Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural and necessary part of keeping your ears healthy. However, sometimes it can build up and cause problems like muffled hearing, earaches, or a feeling of fullness. If you’re experiencing these issues, it might be time for an ear wax removal appointment.
When you come to the clinic at Lakeland Hearing in Kendal for hygienic ear wax removal, carried out by highly trained and experienced professional audiologists, apart from a warm welcome, here’s what you can expect during your visit:
1. First checks and Otoscopy:
- Handwashing: Vicky or Madeleine will start by thoroughly washing their hands to maintain hygiene.
- Otoscopy: They’ll use an otoscope, a handheld device with a light and magnifying lens, to look inside your ear canal. This allows them to assess the amount and location of the wax buildup, check for any signs of infection, and examine the general health of your ear canal. They’ll also visually inspect the outer ear (pinna – the visible part of the outer ear that collects sound waves) to ensure the whole ear is healthy.
2. Choosing the Right Removal Method:
Based on the otoscopy findings and having established that your problem is indeed a wax blockage, your audiologist will determine the best technique for removing the ear wax. Our two main methods are:
- Microsuction: This more usual method uses a small suction device to carefully remove the wax. It’s generally considered less likely to cause infection. It’s also the preferred safe method for people with a perforated eardrum or other ear conditions that make irrigation unsuitable.
- Irrigation: This method uses a controlled jet of warm water to gently flush out the wax. This controlled pulse of water gently washes the wax out of the ear canal to relieve the blockage. If the wax is very runny, irrigation can sometimes produce better results for completely clearing the ear canal.
3. The Removal Procedure:
- Irrigation:
- A paper towel is placed over your shoulder to protect your clothing.
- You’ll hold a small container called a “noots tank” under your ear to collect the water.
- Our audiologist will use a specialized syringe or irrigation device to gently pulse warm water into your ear canal, loosening and flushing out the wax.
- Your ear will be carefully dried with a cotton swab or absorbent material.
- Microsuction:
- You’ll need to remain still during the procedure.
- A small plastic funnel or speculum will be inserted into your ear canal to provide a clear view.
- Using the otoscope for visualization, we use a thin metal suction tube to carefully “hoover” out the wax.
- You may hear some noise from the suction device, but it’s generally not painful.
4. Post-Procedure Check-up:
- Once all the wax is removed, we use the otoscope again to check all is healthy with your ear canal and eardrum.
5. Hygiene and Clean-up:
- Once they have cared for you, your audiologist cleanses their hands again and all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, ready for the next client.
By understanding what to expect during your ear wax removal appointment, you can feel more relaxed and confident about the process. Remember, maintaining healthy ears is essential for your overall well-being, and a professional ear wax removal can make a significant difference in your hearing, comfort and enjoyment of day-to-life.
Book your ear wax removal appointment with us today.