Ear Wax Removal
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What is ear Wax?
Ear wax (or cerumen) is a naturally occurring product produced by your ears. It is made up of 3 main components:
- Old skin cells
- Dust and debris
- Oily secretions from modified sweat glands
Your Ear wax forms an essential part of the ears natural defence system because it has certain anti-bacterial agents which help to prevent infections. It is moist and sticky, and not only helps to moisturise the skin in your ears but also helps to trap and remove foreign bodies and dust. Usually, ear wax slowly works its way out of your ear, making our ears self-cleaning!
When does ear wax become a problem?
A little ear wax is perfectly normal and healthy. However, occasionally ear wax can block your ears. This usually occurs when it has been pushed further in to the ear canal by a person attempting to remove it themselves. Commonly this is done by cotton buds, pencils, hairpins, paper clips or other items people use to try and remove wax. When a person repeats this over time, the self-cleaning process is interrupted, allowing the wax to build up inside the ear canal.
The most recognisable symptoms of excessive ear wax are partial or total hearing loss, itching, fullness, ringing and occasionally pain. Ear wax should only ever be removed by a fully-trained professional. The ear is an incredibly sensitive organ and the slightest slip can cause long-term damage, so attempting to remove it yourself is never recommended.
How we remove ear wax
We use a combination of manual removal and microsuction.
Manual removal:
- This is suitable for small build-up of wax near your ear canal entrance.
- Wax is gently removed using a long thin instrument with a circular loop tip, called a Jobson Horne.
Microsuction:
- Uses what is effectively a vacuum to clear out debris or wax from the ear canal
- A fine suction tube is gently inserted into the ear canal while being viewed through a magnifying headset.
Before the appointment
Prior to your ear cleaning appointment, we advise all clients to use wax softening drops or olive oil spray, like ‘Earol’ to help soften the wax before removal. This should be used every day for a week before hand because, although a few days’ usage is sometimes adequate, the longer the drops are used for, the more easily and ‘comfortably’ the wax can be removed in your appointment.
During your appointment
At your appointment, you will be asked a few questions for the practitioner to get a better understanding of your ear health. You will be told about the procedure and the equipment that will be used for the procedure, and asked to complete and sign a microsuction consent form.
The practitioner will assess your ear canal and ear drum by looking through an otoscope and a set of microscope loupes. The healthcare professional will carry out the ear cleaning procedure and advise you on any additional points about your ear health. You may discuss and ask for advice during the appointment.
