Ear wax removal by microsuction

Ear wax removal by microsuction

microsuction

Our registered nurse has specialist training in ear wax removal using microsuction allowing us to offer a fast, safe and high-quality service to adults and children at very competitive prices. Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a precision suction apparatus to suction unwanted or obstructing skin cells and wax from the ear canal. We use surgical lenses which provide binocular magnification so that the tip of the suction tube is always under direct vision.

Ear wax removal is commonly carried out in GP surgeries or audiology clinics using ear irrigation which involves injecting a jet of water into the ear to remove the wax. Microsuction ear wax removal has many benefits in comparison: safer – the clinician can see what he/she is doing. Faster – it provides immediate results.

Microsuction is usually done as an outpatient appointment meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. It usually takes 15-20 minutes. During microsuction your consultant will use a microscope to examine your ear canal. They will insert a tiny suction tube (called a cannula) into the canal and suction any blockage from the area. Sometimes sterile saline solution is used to help break up wax or debris.

Microsuction is a procedure which uses gentle suction to remove excessive or troublesome earwax. It is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and a finely calibrated suction device, without the introduction of any materials or liquids. You may be asked to use olive oil spray or drops for several days beforehand. This will make the treatment easier for you. Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax. The technique means that we can always see what we are doing and can avoid touching the skin of the sides of the ear canal which makes the process a lot more comfortable.

This process uses a fine tube connected to a suction machine and does not require water to remove the wax. The procedure is safe, comfortable and painless. We view your ear canal with the aid of a microscope which allows us to see exactly what we are doing at all times. This removal process is very thorough and is particularly suitable for smaller ear canals and for those who may have suffered problems with their ears such as ear drum perforation.

What to expect from Ear Microsuction

ear canal

Our expert staff will provide you with the level of service you would expect from experienced professionals. A medical grade vacuum pump will be used to gently suck wax out of your ears while the specialist looks into your ear using a microscope.

An Accurate View of The Ear Canal

It’s difficult to perform a full hearing test when there is a build-up of wax in the ears. It can produce inaccurate test results and obstructs the view to the eardrum in order for your hearing care professional to accurately assess your hearing. It also creates issues when you need to have an ear mould impression taken, or have hearing aids fitted.

As the name suggests, microsuction employs a tiny suction tube to gently remove excess wax from your ear canal. We also use a microscope to target locations where wax has built up. Because we have a better view of your ear, microsuction is faster than irrigation, typically lasting just a few minutes. It is generally considered free from discomfort.

Microsuction is the safest technique for clearing ear wax from the ear canal. It is much safer than syringing. The microscope offers extremely magnified vision so the nurses can see extremely well, therefore they can remove wax/debris without touching the ear canal walls – a comfortable, safe procedure. The magnified view allow the ear nurse therapist to assess the ear canal and ear drum to make a diagnosis.

Unlike ear syringing or even the safer ear irrigation, there is no water used, which means less mess generally. When undertaking micro-suction, the canal and the ear wax is being directly viewed with a microscope or a set of loupes (microscopic glasses) whilst it is being removed. This makes the procedure much quicker, safer and comfortable for the patient.

Earwax should be removed if it is totally blocking the ear canal and one of the following: the person is symptomatic (with conductive hearing loss, earache, tinnitus or vertigo) the tympanic membrane is obscured by wax but needs to be viewed to establish a diagnosis the person wears a hearing aid and an impression needs to be taken for a mould, or wax is causing the hearing-aid to whistle.

Uses what is effectively a vacuum to clear out debris or wax from the ear canal a fine suction tube is gently inserted into the ear canal while being viewed through a magnifying headset.

Microsuction ear wax removal

Very occasionally people with tinnitus have reported that ear syringing made their tinnitus more troublesome. This may be when the procedure has been an uncomfortable or unpleasant experience. Some people have reported that ear syringing actually caused their tinnitus. However, considering that wax removal - particularly ear syringing - is the most common ear procedure carried out in primary care, complications are few and far between.

A comprehensive medical history will be taken microscopic examination of the inner ear canals and ear drums gentle removal of the earwax with a surgical microsuction unit. The pharmacist will wear a pair of illuminated microscopes, namely “loupes”, and air will be heard rushing through the suction wand during the procedure. There may be an occasional mild ‘pop’ as the wax is sucked through the probe. Generally, the appointment will be painless.

We use a set of high-powered magnification loupes and a special speculum to see clearly into the ear canal. The canula is then entered into the ear canal and is used to gently suck out the ear wax. The entire process usually takes no longer than twenty minutes.

The syringing of ears to remove ear wax and the buildup of wax in the ears is the traditional method of ear wax removal. Originally a metal syringe would have been used, but there was always the chance of damaging the ear drum and causing hearing damage and instead an electronic ear irrigator was use to carry out the ear irrigation to clear ear wax buildup.

Using our services ensures that you have your earwax removed safely, quickly and by a person you can trust. The process is usually over in a few minutes and the majority of people find it easy and comfortable. The technique is the safest way to remove earwax as the professional can see everything they are doing during the removal.

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Inside Riverside Pharmacy, 135 High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1AR

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