Ear Wax removal by microsuction
What is ear wax?
Ear wax (also known as cerumen) is a substance naturally made by the skin of the ear canal to lubricate and protect your ears. In normal amounts it is fine and doesn’t need removal. In some people it can be troublesome leading to a range of ear symptoms.
Who is at risk of ear wax problems.
Ear wax build up can affect anybody at any time but more likely to affect:
- People who wear hearing aids, ear plugs and ear buds
- People with anatomical abnormalities e.g. narrow ear canals
- People who use cotton buds to clean their ears
- Older people
- People with skin conditions e.g. eczema or hairy ears
What problems can ear wax blockage cause:
Hearing loss – this is the most common problem. If related to ear wax the hearing loss will instantly be reversed with normal hearing post treatment. To obtain a true assessment of hearing, ears need to be clear of wax.
- Ear pain – Blockage and especially hard wax can stimulate the ear drum which is incredibly sensitive and cause pain. By removing wax the pain will instantly be resolved.
- Dizziness
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus).
- Feeling of fulness in the ear.
How can ear wax blockage be treated?
Ear wax blockage can be treated by 3 main methods:
- Home remedy: using over the counter drops or olive oil to soften the wax so that it runs out.
- Syringing – using water to flush out the wax. This maybe offered by some GP surgeries but is not recommended by ear specialists and should never be done if there is perforation (hole in the ear drum).
- Microsuction – This is the method preferred by ENT specialists. It entails a trained expert using a suction device and a microscope to magnify the view. Using microsuction means all wax can removed under direct vision and a full inspection of the ear canal and ear drum can be carried out. Newcastle Health only offers microsuction.
Who performs microsuction?
Microsuction can be offered by anybody appropriately trained who has the equipment. At Newcastle Health we believe all treatments and consultations should be carried by experts. All our microsuction is only carried out consultant ENT surgeon.
How much does microsuction cost?
£50 for 1 ear
£75 for both ears
How long does it take?
Duration of treatment varies depending on how much wax is present but it usually takes around 5-10 minutes per ear.
Is it painful?
The treatment itself is not painful, some patients can find it uncomfortable if there is lots of wax present. It can be loud due to noise of the suction.
Is any special preparation needed?
To make the treatment as smooth as possible it is best if you can apply olive to your ears everyday for 2 weeks before the treatment.
Call us now on 01918181003 now to book.