In many cases, ear wax can be harmless, posing no real danger, as there are natural mechanisms which ideally should take care of it. The ear is naturally self-cleaning. When dead skin from the inner ear begins to migrate out, it naturally pushes out old ear wax as it is coming out. But sometimes, things go awry, and this natural process gets halted. Ear wax can build up as a result of this, and many upsetting symptoms would be the result. Pains in the ear(s), hearing loss, a ringing sensation in the ear (tinnitus), and dizziness are some of the symptoms you could notice.
When you notice these symptoms, seeking professional help is the wisest thing to do. Trying your hands at home remedies when you are not trained for this is dangerous. You could suffer lacerations, or more serious injuries in the process or even get infected. You should book a check with your professional audiologist for informed advice. Depending on findings, your audiologist or GP could choose from several professional procedures that are safe, such as Microsuction ear wax removal to get wax out of your ear.
What is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal?
Microsuction is a compound word referring to two of the primary machines used during this procedure. While ‘Micro’ is derived from the word microscope which is the viewing mechanism used during this procedure, ‘Suction’ refers to a machine used in sucking out wax from the ear. Microsuction ear wax removal then, is a clinical process in which the clinician uses a single-use probe, connected to a suction machine set at low pressure to remove ear wax while viewing the ear canal through a microscope to get a clear view of your ear canal.
How does Microsuction Earwax Removal Work?
Procedure/Steps:
At the outset, the clinician examines the ear by gently inserting a speculum and then viewing your ear canal through a microscope, and determines if this will be the best procedure. A single-use probe connected to the suction machine is set at a safe pressure level. While viewing the ear canal with a microscope the ear wax is sucked out of the ear canal until the eardrum is fully visible. In some cases, the patient will be given access to have a view of his ear canal prior to commencement of the procedure. The whole process takes a few minutes. This method is favoured for its speed, safety, and minimal risk of ear infection. Most people report that the process is painless.
Microsuction is often considered more comfortable and less messy than traditional methods such as manual ear syringing, and it is suitable for most individuals, including those with perforated eardrums or a history of previous ear surgeries.
Advantages of Using Microsuction
Many people wonder if the Microsuction method of ear wax removal is safe, and why it is chosen sometimes. As mentioned above, Microsuction is very safe. Since it is a dry procedure, you could toggle between the procedure and other activities of the day without any lasting messy effects, and it bears very minimal risk of infections for the same reason. Many patients report relief from symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain and tinnitus after the procedure.
Potential Risks/Side Effects of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
In rare cases of ear sensitivity due to thinning of the skin of the ear canal after prolonged use of cotton buds or certain ear drops, discomfort, or trauma to the ear could be recorded during this procedure. Also, trauma to the ear may occur due to sudden movement of the patient leading to the probe touching the skin of the canal.
Other side effects might include Dizziness, Noise damage, and ear infections. It is possible to feel a little dizzy after the procedure because the process actually reduces the temperature of the ear canal. This might have a dizzying effect. This feeling should not last long after the procedure as ear canal temperature quickly gets back to normalcy.
Noise damage might be reported because the suction machine can be quite loud. Some people might find this noise disturbing, and this could lead to temporary hearing loss. Again, this should be temporary and should not be viewed with too much concern. In very rare cases, tinnitus may occur, and this should be short-lived. We mitigate these by limiting the amount of time for the procedure.
The probe that goes into the ear during this procedure is single-use, and as a result, infection due to this Microsuction ear wax removal is very rare. However, if it does occur, there are very effective measures or treatments that could clear up the infection.
It is important to emphasise that because of the rarity of these cases, they should not be cause for any serious concern.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal at Home
If you are unable to attend our microsuction clinic, we offer home visits and will be happy to see you in the comfort of your home.
Microsuction Ear Wax removal FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions concerning Microsuction Ear Wax Removal:
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Videos
With several hours of YouTube videos about Microsuction sessions, there is no shortage of visual content around this subject. If you are drawn to visual contents, then you might find the following Microsuction ear wax removal videos helpful for your learning journey or just to satisfy curiosity. Warning! Do not watch if you’re squeamish.
Ear wax removal video. Warning! Do not watch if you’re squeamish.
Video from Verified Hearing
Ear wax removal video. Warning! Do not watch if you’re squeamish.
Video from Verified Hearing
Ear wax removal video. Warning! Do not watch if you’re squeamish.
Video from Verified Hearing
Our Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Reviews
What our patients say about microsuction.
References:
Microsuction ear wax removal potential side effects/FAQs. March 8, 2021
https://www.healthline.com/health
/microsuction
Accessed: Aug. 26, 2023
https://www.healthline.com/health/microsuction
Accessed: Aug. 26, 2023
