EAR WAX REMOVAL BY MICROSUCTION
Professional ear wax removal using microsuction.
Jo is qualified in microsuction ear wax removal and offers a careful, professional service for people experiencing troublesome or impacted ear wax.
WHAT IS MICROSUCTION?
Removing ear wax without water.
Microsuction is a method of removing ear wax using a small suction device while the practitioner has a clear view of the ear canal.
Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction does not involve flushing water into the ear. This allows wax to be removed under direct observation and can make it suitable in circumstances where irrigation may not be appropriate.
The equipment can sound quite loud inside the ear, but the procedure is usually straightforward and you can tell Jo immediately if anything feels uncomfortable.
WHEN EAR WAX BECOMES A PROBLEM
Ear wax is normal — but sometimes too much builds up.
Ear wax normally helps protect the ear canal. It does not need to be routinely removed simply because it is present.
Removal may be appropriate when wax becomes impacted, causes troublesome symptoms or prevents the ear from being properly examined.
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Blocked feeling
A sensation of fullness, pressure or the feeling that the ear is blocked.
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Reduced hearing
Impacted wax can sometimes reduce hearing in the affected ear.
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Other symptoms
Wax may also be associated with discomfort, itchiness, tinnitus or irritation in some people.
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR APPOINTMENT?
Assessment comes before removal.
01
Discuss
Jo will ask about your symptoms and relevant ear history, including previous surgery, perforation, infections, discharge or difficulties with previous wax removal.
02
Examine
The ear canal is examined so Jo can assess the wax and check whether microsuction appears appropriate.
03
Remove
Where appropriate, the wax is carefully removed using microsuction while the ear canal remains under observation.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Soft wax is often easier to remove.
Depending on the condition of the wax, using an appropriate wax-softening product beforehand may make removal easier.
If Jo has given you specific preparation instructions for your appointment, follow those rather than using additional products unnecessarily.
Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax further inward and can damage the ear canal or eardrum.
YOUR EAR HISTORY MATTERS
Please tell Jo about previous ear problems.
Before microsuction, it is important to mention any previous ear surgery, known or suspected perforated eardrum, grommets, recurring infections, ear discharge, significant dizziness or complications from previous ear procedures.
This information helps determine whether microsuction is appropriate or whether you should be assessed by another healthcare professional.
WHEN EAR WAX MAY NOT BE THE ANSWER
Not every hearing or ear problem is caused by wax.
If examination does not show troublesome wax, removing wax will not be presented as the solution to symptoms that may have another cause.
Persistent pain, discharge, significant dizziness, suspected infection or other concerning findings may need assessment by a GP, audiologist, ENT service or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss should not simply be assumed to be ear wax. Seek appropriate medical assessment.
Professional assessment is part of the service.
The aim is not simply to use microsuction on every ear. It is to assess what is present, decide whether wax removal is appropriate and carry it out carefully when it is.
Would you like to book ear wax removal?
If you have troublesome ear wax or would like to ask whether microsuction may be appropriate, you can book an appointment or contact Jo first.