A buildup of ear wax can cause a range of issues, the most common of which is hearing loss, but left untreated ear wax build up can lead to vertigo, earache or even tinnitus. If you use a hearing aid, having too much wax in your ear can also prevent it from working properly.
Other symptoms can include itchiness or a sense of pressure in your ears. None of these symptoms are pleasant, but the good news is that they are temporary and typically go away once the offending ear wax is removed.
In the past, syringing ear wax was the most common way to remove it, but microsuction ear wax removal is now more common and preferred by patients.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
During microsuction, your practitioner will use a gentle suction device to remove the excess ear wax. Unlike other methods of removing ear wax, microsuction doesn’t use any water in the process, which makes it suitable for a broader range of people.
Throughout the procedure, your practitioner will be viewing your ear through a microscope, which means they can see what they’re doing and know where to direct the microsuction device to remove the ear wax as quickly as possible.
Does microsuction hurt?
Microsuction is considered to be a painless procedure, although it can feel a little uncomfortable if you have particularly hard ear wax that has built up in your ear.
An appointment typically lasts for 30 minutes, so it doesn’t take too long either.
Why do some people get a build up of ear wax?
There are a range of reasons why ear wax builds up, but the most common is that the glands lining your ear canal are producing too much ear wax, which means your body can’t clear it quickly enough.
But the size and shape of your ears can also play a role in the amount of ear wax your body produces, as well as how easily it is able to escape from the ear. If you have narrow or curved ear canals, for example, you are more susceptible to ear wax build up.
Consistently using headphones or earbuds, as many of us do, can also have an impact, because these can prevent your ear wax naturally moving out of your ear. Ear wax build up can happen at any stage of your life, so if you notice that you are having difficulty hearing, or are experiencing any pain in your ears, it’s important to get checked by an audiologist.
Does microsuction ear wax removal work for everyone?
Microsuction is a very effective ear wax removal technique that can be used safely with the vast majority of people. In particular, because it doesn’t use water (like syringing or irrigation techniques do) you can still have microsuction if one of these alternatives isn’t suitable.
This could be if you’ve had a middle ear infection in the last two months, if you have a perforated ear drum or if you have a cleft palate. If you’re concerned or have any questions, speak to your audiologist and they will be able to give you advice based on your specific circumstances.