Safe and Comfortable: The Advantages of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal over Ear Water Irrigation in Stoke-on-Trent

Excessive earwax build-up can cause symptoms such as earache, hearing loss, dizziness and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Ear wax can also block the ear canal, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi and increasing the risk of ear infections. So, Ear Wax Removal is very important for health.

Microsuction is a dry procedure and no water is flushed into the ear canal which significantly reduces the risk of infection. This method has many advantages over syringing and ear irrigation.

1. No Water

Ear microsuction is a dry procedure which significantly reduces the risk of infection. Unlike ear syringing and ear irrigation it does not involve any water being flushed into the ear canal and this makes it safer for those with a perforated eardrum, previous infections or a mastoid cavity.

The Safe ear wax removal Staffordshire is also much more hygienic than reaching for the cotton buds, which can cause more problems than they solve. Although the ear canals are designed to self-clean, many people still use cotton buds for this purpose, often causing blockages and further wax build-up.

It is possible to experience a feeling of dizziness during the ear wax removal process or shortly afterwards. This is due to the temperature of the ear canal cooling down during treatment and will usually only last for a few minutes. In some cases, a slight reduction in hearing is experienced, but this will usually be temporary as well. Using a trained professional is the best way to prevent any side effects from occurring. Infections, ear pain and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) are all potential complications from syringing which is why it is important to visit an audiologist instead of trying a DIY method at home.

2. No Mess

Unlike traditional ear wax removal methods such as syringes which often involve messy and time-consuming ear drops, microsuction is a quick and clean process. Your audiologist simply inserts a small tube into the ear canal and uses suction to remove the ear wax, meaning there is no mess at all.

Ear Wax removal using microsuction is also a far safer option for those with a perforated ear drum. The vacuum action of the microsuction device doesn’t cause any damage to the delicate ear canal, and because there is no water involved you won’t risk any side effects like tinnitus or dizziness.

If you are experiencing issues with itching, tinnitus or feeling blocked up it could be due to excess ear wax. Don’t try to remove it yourself with a cotton bud or spiral ear wax remover as this can push the wax deeper into your ear canal and lead to an infection. Book in for a safe and effective ear wax removal appointment with a specialist today. Our audiologist Bryan Tiller RHAD is fully trained and qualified in this advanced method of ear wax removal.

3. No Ear Drops

In comparison with ear irrigation there is no need to apply softening ear wax drops to the ear prior to your treatment. This is because microsuction uses a special microscope to magnify the view of your ear canal which makes it easier for us to remove hardened and impacted ear wax.

Ear microsuction is a dry procedure, meaning no water is used or flushed into the ear which significantly reduces the risk of infection. In addition, because our ear experts have such a clear view of the ear canal they are able to precisely target the wax and remove it without pushing anything into the ear drum.

Some patients experience dizziness or a feeling of vertigo during the microsuction ear wax removal process, and sometimes shortly afterwards. This is because the suction used in ear microsuction causes the temperature of the ear canal to change. This sensation usually passes quickly and does not last long. Infection is also very rare with microsuction ear wax removal as we only use sterile, single-use tools. Some of the rare side effects of ear microsuction include noise damage and temporary hearing reduction, caused by the sudden suction.

4. No Pain

Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction is a dry procedure that does not touch the ear canal. This makes it a much safer option for those with a perforated ear drum or other ear conditions.

The process itself is a relatively quick and simple one. The audiologist will use the microscope to get a clear view of the ear canal before using a specialised suction device (which operates like a low-pressure vacuum) to remove the wax. The entire process should only take a matter of minutes, with no discomfort in most cases.

This method of removing ear wax has been widely adopted as the preferred one by health professionals, with older methods such as syringing being regarded as outdated. It’s far safer than trying to remove earwax yourself at home, which should never be done without the help of a professional as it can cause damage to the ear canal or even tinnitus. It is also much more comfortable than older earwax removal techniques such as syringes and irrigation. Generally, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your hearing once the earwax has been removed.

5. No Complications

The procedure uses a sterile tube to insert into your ear canal and a specialised suction device that works at low pressure – not dissimilar to a small vacuum cleaner. This allows the clinician to view your ear canal and ear drum in great detail whilst clearing away excess wax – so there’s minimal risk of causing any damage or injury to either.

It’s also a completely dry procedure which reduces the risk of infection compared to syringing or irrigation and is suitable for those with a perforated eardrum, grommet, cleft palate or mastoid bone. It’s safe for children too!

Some people may experience a slight feeling of dizziness during or shortly after microsuction but it should not last long. This is due to the fact that your ear canal temperature will drop during the treatment.

Conclusion

Earwax is a natural, self-cleaning substance which helps to protect your ears from infection by moisturising the wax and preventing it from building up. Using a cerumenolytic for a few days before your appointment is recommended as this can help to soften the ear wax and make the removal process much easier.