Wax Removal: Ear Microsuction FAQs
How much do you know about microsuction ear wax removal? Are you planning to undergo the procedure? Read our ear microsuction FAQs to learn more.
Do you ever wonder about the purpose of that waxy, yellowish substance in your ears? Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is the ear’s shield from harmful elements, such as dust, bacteria, and germs, which may lead to infections. It also is a lubricant that protects the delicate layer of skin in the ear canal from getting irritated by water.
So if ear wax is helpful, why does it sometimes accumulate in the ears, creating a blockage that causes uncomfortable symptoms? And if left untreated, your blocked ears can worsen over time. Additionally, using specific wax removal methods could produce more harm than good.
Having an impacted ear may not be life-threatening, but it can lead to hearing problems that can be avoided with the right treatment. One such remedy is microsuction, a safe, effective, and painless ear cleaning procedure. Read on to learn more about microsuction ear wax removal through some frequently asked questions.
What Causes Ear Wax Buildup?
To understand microsuction, we first need to discuss why we may experience ear wax buildup. Even though it can happen to anyone, some people may have more buildup recurrence because their glands produce wax faster than their bodies can expel it. And that excess ear wax may harden, causing a blockage that makes it difficult to hear.
Other causes of blocked ears include:
- Exostosis (osteoma), a bone overgrowth
- Infectious diseases such as swimmer’s ear
- Damage to the ear
- Skin conditions such as eczema
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- A narrowed ear canal from birth, injury or chronic inflammation
- Wearing hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs
- Repeated use of cotton swabs or other objects in the ear
When you have ear wax buildup, sticking something in your ear to remove the wax is not recommended; you may only be pushing the wax further into the ear. Instead, there are safer home remedies you can use to remove the extra wax. But if the problem persists, it’s best to seek help from a medical professional.
When Do You Need Ear Wax Removal?
Ear wax buildup may not produce immediate side effects, but the longer it’s left untreated, the more difficulties you will experience. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Dull pain in the ear
- Partial hearing loss
- Ear itchiness or irritation
- Dizziness and imbalance
- A fullness sensation in the ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Drainage from the ear
Ear wax removal may be necessary if you’re experiencing any of those symptoms.
However, each removal method comes with risks, which can lead to further complications depending on your other health conditions. For instance, a person with diabetes or eczema could increase their chances of getting otitis externa or swimmer’s ear.
To relieve your blocked ears safely, consult your doctor to find the best ear wax removal treatment for you.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Explained
Once your impacted ear has been assessed and diagnosed by a general practitioner, they may recommend treating your ear wax buildup with the safest option: microsuction. This gentle procedure requires a binocular microscope to provide a clear view of your ear canal and a compact, low-pressure suction device.
Use the following microsuction ear wax removal guide to find out more.
How Long Does It Take?
The procedure’s length depends on the blockage’s size and whether one or both ears need cleaning. Generally, it takes between 15-45 minutes to complete this treatment.
Does Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Hurt?
Microsuction is considered a pain-free option for impacted ears, especially if performed by a medically-trained professional. While you shouldn’t experience any discomfort from the procedure, you may be bothered by the relative noisy suction sound. But most people quickly get accustomed to the noise.
For those individuals with ear infections or inflammations, ear microsuction may be slightly more uncomfortable. You may want to take your preferred painkiller an hour before your appointment to ease any discomfort.
How Often Should I Get This Treatment?
It depends on the person and how often their ear develops an overabundance of ear wax. The timeframe can be as often as every 3-6 months. However, if you wear hearing aids, you may be instructed to get your ears suctioned clean every 4-6 months.
What Are the Benefits of Ear Microsuction?
Unlike some other ear wax removal techniques, microsuction provides instant results. So if you were experiencing hearing loss, it should return immediately after ear microsuction. Additionally, there’s less of a mess since the procedure doesn’t use water, drops, gels or other liquid.
Once again, the absence of liquid in the wax removal process makes microsuction safe to use on perforated eardrums. In addition, the microscope helps doctors see the areas of the ear that need suctioning, making it highly effective in cleaning soft and hard wax. That means you don’t have to use any drops or other preparatory measures before the treatment.
What’s the Difference Between Microsuction and Syringing?
The main difference between the two methods is that microsuction does not need water to get the job done. Ear syringing, on the other hand, uses water to flush the extra wax out of the ear. The latter procedure does not always have the desired results because there’s no device used to see inside the canal like the microsuction binocular microscope.
And because of the limited visibility inside the ear, syringing could cause a perforation or an infection; however, it’s rare. Still, since there is a way to see clearly inside the ear with microsuction, it is the better option for ear wax removal.
Post-Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Tips
Microsuction may effectively eliminate wax buildup, but there are things you can do to take care of your ears after the procedure. Use a damp cloth to wipe outside the ears and the opening of the ear canal. And should you need to, you can use tiny drops of olive oil to soften any firm wax that may have formed.
Remember never to push anything inside your ears. If you need ear relief, it’s best to visit a licensed practitioner for proper ear wax removal. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help.