Which Wax Removal Method is Right for Me?
If you’ve been feeling like your ears are blocked or you’re struggling with hearing, discomfort, or even dizziness, you might be dealing with a build-up of ear wax. While ear wax serves a vital purpose by protecting your ears from irritants, germs, and foreign bodies, too much of it can lead to a range of bothersome symptoms.
The good news is excess ear wax can be safely and easily removed by a professional. At Audiology House, we use the most advanced and gentle techniques, including microsuction, to restore your comfort and hearing.
What Causes Ear Wax Buildup?
Ear wax usually moves out of the ear naturally, but sometimes it can build up and become impacted, especially as we age. This is because ear wax becomes drier and harder, making it harder to expel. Certain factors can also contribute to excessive ear wax production or prevent it from clearing naturally, including:
Narrow or damaged ear canals
Excess hair in the ears
Skin conditions like eczema around the ear
Ear infections (otitis externa or swimmer’s ear)
If you’re dealing with ear wax buildup, you might notice symptoms like hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, earache, or even a ringing sound (tinnitus). In some cases, it can even cause dizziness or vertigo, which can be quite unsettling.
How Should I Remove Ear Wax?
It’s tempting to grab a cotton bud or ear pick when you feel like your ears are full, but this can make the problem worse. Inserting objects into the ear canal can push the wax deeper and even damage your ear. That’s why it’s important to seek professional help when dealing with ear wax.
While many people once relied on ear syringing (a method involving flushing water into the ear), this approach is no longer recommended by health experts due to the risk of injury, infection, and even eardrum perforation. Studies have shown that ear syringing can fail in 29% of cases and can lead to complications like infections in 17% of cases. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Why Choose Microsuction for Ear Wax Removal?
Microsuction is a safer, more effective alternative. It uses a small, gentle vacuum to carefully remove ear wax, without the risks associated with syringing. During the procedure, we use a high-powered microscope to get a clear view of your ear canal, ensuring that every bit of wax is removed without causing harm. The best part? Microsuction is so gentle that it can even be performed if you have an ear infection or a perforated eardrum—conditions where other methods might not be suitable.
Is Microsuction Right for Me?
At Audiology House, we specialise in ear wax removal and offer microsuction as one of our key services. However, before we proceed with this method, we take the time to assess your ear anatomy and medical history to ensure it’s the best option for you. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure we’re providing the safest and most effective treatment possible. This means we can see your ear canal in fine detail, so we can remove all the wax without leaving anything behind.
Why Choose Irrigation for Ear Wax Removal?
Sometimes microsuction is not effective in removing all ear wax. In these cases, we would use Irrigation. Ear irrigation is the modern alternative to traditional ear syringing.
Unlike syringing, which involves using a syringe to force water into the ear, ear irrigation uses a gentle flow of warm water to carefully flush out ear wax. When done correctly, ear irrigation is not only safer but also more effective at removing wax without the risks associated with the older syringing technique.
Why is Ear Irrigation Safer and More Effective?
Controlled Water Flow: During ear irrigation, the water is delivered at a steady, controlled pressure, reducing the risk of damaging the eardrum. The goal is to soften and gently dislodge the wax without forcing it deeper into the ear canal, which can happen with syringing.
Gentle and Precise: In our clinic, ear irrigation is performed with a specially designed device that allows us to monitor and adjust the water flow for your comfort. This ensures that we effectively and safely remove the wax, while preventing discomfort or injury to the ear.
Lower Risk of Complications: Syringing, especially when done improperly, can lead to complications like ear infections, perforated eardrums, or even further wax impaction. Ear irrigation, on the other hand, is a much gentler process with fewer risks when performed by a trained professional.
Effective for Most Cases: Ear irrigation can be highly effective for clearing out moderate ear wax buildup. It's a great option for people who have soft wax that coats the eardrum, but it's still gentle enough for regular use when needed.
The Importance of Professional Care
It’s essential that ear irrigation is carried out by a professional who understands how to safely manage the process. While it can be done at home, improper technique or using the wrong water pressure can lead to discomfort or injury. When you visit Audiology House, you’re in the hands of experienced audiologists who know exactly how to use ear irrigation to get the best results without causing harm.
Why Choose Audiology House?
Choosing the right clinic for ear wax removal is important, and at Audiology House, we believe you deserve the best. Our experienced team are dedicated to providing you with personalised care in a professional, comfortable environment. Whether you’re dealing with ear wax build-up or simply want to know more about your hearing health, we’re here to help. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your hearing again.
If you’re dealing with ear wax buildup or have questions about microsuction or irrigation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to provide safe, gentle, and effective care that makes a real difference.
Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment for ear wax removal. We look forward to helping you hear your best!
