Talk to our doctor today!
Experiencing blocked ears?
Ear blockages are predominantly caused by the building up of ear wax. Although the production of ear wax is a natural process, too much ear wax production can potentially cause much discomfort and pain, and may even result in severe hearing loss. When this happens, please do not remove the ear wax on your own as it may cause further injury!
You may consider applying some cerumenolytic ear drops or reaching out your doctor to remove your ear wax safely!
Earwax removal
Ear blockage is not only uncomfortable, and painful, but can also potentially result in impaired hearing. One of the primary causes of ear blockages is usually the buildup of earwax. Though the production of the ear itself is a natural process, excess buildup of it will ultimately result in a painful and discomforting experience. And when this occurs, you will need the intervention of a qualified doctor to remove the earwax safely.
Among the earwax removal methods available, micro-suction has evolved to be the safest and most effective ear wax removal technique.
Removed from the ear:
Earwax extractions using micro-suction
Micro-suction is simply a type of earwax removal method which is not only well-tolerated, but is equally the most effective way of ear cleaning. The procedure is performed using an ear microscope and this allows your doctor a complete visualization of the ear canal. Ideally, this will make it possible for the doctor to precisely clean the ear and clear out all the earwax while causing minimal discomfort to the patient during the entire process.
This type of earwax extraction procedure also allows for dual handed working as well as instrumentation by the doctor, allowing him to safely eliminate all the impacted earwax safely and effectively. Thanks to its high level of effectiveness and accuracy, this procedure is often used to remove impacted earwax, foreign bodies as well as abnormal ear discharge where other methods have proven to be unsuccessful.
Other methods of ear wax removal in Singapore
The other available option would be earwax irrigation or commonly known as ear syringing. Though it is fairly effective, it comes with its fair share of side effects. Regarding how it works, earwax irrigation relies on the force of build-up water jet which is directed toward the earwax to help propel the collected earwax out of the external ear canal. Below are some of the know side effects of earwax irrigation:
Earwax irrigation can potentially lead to injury on the skin linings of the ear canal. This, in turn, will result in pain, eardrum perforation, and vertigo among other complications. As a result, ear syringing is not ideal for individuals suffering from middle ear diseases or perforated eardrum or with a history of ear surgery.
In scenarios where the earwax has entirely blocked the ear canal, the chances are high that irrigation won’t be successful. In any case, it will only serve to aggravate the situation by pushing the earwax further down the eardrum.
The procedure also leads to the water from syringing being retained in the patient’s ear. This usually leads to infection because this retained water is a potential reservoir for the growth of bacterial pathogens.
Microsuction, on the other hand, offers endless advantages especially in the above situations as it allows your doctor to accurately view the ear canal for precise, safe and effective cleaning of the earwax out of your ear and without the involvement of water.
What are the benefits of ear cleaning through micro-suction?
- Removal of all sorts of foreign objects that find their way in the ear.
- Removal of excess earwax that leads to either causing lots of discomfort and pain to the patient or is symptomatic to the patient.
- Those suffering from certain health conditions such as eczema can benefit from microsuction because of the high skin cell turnover in the ear canal.
- External and middle ear infection: Microsuction is ideal for the removal of either earwax or abnormal discharge for better absorption as well as the penetration of medicated ear drops.
- Micro-suction will also prove extremely beneficial in situations where the visualization of the entire eardrum without earwax obstruction is needed for various diagnostic purposes.
Who should consider earwax removal using micro-suction?
Generally, microsuction is recommended for:
- Patients suffering from a ear infection are strongly advised to undergo microsuction. Ear irrigation is not an alternative to such patients.
- Patients with earwax buildup that have caused symptoms.
- Patients that have having anatomical variations within the ear canal.
- Patients with hearing aids.
- Children who are experiencing any of the above and are able and willing to follow and understand simple instructions.
And if you underwent an ear surgery or had an ear implant inserted in your ear, you’ll also have to notify your doctor about it. What’s more, if you have a history of a perforated eardrum, you need to inform your doctor about it as well. This is mainly because a perforated ear can be weaker and susceptible to damage during microsuction treatment. Lastly, if you have any underlying skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, you must tell your doctor.
What to expect from the consultation with doctor on earwax micro-suction?
First and foremost, your doctor will want to know if you have had any previously tried treatment for your ear-related problem. And perhaps if you have previously undergone ear syringing, you will have to notify your doctor about the number of times you tried this treatment, what might have gone wrong during the treatment, and any other treatment procedure that managed to resolve your symptoms in the past.
You will also need to inform your doctor if you are currently suffering from certain symptoms such as dizziness, hearing loss, ringing sound in your ears, or vertigo. As we previously mentioned, these symptoms can be gravely aggravated by the microsuction procedure.
What will I need to do before the ear wax extraction procedure?
As you wait for your doctor to conduct the procedure, you may apply earwax softening drops such as olive oil.
What should I do after the micro-suction procedure?
After the procedure, your doctor will carry out a formal hearing test just to ensure your normal hearing has returned after all the earwax has been successfully removed.
What more do I need to know about ear cleaning through micro-suction?
It is a very short procedure that usually takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
Your doctor will carefully pull your outer ear and insert an ear speculum before focusing his microscope to examine your ear. You will experience some noise at the start of the suction process.
In the course of the treatment, your doctor may sometimes be forced to remove the suction from your ear canal as the tip of the suction can be blocked, implying that he’ll need to dislodge the tip before re-inserting the suction tip into your ear.
You may be needed to remain still throughout the entire procedure. During the procedure, you may experience some mild pain, discomfort, and dizziness. Shortly after the procedure, your ear symptoms should resolve completely.
Depending on the condition of your ear post-procedure, you may need to undergo further microsuction sessions.
Microsuction is current the surest, safest and most effective way to clear wax out of your ear. So, don’t allow the problem of earwax to impact your hearing and quality of life. If you are having any problem with your ear, kindly don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment with your trusted healthcare professional.
Ear Wax Removal Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove my earwax?
If you do not experience any of the aforementioned earwax symptoms, then you may not need to go for earwax removal. However, for others who are experiencing symptoms as mentioned above, are highly encouraged to consider earwax removal.
Earwax extractions have been shown to dramatically enhance hearing. In an event if excess earwax builds up and begins to cause symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable, you should contact your doctor to help clean your ear using the appropriate equipment.
What is the best way to remove earwax?
Micro-suction is current the surest, safest and most effective way to clean your ears and remove wax out of your ear. If you have any concerns with your ears and keen to find out more, speak to your trusted doctor.
Should I bring my grandparents for ear wax removal?
The elderly can also benefit massively from earwax removal. This is because among the elderly, hearing loss caused by earwax build-up usually results in the deterioration of the cognitive function as well as social isolation.
In addition, if they have degenerative hearing loss, ear wax removal will restore some of the residual hearing. Simply put, ear wax removal will not only restore their hearing but will equally allow them to socialize and enhance their cognitive function as well.
Is removing earwax through micro-suction painful?
Earwax removal through microsuction isn’t painful. Some might feel a slight discomfort especially if they are having an ear infection.
How do doctors remove my ear wax?
There are various methods for removing earwax. However, as earlier mentioned, microsuction remains not only the most effective but also the safest earwax treatment currently available.
Will my hearing improve after the ear wax extraction?
Yes, you’ll hear better after earwax removal. If you have a partial hearing loss caused by earwax blockage, then your hearing will significantly improve after the removal of the excessive wax.
What happens if I don't clean my ears?
Generally, your ears do a great job cleaning themselves, and this implies that they don’t need any extra cleaning. However, the only reason you should have you should have your ears cleaned is if there is excess earwax buildup that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Should you get your ears professionally cleaned?
Yes, if your ears need cleaning, they should only be cleaned by a qualified professional. One of the best benefits of having your ears professionally cleaned is that it won’t result in the damage of your internal ear. Simply put, with a professional ear cleaner at your disposal, you’ll get a proper and effective clean that won’t cause damage to your hearing.
How do you know if you are suffering from earwax buildup?
The normal production of earwax is extremely beneficial. This wax protects your ear from foreign particles, dust, and other microorganisms. What’s more, it protects your ear canal against irritation due to water. However, excess earwax buildup can be a problem as it is a common cause of temporary hearing loss.
Some of the common symptoms associated with earwax buildup include tinnitus, sudden or partial hearing loss, earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ear discharge among others. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Is ear candling effective in removing ear wax?
The answer is NO! Ear handling is never an effective and safe way to remove earwax.
Can I perform earwax removal at home?
You should never try flushing out your ear wax on your own. If you were not aware, this potentially causes significant ear damage which may, in turn, result in loss of hearing as well as infection.
Most importantly, you should visit your doctor for an immediate and thorough examination. Your doctor will not only determine whether your symptoms are related to earwax build-up or not, but also utilize the appropriate medical equipment as well as the much-needed expertise to help with your condition.
What can go wrong when you attempt to clean your own ears?
Never attempt to remove earwax by yourself. Removing earwax yourself can be dangerous. Drop the cotton bud!
Trying to dig into your ear with a cotton bud or finger can cause significant damage to your ears and increases your risk of getting an ear infection, or damage your ear drum leading to a loss of hearing.
Instead, take care of your ears by using chemical ear drops which can safely soften and dissolve the ear wax, possibly eliminating it.
Improper ear cleaning can increase the risk of ear canal or middle ear infection.
Doctor's Advice
Never attempt to remove earwax by yourself. Drop the cotton bud!
Trying to dig into your ear with a Q-tip cotton bud or finger can cause significant damage to your ears and increases your risk of getting an ear infection, or damage your ear drum leading to a loss of hearing.
Instead, take care of your ears by using chemical ear drops which can safely soften and dissolve the ear wax, possibly eliminating it.
