PATIENT INFORMATION

Earwax, the medical term being cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal with the role of protecting the skin, assisting in lubrication, and protecting against bacteria, water and foreign bodies such as insects. It consists of shed skin cells, hair and the secretions of the sebaceous glands of the outer ear canal.

Excess or impacted cerumen can block the ear canal or hearing aid, impeding the passage of sound which then causes a conductive hearing loss (hearing loss due to an obstruction). Excess earwax, if left untreated, can then cause other symptoms such as:

Earache/discomfort
Irritation of the outer ear
Tinnitus
Itching within the canal
Your own voice sounding different
Dizziness
Vertigo
A feeling of pressure within the ear

Some people naturally produce a lot of wax, but the use of devices such as hearing aids, ear plugs and earphones, makes it more likely for excess wax to occur.

Micro-suction for many people, can offer a long lasting, quick and effective method of removing excess wax. It is one of the safest methods of wax removal and involves a small suction tube being inserted into the ear canal, gently removing the wax with low pressure suction; working in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner. Although it can be quite noisy, it should be quick and painless. If the wax is impacted and very hard, it can be slightly uncomfortable. It will be more comfortable if the ears have been prepared using olive oil for a number of nights prior to your appointment.

Micro-suction can be carried out on anybody but is particularly useful for those who:

Have had previous ear surgery
Have a painful ear infection
Have had previous problems with water irrigation
Have a perforation of their ear drum

Call now on: 07389 738760

Nicola Carmichael