Ear Care

Ear wax build-up can become a problem when it is pushed into the ear canal by objects such as cotton buds in an attempt to clean them. When wax is built up in the ear canal, problems with hearing, pain, and fullness can occur.

The safest way to remove ear wax build-up is to consult a medical professional.

Microsuction is one of the quickest and most effective forms of removal. The procedure uses a miniature vacuum cleaner device which gently removes the wax through suction which the practitioner can see through a microscope into the ear.

Microsuction of the middle ear is an extremely safe and comfortable method of cleaning the ear which does not carry the same risk of trauma and infection that is associated with syringing techniques. 

Earmicrosuction may not be advised if you have certain ear problems. In particular, if you:

• Experiencing balance problems, Ménière’s disease or vertigo attacks within the last 30 days
• Variable hearing loss (not associated with wax) within the last 30 days
• Discharge in the ear. Discharge that contains blood matter, pus or fluid
• Pain in the outer or middle ear.  Perforation of tympanic membrane (ear drum(s))
• If patient cannot keep their head still (Parkinson’s, etc)
• Hard impacted wax (for instance impacted through force by use of a cotton bud) – 5 days of oil must be used prior to micro suction being performed
• Wax beyond the second bend of the canal- (due to loss of depth perception)
• Foreign bodies which cannot be removed after a number of attempts (batteries, insects, etc)

Procedure Time: 20-30 minutes.

Back to Work: Straight away.

Pain: mild.

Anaesthetic: None required

Side Effects: mild pain, redness

Recovery Time: Immediate

Results:Immediate

Duration of Results: Semi-Permanent to permanent 

In this procedure, the ear canal is washed out with warm water. Irrigating the ear with water will usually clear plugs of earwax. This procedure is only safe if the plug of earwax has been softened. Irrigation when the wax is hard increases the risks of perforating the ear drum. 

If it is deemed that irrigation is the best method to remove any debris from the ear, it will be recommended that the wax is softened with ear drops (such as olive oil ear drops) to soften wax 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks before you have ear irrigation.  This is available from the clinic or any pharmacy.

Ear irrigation may not be advised if you have certain ear problems. In particular, if you:

• Have had complications following this procedure in the past.
• Currently have grommets in place (grommets are small plastic tubes placed in the eardrums in an operation).
• Have had ear surgery in the past (apart from grommets that have come out at least 18 months previously and you have been discharged from the hospital ear department).
• Have a cleft palate (even if it has been repaired).
• Have an ear infection or have had an ear infection in the previous six weeks.
• Have recurring infections of the ear canal (recurring otitis externa).
• Have, or have had, a burst (perforated) ear drum.

Procedure Time: 20-30 minutes.

Back to Work: Straight away.

Pain: mild.

Anaesthetic: None required

Side Effects: mild pain, redness

Recovery Time: Immediate

Results:Immediate

Duration of Results: Semi-Permanent to permanent