Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
by Jason Levy
Posted on 11-12-2019 08:19 PM
Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Ear wax removal is commonly carried out in gp surgeries or 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.
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. Other benefits of microscopic and microsuction ear wax removal include: 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.
Microsuction of ear canal
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 takes around 15 minutes to clean both ears.
Microsuction is usually done as an outpatient appointment meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. It usually takes 15-20 minutes. During microsuction your consultant will use a microscope to examine your ear canal. They will insert a tiny suction tube (called a cannula) into the canal and suction any blockage from the area. Sometimes sterile saline solution is used to help break up wax or debris.
The process is pretty straight forward. We will examine your ears to confirm that there is earwax present. We will then explain the procedure in detail so that you understand what will take place. You will be asked a few questions about your ear health, perforations of the eardrum and any previous experience you have had with the procedure. The earwax will be removed using the microsuction tube. This process can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the amount and position of the wax. Once the earwax is removed we will again check the ear canal to make sure it is clear and healthy.
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.
Microsuction is the safest technique for clearing ear wax from the ear canal. It is much safer than syringing. The microscope offers extremely magnified vision so the nurses can see extremely well, therefore they can remove wax/debris without touching the ear canal walls – a comfortable, safe procedure. The magnified view allow the ear nurse therapist to assess the ear canal and ear drum to make a diagnosis.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Unlike ear syringing and ear irrigation, it is safe for people who have a perforated eardrum, previous infections or an ear blockage. The reason is that microsuction safely removes wax using pinpoint accuracy, rather than pushing anything into the eardrum.
If ear drops or ear irrigation do not work, other options include: microsuction, which is a quick and comparatively painless treatment involving a small device which sucks out the wax from your ear. This is usually a safe option even if you have a damaged ear drum. An aural toilet uses a thin instrument with a hoop at one end to clean your ear and remove the wax.
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