Professional Ear Care Service
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TELL ME ABOUT EAR WAX!
What is ear wax? What does ear wax do? Why do we get ear wax?
What is ear wax?
Wax is a natural substance found in the outer ear. It is important because it protects the ear in several ways.
What does ear wax do?
It acts as a barrier, preventing dust, hairs and foreign bodies getting into the ear.
It is a lubricant so keeps the outer ear moist, preventing dryness.
It is bactericidal, so helps protect the ear from infection
Why do we get ear wax?
Most of the time, ears are self-cleaning and wax makes its own way out of the ear. However, sometimes if wax becomes excessive or troublesome, it may need to be removed.
METHODS OF REMOVAL
There are several options for the safe removal of wax from ears which are discussed in more detail below
Microsuction
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is a method of removing wax using a suction machine. Some people, who may have had ear surgery or who may have a perforation, will have microsuction as an alternative to irrigation (ear syringing).
The procedure
You will lie on a couch or sit in a reclining chair whilst the nurse looks into your ear through a microscope or loupe glasses. She will place a small instrument into the ear which is attached to a tube and the wax will be removed by suction.
No water is involved in this procedure, although Linda or the other Specialist Nurses may use an olive oil spray if the wax is hard.
Irrigation
What is irrigation?
In this procedure a controlled jet of warm water is instilled into the outer ear, rinsing the wax out. The ear is dried afterwards.
The procedure
The clinician will ensure they have direct vision into your ear canal by using a headlight and loupe glasses. You will sit in a chair and hold a receptacle called a noots to collect the water and wax.
This method is not suitable for people who have had previous ear problems or ear surgery, so a full history is taken at every consultation
Instrumentation
What is instrumentation?
Instrumentation is a method of removing wax using an instrument. This may be appropriate if the wax is at the outside of the ear canal.
The procedure
The clinician will ensure they have direct vision into your ear canal by using a headlight and loupe glasses. They will gently tease the wax out of your ear with an appropriate instrument.