Click Hearing offers two different types of service for ear wax removal.
Ear wax removal via Microsuction is where the wax is removed using a gentle suction and a high power microscope to view the ear canal and drum. Many Ear Nose and Throat Doctors prefer this method and it is available from our Upminster, Hornchurch, Chelmsford and Ramsden Heath practices.
Ear wax removal using irrigation is a more traditional method of ear wax removal and offers a less invasive and quieter process than microsuction and is therefore better suited for very nervous or anxious clients. It is available from our Upminster, Hornchurch and Chelmsford Duke Street practices.
Microsuction is almost always a ‘same day’ treatment. The ear wax and the ear canal remain in clear vision for the practitioner during the procedure. This improves efficiency of the clearance and reduces risk. Most ear cleaning by microsuction is 100% successful on the first time, with minimal or no oil installation required in advance.
You will have a digital video health check of the ear canal before and after treatment. You can also receive a hearing test to ensure that the hearing is normal after removal of the ear wax.
Removal of ear wax by microsuction is usually comfortable, but the vacuum can be noisy. If the wax is very hard or stuck to the eardrum, there can occasionally be some discomfort. Should you find the procedure uncomfortable, please let your practitioner know. When this is the case we may advise for you to use some drops or oil to soften the ear wax and return for another visit.
You can read a bit more about the safety of microsuction here.
Irrigation follows much the same procedure as microsuction, with a digital health check performed before the process begins, known as a video otoscopy.
Irrigation cannot be performed if the ears have been operated on, have a perforation or any open abrasions. Clients with mastoid cavities are also excluded from having irrigation. We cannot offer Ear Irrigation if you have diabetes or if you have received radiation treatment to the ear canal.
The process uses a gentle, steady stream of water to dislodge the wax. A basin is held under the ear to catch the expelled wax and water.
The ear wax and the ear canal remain in clear vision for the practitioner during the procedure with wax successfully removed almost 100% of the time.
Irrigation is quieter and less invasive than microsuction and is probably a better choice if your wax is very hard or stuck to the eardrum where microsuction can occasionally cause some discomfort.
Both processes are equally effective in removing ear wax. It often comes down to customer preference. Many do not like the noise that microsuction gives and irrigation is often better when the ear wax is softer or stickier through extensive use of ear drops. However, many prefer the ‘hoovering’ process of microsuction to be more pleasant and this is the process to choose if there has been any previous damage to the ear canal or you have a perforated ear drum
The microsuction and irrigation processes are designed to leave your ears clear of any excessive ear wax and blockage. It is natural to have some ear wax in your ears at all times as it forms a protective barrier for your inner ear from dirt and other detritus. For further information on the role ear wax has to play view our article Why do our ears get blocked with wax?
We allow for 20 -30 minutes for Whichever ear wax removal process you choose. This allows us to perform a digital health check of your ears before the process, which is typically displayed on a nearby monitor.
Once completed the ears are checked again to ensure that the excessive ear wax has been completely removed.
