Cerumen, or ear wax as it is commonly known, is a normal secretion of the ceruminous glands in the outer meatus (ear canal). It is slightly acidic, giving it bactericidal qualities. Jaw movement (talking, eating etc) assists the movement of wax through the canal to the outside. A build-up of wax is more likely to occur in older adults, hearing aid users, people who insert implements into the ear or have narrow ear canals. Excessive wax should be removed before it becomes impacted, which can give rise to tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, pain, and discharge.
Ear Wax Removal – Equipment
We use a binocular high-powered microscope for a 3D stereoscopic view, with elevated power magnification and very bright illumination for our ear wax removal process.
The microscope, therefore, allows us to look down the narrow ear canal with two eyes, giving us good depth perception, which is very important when we are moving the sucker close to the ear canal wall and the ear drum.
The microscope also gives us lots of magnification and a very bright light and therefore a clear view of the ear canal. This makes it much safer than syringing
The microsuctionist treating you can clearly see that canal and eardrum, making it easier to assess and treat. A gentle suction device is used to clean the ear without the use of water.
It works in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner and although it can be quite noisy, it is quick and painless.
Procedure
It takes an average of 15 – 20 minutes to complete the ear wax removal procedure depending upon the amount and consistency of the wax/debris in the ear. If the object being removed is hard, then removal can be slightly uncomfortable.
The person performing the ear wax removal procedure will always advise you if they feel it is going to be uncomfortable.