What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is entirely ordinary and necessary. The glands naturally produce it to moisten the ear canals to protect the eardrum from dust and debris, even insects. Earwax typically clears itself from the ears, but it can buildup and cause blockages in some cases.Symptoms of Ear Wax Blockage
- Earache
- Pressure
- Hearing Health loss
- Tinnitus
What Does the Ear Wax Removal Procedure Involve?
First, our fully certified hearing specialists will have a look in your ear canals with an otoscope to examine the extent of earwax buildup – our locations have a video otoscope that allows you to see inside your ear canal on the screen. If the earwax buildup is significant, we will begin the wax removal process using best-practice techniques.
Methods of Removal
Water Irrigation
Water irrigation is an effective method to remove wax and/or debris when the ear canal is healthy and the eardrum is fully intact. The water irrigation unit we use has been explicitly designed to remove ear wax. With irrigation, we aim low-pressure pulses of body temperature water to flush out the ear canal.
Micro-suction
Micro-suction is a system that effectively uses a vacuum to clear out any wax and/or debris from the ear canal. A small lighted suction tube is gently inserted into the ear canal.
Dry Removal
The Hal-Hen Ear Light is a curette instrument with replaceable tips that have a circular metal or plastic loop. The curette instruments come with various tip styles for the gentle removal of ear wax and/or debris close to the ear canal entrance. Please note that all removal methods are highly case-dependent and will be discussed with you at your appointment.Before Your Appointment
It is highly recommended that you soften the earwax by using ear drops before your appointment. Softening the wax will create a smoother and quicker removal process. It is recommended for the best removal experience to use the ear drops for 3-5+ days before your appointment. We have earwax removal drops for purchase in our hearing health clinic.
How NOT to Remove Ear Wax
People commonly use cotton swabs or hairpins to try and remove ear wax. Using cotton swabs could be doing more harm to your ear canal than you think. NEVER attempt to try to dig out ear wax on your own. You may unintentionally push the wax deeper into your ear canal, which can cause severe damage to the lining of your ear canal or even puncture your eardrum. Our hearing specialists performing the procedure have completed certification in wax removal and undertaken training and will use best-practice techniques.
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