Frequently Asked Questions:

Why ear wax removal?

Ear wax is produced to migrate through our ear canals in the form of a light residue. However, when the wax migration stops or slows it causes the ear wax to harden the ear canal. 

As the ear wax is no longer migrating it will continue to harden and fuse within the ear canal. Therefore, causing the wax to continue building up with nowhere to go. 

Although there are many over the counter products to soften wax, when there is hard compacted wax the only way to successfully resolve this is to physically remove the blockage. 

Is all ear wax bad?

Absolutely not, a little ear wax in the canal is part of the ear canals natural defence and cleaning system.

Even after ear wax removal a small amount of wax may be present. This perfectly normal and allows the ear canal to perform its natural cleaning a defence procedure. 

This wax should be allowed to perform its natural role in the ear canal and should not be interfered with by using other objects such as cotton buds. Use of objects such as cotton buds may push the wax further down the call, going against the natural migration process, and may cause an ear wax blockage and also risk possible ear drum perforation.

Which ear wax removal is the best?

Micro suction is considered the safest method to remove wax. This is due to both the removal technique and suction compression. 

When performing micro suction, the clinician can see the wax and the structure of the ear canal, therefore they can safely place the suction where it needs to be to prevent any damage being caused to the canal and ear drum. The suction compression then slowly increases in intensity to draw the wax out of the canal. 

Previous methods such a syringing and irrigation are rarely used now.

When to get ear wax removal?

Our ears, like many parts of the body will start giving symptoms when something isn’t as it should be. When our wax is unable to migrate and starts to cause a wax blockage the following may happen:

-  A reduction in hearing.

-  Itchy canals.

-  Ringing or Buzzing (tinnitus) For those who already have tinnitus you may find that it worsens in nature, or changes in pitch and frequency.

-  A feeling of blockage or fullness in the canal.

-  Discomfort or pain. 

Symptoms may vary from person to person, and in intensity, but if you are experiencing any ear symptoms it is always advisable to have your ears checked. This can be done by booking into an ear clinic, or by speaking with your doctor’s surgery.

Will ear wax removal help ear infections?

Our ears are prone to various types of infections- Virial, bacterial and fungal. Our ear wax is naturally acidic to help fight against and prevent infections. Ear wax in its natural form fights against infections. 

However, when ear wax has hardened it turns into a solid blockage, this can cause an infection, especially if water gets trapped behind the ear wax and is unable to drain. By removing the ear wax blockage, you allow air flow, drainage, and for your ear to produce new ear wax. This all helps to fight ear infections and reduce symptoms. 

It may be recommended to have an ear wax blockage removed if an ear infection is suspected so it can be assessed thoroughly. However, ear wax removal it is not enough to resolve an ear infection and it would usually need some form of antibiotics to fully resolve. 

Can ear wax removal cure tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be a common symptom of ear wax blockages. This is due to the ear wax occluding/ reducing ambient noise. This can allow tinnitus to be present until the wax is removed.

Once the blockage has gone, and ambient noise returns, generally people are no longer aware of the tinnitus. However, if a person already has tinnitus, although removing an ear wax blockage may ease tinnitus, it will not resolve it fully. 

Your clinician will discuss your tinnitus with you, and if it is problematic and affecting you, they can refer this to your GP for further investigation. 

What can I expect from micro suction ear wax removal?

Micro suction is considered the safest method to remove wax. A small specular is inserted into the ear canal to widen the canal for a clean removal. The suction tube is then placed onto the wax and then slowly pulled out the canal. 

The procedure is not painful and does not usually cause any discomfort, more than anything it’s just a little noisy, but is completed relatively fast. 

Your clinician will talk you through each step as it is carried out and it can be stopped at any point.

How ear wax removal works?

Ear wax removal using the Micro Suction technique applies suction compression the ear wax blockage. When performing micro suction, the clinician can see the ear wax and the structure of the ear canal, therefore they can safely place the suction tube directly on to the ear wax blockage. 

The suction compression then slowly increases in intensity and grip to pull the wax blockage out of the entrance of the ear canal. All soft wax goes through to the filtration tank, and all harden wax will be removed in an entire form. 

By removing the problematic wax, all new ear wax produced by the ear can then migrate out of the entrance of the canal as it naturally should.

Ear wax removal, does it hurt?

Ear wax removal shouldn’t hurt or cause any pain. Sometimes it can feel itchy, or even make you cough due to a reflex in the canal, but at no point should it hurt.

While your clinician is explaining the procedure, they will advise you that at any point if you feel pain, or discomfort to let them know. It is very difficult to assess how deeply the ear wax is occluding the ear canal. 

Pain or discomfort is a sign that the wax may be fused and requires more softening before it can be removed safely. We strongly recommended that you vocalise any pain or discomfort so your clinician can assess the cause to prevent removing ear wax that is not ready to come away. 

Are there possible side effects following ear wax removal?

Side effects following wax removal via micro suction are uncommon and depends on the wax occlusion. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a possible risk of side effects. These may include but are not limited to the following:

-  Dizziness: Our canals have various nerves running through them, as the wax is removed on occasion it can tickle these nerves and cause some dizziness. Some people in general are prone to feeling faint or dizzy during medical procedures which will be considered during the appointment and measures will be taken to help prevent this.

-  Still feeling blocked: If there is a very deep wax compaction, the wax can push against the ear drum. Once the wax is removed it can take up to 24-48 hours for the ear drum to return to its normal position. Sound can be hollow, echo, and a little dull while the ear drum is adjusting. Your clinician will talk you though some manoeuvres to help speed the process up to return to normal function as quickly as possible.

-  Itchy ears: When removing sticky textured wax can tickle and irritate the canal walls a little, this usually settles with an hour following wax removal and your clinician can add a little olive oil to help soothe the irritation.

-  Feeling tender or a little sore: Removing hard, deep compacted wax can leave your ear canal a little tender and sore, especially when the wax has been in the canal for a long time.

Again, your clinician will review this and ensure the canal is healthy following the removal, and an additional appointment will be made to review the canal if needed. 

How do I look after my ears after ear wax removal?

Following these steps after ear wax removal is advisable:

-  No water in the ears.

-  No cotton buds down the canals.

-  Minimal/ no olive oil for a week following wax removal.

After wax removal we advise allowing the canals to settle and natural re-adjust now the wax has been removed.

Your clinician will advise you on best after care based on your individual ears, which must be adhered to prevent infections. 

Ear wax removal and tinnitus?

As stated in the previous question, ear wax removal can eliminate/ reduce tinnitus depending on the type of tinnitus you have. However, on occasion wax removal can worsen tinnitus temporarily.

This is usually due to the frequency of the machine as the ear wax is being removed. At times the ear wax removal can cause high frequency tones that are the same frequency range as the tinnitus, this can aggravate the tinnitus causing it to be more present for a few days following the removal. Usually, it will settle back to its ‘normal’ range 24-48 hours.