Are you suffering from a build up of ear wax which could be blocking your ear?
This could eventually lead to discomfort or even hearing loss.
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is made by the body to protect the ears. It has lubricating and antibacterial properties and is produced in the outer one third of the ear canal. It helps to prevent dust and other germs from entering and damaging your ear.
It is healthy to have a small amount of wax in your ears but occasionally it can build up and become bothersome.
Normally, the ear wax is moved through the ear canal by chewing and other jaw movements, but a build-up of wax or blockage in the ear can be the result of many factors.
This might include the incorrect use of cotton buds, ear-worn devices such as hearing aids which can prevent wax from coming out of the ear canal freely, excessive use of earphones or even hairy ear canals.
You should never try to remove earwax yourself and definitely not use cotton buds (Q-tips) in your ear. Some wax might come out but you'll probably push and compact the remaining wax deeper in the ear canal and cause more problems, possibly causing some damage such as a permanent hearing loss.
Symptoms
Excessive ear wax and a blockage in the ear can cause several symptoms including:
- Temporary hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Itching
- Fullness in the ear
- Vertigo
- Discomfort
Endoscopic micro-suction is used to remove your wax safely, painlessly and quickly.
It is considered one of the safest methods and is also a way of removing debris or foreign bodies that can block the ear canal causing discomfort or hearing loss. It offers a safer and more gentle way to remove earwax than other methods.
The fact that the ear canal is being observed throughout the procedure makes it a very safe practice.
The technique involves using a visual camera (oto-endoscope) which is slowly inserted into the ear canal with a small sterile suction device.
Endoscopic micro-suction is a comfortable and usually pain-free procedure which is very well tolerated by the majority of people.
Although micro-suction requires very little intervention, it is advisable to use a few drops of olive oil in the ear twice a day for a few days prior to the appointment. The softer the wax the easier it is to remove. However, overuse of olive oil can turn the ear wax into a sticky liquid which can coat the eardrum.
If the wax isn’t completely cleared during the appointment, perhaps because the wax is too hard, then a follow up visit will be made at no extra cost.
An endoscopic micro-suction session can take between 15 to 30 minutes depending on whether one or two ears need to be cleared.
The procedure and the equipment used will be explained before treatment starts.
The results of micro-suction can generally last between 3-12 months, depending on the frequency and type of wax that is produced.