is commonly carried out in 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.
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.
The benefits of microsuction ear wax removal
Clinical ear care, otherwise known as wax removal, can be very beneficial to people using hearing aids to increase the usefulness of their aids. We call wax removal clinical ear care as we are able to use a variety of techniques in one session. These techniques may not all be needed and we would try for microsuction ear wax removal first.
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 wax removal by microsuction is the safest most effective method for the removal of ear wax from ear canals. Due to the nature of the suction, ear wax can be removed from the ear, irrespective of whether it is soft or hard. This differs from other methods such as syringing and water irrigation where wax has to be treated beforehand with drops to encourage a softer consistency.
Ear Wax Removal – Microsuction
Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a very fine sterile suction device under a microscope. The gentle suction device is used to provide pain free and immediate results, and whilst using the microscope the audiologist can clearly see inside the ear canal during the procedure making it an entirely controlled treatment..
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.
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