Ear Microsuction and Hearing Tests

10 / Aug

Ear Wax Removal In Chippenham Book Now

A build-up of ear wax is common among people of all ages but what is the best way to remove it? With an estimated 2.3 million people in the UK suffering from ear wax problems annually, one of the best solutions is ear microsuction, which can be done in various settings including hearing specialists, pharmacies or GP surgeries (although this is less common nowadays).

Symptoms of ear wax build-up can include hearing loss, earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked, ringing or buzzing in your ears (known as Tinnitus) and vertigo which is feeling dizzy and sick. If you have any of these symptoms you may have excess ear wax and you may need to get your ears checked. Choosing to ignore it may eventually lead to more serious problems, including ear infections. The good news is that patients can arrange ear microsuction at Chippenham Pharmacy and Healthcare Clinic. Contact us now for more information!

Hearing loss will overtake diabetes and cataracts in the UK’s top 10 disease burdens by 2030.

What Is Ear Microsuction?

Ear microsuction is a non-invasive, effective procedure that uses a mild suction to remove wax from your ears, no matter how soft or hard it may be. It is a safe and painless technique that doesn’t require squirting water into your ear or using ear wax softeners although on occasions you may be asked to use ear drops prior to your appointment to soften the wax. It involves inserting a low-pressure suction probe into the ear which will remove excess wax and debris.

Thanks to the latest technology, ear wax removal is considerably faster and much more effective than previously. At Chippenham Pharmacy and Healthcare Clinic, we use the Tympa system that offers a faster and easier way to ensure good ear and hearing health. This state-of-the-art system can be used by our highly trained health team members to perform digital otoscopy, ear microsuction wax removal, and a hearing test, all done within a 30-minute appointment.

What Are The Benefits Of Ear Microsuction?

The main benefit of ear microsuction is that it is a quick and effective way to remove ear wax. It is also safe for people of all ages, including children. In addition, it can help to improve your hearing if you have a build-up of ear wax that is affecting it. There are many reasons why you should choose ear microsuction over other methods, including the following:

The process is quick and painless
It is highly effective
There is no need for any type of ear drop or solution to be used before the procedure although you may need to on occasion following a consultation with a healthcare professional
Healthcare professionals can clearly see inside your ear during the procedure
It doesn’t expose your ear canal to any moisture, as with ear irrigation
It can be done by a hearing specialist, in a pharmacy or in a GP practice.

What Can Ear Microsuction Be Used For?

Although many people may associate ear microsuction with removing a build-up of earwax, it can also be used to remove other foreign objects. Since ear irrigation has some usage limitations in people with pre-existing conditions, it is often performed on people with

foreign matter in their ear
mild otitis externa (outer ear infection)

Is Ear Microsuction Safe?

Yes, ear microsuction is safe for most people and in most instances but there are a few exceptions. If you have a hole in your eardrum, an active middle ear infection or a severe case of an outer ear infection, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before doing anything.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Ear Microsuction?

In terms of risks or complications, there are very few associated with ear microsuction. However, some patients may experience the following symptoms in very rare cases and only if the procedure is not done properly:

Ear pain
Ear infection
Temporary hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

What To Expect During Ear Microsuction

During the procedure, you will be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Your healthcare professional will then insert a small, soft tube into your ear and connect it to the suction device. The suction will then pull the wax out of your ear. You may feel a slight pressure in your ear when the suction is applied, but there shouldn’t be any pain.

What To Expect After The Procedure

After the ear microsuction procedure, you may have some mild ear pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear. This is normal and should improve within a few hours. You may also have some drainage from your ear, which is also normal. Avoid putting any type of ear drops or solution in your ear for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You should also avoid flying or diving for at least 24 hours after the procedure. In most cases, you should be able to return to your normal activities the day after the procedure.

Treating Earwax Build-up On Your Own

If you have a mild case of earwax build-up, there are a few things you can do on your own but nothing is guaranteed. This is especially the case with ear candles or ear vacuums since there is no evidence suggesting that they can remove earwax. Please note that you should not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove ear wax as this can push it in and make it worse. As we’ve established, one of the best options for wax removal is ear microsuction.

Ear wax is there to protect your ears from dirt and germs and while it usually falls out on its own, sometimes you need to intervene if it does not and ends up blocking your ears. In this case, put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.

Use a dropper and keep your head on the side for a few minutes so the oil can work its way through your ear canals. It may vary but if successful, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night while lying down.

When To See A Doctor For Ear Health Concerns

In most mild cases of earwax build-up, you could resolve it on your own or with ear microsuction at a GP surgery or a pharmacy. What if it’s more serious? Here are a few of the symptoms or scenarios that may warrant a visit to your doctor:

Your symptoms have not cleared after 5 days
Your ear is badly blocked and you can’t hear anything
A wax build-up that is causing pain or discomfort
You’ve had an ear injury
There is drainage or pus coming from your ear
You are experiencing vertigo or a feeling of dizziness