Why microsuction is the best form of ear wax removal
Ear wax build up is a common issue. Two glands in the skin of the ear canal produce wax. The purpose of ear wax is:
- to trap dead skin. Jaw movements help to move the wax and dead skin from the opening of the ear canal. This is what is meant by the ear being “self-cleaning”.
- Lubricates the ear canal so that the skin does not dry out
- Protects the ear from infections.
While the above is what is supposed to happen, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes wax/dead skin gets trapped in the ear canal and needs a helping hand to have it removed. This is for a few reasons:
- Some people produce a lot more ear wax than normal
- Narrow and bending ear canals are more likely to trap the wax
- Some people don’t help the process by trying to remove the wax themselves using cotton buds. This results in the ear wax being pushed deeper into the canal.
When the above occurs, the following symptoms may occur:
- Ears feel blocked
- Temporary loss of hearing
- Pressure feeling in ear
- Soreness or discomfort in ear
- Ringing or buzzing sound perceived in the ear known as Tinnitus.
Microsuction the safest and most effective way to remove wax from the ear canal. This is usually performed by audiologists or ENT Specialists. This blog will discuss the reasons why microsuction is considered the best option for ear wax removal.
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is the removal of ear wax via suction. A thin needle (blunt), of various sizes, are attached to a hose (tube) that is in turn attached to a suction machine. A binocular microscope (or equivalent) is used by the audiologist to get a good, clear view of the canal (and wax). The needle is used to suction up wax (and dead skin) in a precise and controlled way.
Why is microsuction the best choice?
The following are some of the main reasons why microsuction is the best method for ear wax removal:
1.Safety First
Microsuction ear wax removal is considered to be the safest method. The fact that suction is used to remove wax makes it the safest. As the wax is suctioned up the needle and tube, it is moving is a safe direction – away from the ear drum and deep sections of the ear canal. The irrigation method requires water to be pushed into the ear canal that may put pressure on the ear drum or even possibly damage it. As the wax is removed under binocular microscopic vision, the audiologist can see exactly what is happening reducing any risk of injury.
2. Precise and effective
The binocular microscopic vision allows the audiologist to place the needle (nozzle) precisely into the bed of wax or dead skin. The audiologist can get a direct view of the ear canal ensuring all wax is removed from the ear canal.
3.Good for complex cases
Difficult cases include deep wax, narrow ear canals, sensitive ear canals, perforated ear drums, or any combination of the beforementioned. All these examples are contraindications for ear irrigation. The precise and accurate nature of microsuction makes it a very effective form of wax removal for these more complex cases.
4.Quick and efficient
A typical case of ear canal blockage due to ear wax takes only a matter of minutes when the method of microsuction is used. Again, as the audiologist gets a direct real-time view as the wax is removed, wax can be removed quite quickly with very good accuracy.
How does microsuction measure up against other forms of ear wax removal?
Ear Syringing/Irrigation: while it may be effective in some instances, it is not recommended for narrow canals or deep wax and can damage the ear drum or cause infections post treatment.
Ear Candling: this method has been discredited due to its ineffectiveness of removing wax and its chances of burning the ear canal and ear drum.
Manual removal: this is an effective method of removing wax for a skilled audiologist and is often used in conjunction with microsuction.
Ear wax drops: these can be very effective at softening ear wax. In some cases, this may help the wax break up and come out on its own accord. Often though it will need a helping hand to come out and microsuction is the best solution.
Who can benefit from microsuction?
Microsuction is suitable for anyone requiring ear wax removal including:
- People who make a significant amount of wax that builds up quickly
- Individuals with narrow or sensitive ear canals
- Those with perforated ear drums or a history of ear surgeries
- Hearing aid wearers as wax will make them less effective.
Conclusion
Microsuction is the clear winner when it comes to wax removal. When performed by a skilled audiologist it will ensure safe, precise and efficient ear wax removal.