31 Dec The Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
The Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Did you know earwax – cerumen – is not made of wax at all? It gets its name from its waxy consistency but is made up of dead skin, hair and an oily secretion from glands in your ears. Normal ear wax can be in various colours, including yellow, brown, and orange. It can be dry and hard, wet and sticky, or anything in between. While it is perfectly normal to have wax in your ears, sometimes it can build up enough to cause problems. At Adelaide Hearing, we use microsuction to remove wax gently. Understanding why we have wax in our ears, the symptoms of too much wax, and why microsuction is an excellent way to remove the wax from your ears can help maintain ear health and prevent discomfort.
Why do we have wax in our ears?
The wax in your ears serves several purposes.
- Protects Against Dirt and Debris
Earwax acts as a natural barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and other small particles before they can reach deeper into the ear canal. Once trapped in the wax, these debris are pushed out using the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism. - Moisturises the Ear Canal
The wax helps prevent the skin in the ear canal from drying out and becoming irritated. Without earwax, the ear canal might become dry, itchy, and prone to infections. Scratching one’s ears because they are itchy can damage the skin, making the ear canal vulnerable to infection. - Protects Against Infections
Earwax contains substances that help protect the ear from bacterial and fungal infections. This natural defence mechanism reduces the risk of ear infections. - Is the Ears Self-Cleaning Mechanism
The ear is designed to clean itself. Jaw movements, like chewing or talking, help push earwax and trapped debris out of the ear canal naturally, keeping it clear and healthy. Most of the time, you do not even notice when earwax comes out of your ear; sometimes, it will tickle a little bit as it moves out of your ear canal.
Symptoms of too much ear wax
Not only is it normal to have wax in your ears, but some wax is also good for your ears. However, sometimes, you can get a build-up of wax, which can cause problems. The symptoms of too much ear wax include:
- A feeling of ear fullness with decreased hearing
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Feedback from hearing aids if you are a hearing aid user.
Why Microsuction is the Safer Choice for Ear Wax Removal
While it can be tempting to reach for cotton tips and try to remove the wax yourself, this is dangerous and can make the situation worse. Cotton tips can push the wax further, making it harder to remove. It can also cause significant damage to your ear, such as a perforated eardrum or damage to the ear canal, which can lead to infection. Ear candling is also a dangerous and ineffective method of wax removal.
If you have wax in your ears that is causing a problem, it is best that a professional has a look and removes the wax for you. At Adelaide Hearing, we use microsuction to remove wax from people’s ears. The reason we use microsuction is because it has several advantages over other methods, including:
- It is gentle as it uses a low-pressure suction to remove the wax.
- Unlike other methods, such as ear candling, it is an effective way to remove wax.
- Microsuction is safe. Your audiologist uses a special type of microscope to examine your ear as they remove the wax. This enables them to see the ear structures and safely remove the wax.
- Using microsuction does not involve putting water in the ear, which can cause further problems in some ears – particularly those with a history of eardrum perforations.
Hearing Solutions at Adelaide Hearing
Adelaide Hearing is an independent, locally owned hearing clinic, known for delivering genuine, transparent, and effective hearing care, proudly serving the hearing health of our local community for over 20 years. With clinics in Torrens Park and Fulham Gardens, we offer a comprehensive range of services ensuring you receive the best recommendations and solutions for your hearing needs.
For more information or to book your microsuction wax removal appointment today, call Adelaide Hearing on 08 8357 2290.