There is nothing that can be done about earwax production and it is made by the body’s natural processes to keep your ears clean and free from germs and bacteria. Typically, it will just fall out by itself harmlessly, without you even noticing, but occasionally too much wax can build up and cause blockages.
This is a very common problem and it can often be treated using specific eardrops, but if this fails as a course of action it is possible that you may need to look into earwax removal to help you clear the blockage.
Symptoms of earwax buildup include hearing loss, tinnitus (which is characterised by a ringing or buzzing in the ears), earache, pressure in the ears, a feeling that your ears are blocked, and vertigo (characterised by dizziness and nausea).
There are various ways in which earwax can be removed, but the most effective one is microsuction.
This involves using a small suction tube and probe to gently remove wax from the ears. All Enimed pharmacists are experienced audiology professionals and have undergone extensive microsuction training via accredited training providers, so they can ensure that wax buildup is removed safely and effectively, with minimal discomfort.
When you first make an appointment, your medical history will be taken, as some health conditions can exclude you from microsuction, such as perforated eardrums and suffering from regular ear infections.
Once you have been cleared for the procedure, the clinician will have a look in both ears using an otoscope, a magnification tool that has a light on it. This allows the clinician to ascertain whether the wax is soft enough for safe removal. If it is, the suction tube and probe will then be inserted into your ear to remove the wax.
This is one of the safest ways to remove earwax when carried out by a trained and experienced health professional. It should take around 30 minutes for the procedure to be carried out, with a medical history taken as well.
You should find the procedure painless, but be prepared for it to be a little loud and with some discomfort. If you feel any pain during your appointment, make sure you let the clinician know immediately.
After your appointment, you may find that noises sound a little different, depending on how much wax was in your ears, but this is entirely normal and it should resolve itself in a few days.
