Microsuction in Radlett
by Jason Levy
Posted on 25-03-2020 02:21 PM
Microsuction ear wax removal
Ear wax blocking the ear canal can be annoying, frustrating and can cause temporary hearing loss. We provide a safe and effective ear care service and are now offering microsuction ear wax removal to all our patients.
Ear wax microsuction is a procedure which uses gentle suction to remove excessive or troublesome ear wax. It is performed with the aid of a surgical microscope and a calibrated suction device, without the introduction of any materials or liquids. Ear wax microsuction is one of the safest, most effective, quickest and most comfortable methods of removing ear wax. Usually micro suction does not need pre-treatment with drops but two days of earol (clinically treated olive oil) is the best preparation. One of our audiologists will examine your ear using a microscope (either fixed or with loupes glasses) and, using a fine low pressure suction device, safely remove the blockage. Also, using a video otoscope we will show you the condition of the ear before and after the treatment.
We have a team of consultant ent surgeons, who provide a comprehensive service for patients who suffer from impacted ear wax or other types of ear-related conditions. You will be offered an appointment at the earliest convenient date for you. During your initial consultation you will be seen by a consultant, who is specifically trained and has experience of performing microsuction clearance. You will be able to explain your medical history and any concerns you might have with the surgeon who would be performing the microsuction clearance.
Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a very fine sterile suction device under a microscope. The gentle suction device is used to provide pain free and immediate results, and whilst using the microscope the audiologist can clearly see inside the ear canal during the procedure making it an entirely controlled treatment.
Unlike ear syringing or ear irrigation , where ear wax is flushed out ‘blindly’, with microscopic and microsuction ear wax removal the ear wax is being directly visualised under the microscope whilst it is being removed. This makes the procedure much quicker, safer and comfortable for the patient.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
A comprehensive medical history will be taken microscopic examination of the inner ear canals and ear drums gentle removal of the earwax with a surgical microsuction unit. The pharmacist will wear a pair of illuminated microscopes, namely “loupes”, and air will be heard rushing through the suction wand during the procedure. There may be an occasional mild ‘pop’ as the wax is sucked through the probe. Generally, the appointment will be painless.
Microsuction is the term used for cleaning ear canals under the magnified view of a surgical microscope, and using a tiny vacuum cleaner and/or tiny instruments to remove ear wax.
Traditionally, ear wax is removed by ‘syringing’, which means water is forced into your ear canal to clear the wax. Here’s why modern microsuction is better: it isn’t messy, like water. It’s much safer than syringing. Water irrigation can lead to bleeding and soreness from bruising or a resulting infection. When it goes badly wrong, syringing can perforate your ear drum or lead to tinnitus or hearing loss. Whereas microsuction is safe even if you’ve had a perforated ear drum in the past.
Microsuction is a safe wax-removal technique using specialised a high magnification binocular operating microscope allowing depth-perception and magnification to look directly into the ear canal. The clinician then uses a very fine sterile suction device at safe low pressure to remove the wax buildup.
Microsuction is usually done as an outpatient appointment meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. It usually takes 15-20 minutes. During microsuction your consultant will use a microscope to examine your ear canal. They will insert a tiny suction tube (called a cannula) into the canal and suction any blockage from the area. Sometimes sterile saline solution is used to help break up wax or debris.
The Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Micro-suction ear wax removal is one of the safest methods of ear cleaning and it is an ideal method of wax removal for people who have had a perforation to their eardrum or who have had any mid-ear surgery. Microsuction uses no water for the ear wax removal and there is no mess and little fuss. Lindsay is fully qualified and certified in carrying out this simple and effective treatment for ear wax blockages.
Earwax is naturally occurring and serves an important purpose. On occasion earwax can build in the ear canal and can cause hearing loss or discomfort. For many people, microsuction offers a quick and long-lasting solution to hearing loss. Years of excess wax build up can be gently removed - providing an immediate improvement to their quality of life. It helps to protect and clean the inside of the ear by creating a natural protective layer. Other wax removal treatments such as syringing often completely clear the canal of all wax, leaving no protective layer inside the ear. Microsuction is a much more controlled treatment which allows your audiologist to carefully remove excess wax whilst preserving a necessary level of protection.
If you’re suffering from a blocked ear or impacted ear wax, our audiologists are fully trained in microsuction ear wax removal and can help you safely remove the blockage and get you back to feeling normal.
Wax microsuction is the gold standard ear wax removal technique. It involves the use of an air suction device at low operating pressure to remove wax from the ear, all performed under an operating microscope. It is the safest and quickest means to conveniently remove ear wax and allows full visualisation of the ear canal so that any touching of the sensitive skin layer or fine hairs within the ear canal can, in most instances, be avoided. It is advised that wax softening drops (such as earol) are used by patients a few days prior to attending for wax removal.
Ear wax removal by microsuction is the safest most effective method for the removal of ear wax from ear canals. Due to the nature of the suction, ear wax can be removed from the ear, irrespective of whether it is soft or hard. This differs from other methods such as syringing and water irrigation where wax has to be treated beforehand with drops to encourage a softer consistency.
MICROSUCTION EAR WAX REMOVAL
Ear wax and your hearing ear wax is a naturally occurring substance in healthy ears, but it’s quite common for wax to build up in the ear canal and can impair hearing. How do I know if I need ear wax removal? Sometimes you may not even know you have a wax build up or you may have a feeling of fullness in your ears, or you may have difficulty hearing. You can visit any bay audiology clinic, and we can look into your ear and tell you if you have wax that needs removing. Some people build up wax very quickly and require regular wax removal.
Microsuction is a safe, quick and painless method of removing a build-up of ear wax in the ear canals using a medical suction pump, suction wand and an ear endoscope to enable observation by the practitioner. This sterile vacuum breaks down and removes the ear wax very gently from the canals. This method was traditionally only used in hospitals or ent clinics; however, it has now become more widely available as a service in private ear clinics. Microsuctioning is considered to be the safest and fastest method of ear wax removal by far.
Usually, microsuction does not even require pretreatment of ear drops. A fully qualified audiologist, will look into the ear canal through a binaural microscope (either fixed or with glasses) and, using a very fine suction device at low temperature, will safely remove the wax.
If ear drops or ear irrigation do not work, other options include: microsuction, which is a quick and comparatively painless treatment involving a small device which sucks out the wax from your ear. This is usually a safe option even if you have a damaged ear drum. An aural toilet uses a thin instrument with a hoop at one end to clean your ear and remove the wax.
Unlike ear syringing and ear irrigation, it is safe for people who have a perforated eardrum, previous infections or an ear blockage. The reason is that microsuction safely removes wax using pinpoint accuracy, rather than pushing anything into the eardrum.
There are few limitations or cons of micro suction earwax removal, microscopes or loupes if used provide a narrow view. However, it just means that we re-adjust our positioning so we can get the view we need. Micro suction ear wax removal is regarded as being exceptionally safe and well tolerated. However no treatment of ear wax is completely risk-free.
Ear wax removal using Microsuction
Some clinics can perform microsuction to remove earwax. During this procedure a clinician will use a microscope to look into the ear canal and a very tiny suction device to suck out the wax. This technique can be a very safe and effective way to removing persistent blockages.
Earwax (cerumen) coats and protects the inside of your ears; it does not usually need to be removed. Removal is only necessary when you develop large amounts of earwax, which make your ears feel blocked. Too much earwax can develop due to a very narrow or abnormally shaped ear canal, frequent use of earplugs, cleaning ears with cotton buds or for other unknown reasons. Often home treatment can remove earwax. If home treatment does not work, you should make an appointment to see a qualified professional.