What Is The Most Effective Ear Wax Removal Treatment?
Ear wax is normal and natural. However, for some of us, a build-up of ear wax can lead to a number of problems, which is why it may be recommended that you book an ear wax removal appointment.
If you have been searching for ear wax removal methods, you might have come across a variety of different treatment types. If so, and if you are wondering what the most effective type of ear wax removal treatment is, you have come to the right place.
Let’s explore the types of ear wax removal methods and which one is ultimately the most appropriate – and the most effective.
What Is The Most Effective Type of Ear Wax Removal?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted in the ear canal. This is a waxy oil that protects your ears against germs, bacteria, and other objects, blocking them from entering your ear canal.
However, ear wax can build up, causing extra wax to harden inside the ear canal and cause an impaction, otherwise known as ear wax build-up.
As mentioned previously, there are a number of ear wax removal methods to choose from – with the most common being ear irrigation and microsuction. Keep in mind that the best option for you might be different compared to someone else, and this can be due to various factors such as:
- Severity of ear wax build-up
- Your own preferences
- Budget
With the above in mind, it is important that you contact your doctor for expert advice on the most suitable ear wax removal option for your specific needs and situation.
Ear syringing/ear irrigation
This form of ear wax removal can be done by your doctor and/or by yourself with an over-the-counter ear syringing kit. The process for this particular procedure is as follows:
- Ear wax oil drops may be used days before to help soften ear wax for removal
- A solution of water and saline at room or warmer temperature is pumped into the ear using a bulb syringe
- Ear wax is flushed out.
As you can see, this method is easy and simple. Although there might be slight discomfort with having water pumped into your ear, the satisfaction with having the excess ear wax removed can be more than worth it.
On the other hand, ear irrigation is not recommended for everyone. If you have a history of any of the following, you should probably avoid ear syringing:
- Middle ear disease
- Eardrum surgery
- Ear damage
- Weak immune system
- Active ear infection
Additionally, there are several (usually temporary) side effects to be wary of:
- Dizziness
- Pain or discomfort in ear canal
- Tinnitus
What is the Best Way to Remove Ear Wax?
In the meantime, you might want to think about another method of ear wax treatment – microsuction. This method is quick and considered a safer alternative to ear irrigation. As a result, microsuction could potentially be the best way to remove excess ear wax.
For instance, a study in 2014 found that in a sample of 159 participants, microsuction was 91% effective in removing ear wax, so it is definitely a worthwhile ear wax treatment method to consider.
The steps for this procedure are:
- Similar to ear irrigation, ear wax oil drops might be used days before the procedure to soften the ear wax
- An otoscope is used to check the condition of the ear wax inside your ears – if soft enough, your clinician will proceed with the next step
- A suction tube is inserted into your ear as a vacuum to gently dislodge and remove the ear wax
This method allows your doctor to see the inside of your ear throughout the whole process, allowing for a safer and more accurate removal of ear wax. You might feel a little bit of suction inside your ear, but there is no water involved, so your ears don’t get wet.
Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction can even be performed on people with the following:
- Ruptured eardrum
- Previous ear surgery
- Outer ear infection
- Foreign object in ear
However, as with ear irrigation, there are still (temporary) side effects to take into account:
- Dizziness
- Discomfort with suction sound
- Reduced hearing
Microsuction is painless and usually completed within a few minutes. So, if you are looking for microsuction ear wax removal in Kent, look no further than Welling Ear Wax Clinic. Our microsuction ear wax removal treatments are safe, professional, and performed with the utmost care and attention.
Why You Should Clean Out Ear Wax
One study in 2019 discovered that 62% of Britons are using cotton buds incorrectly – for cleaning their ears. Ear wax falls out naturally, so there is actually no need to use cotton swabs or cotton buds to remove ear wax.
Cotton buds should only be used to clean the outer area of your ear, taking care to avoid pushing the bud inside the ear canal. Avoiding cotton buds altogether might be the wisest choice, however.
Instead of removing ear wax, using a bud inside your ear can push ear wax further into your ear canal, leading to a build-up. Other causes of ear wax build-up might simply be due to:
- Genetic factors
- Age
- Other medical conditions (such as eczema)
This abnormal accumulation of ear wax can result in numerous problems, including:
- Earache or pain
- Hearing loss
- Itchiness
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Ear infections
- Sensation of fullness in your ear
These symptoms are usually temporary and will fade once the excess ear wax has been removed. If you begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above, preventing these symptoms from worsening through ear wax removal treatment like microsuction is crucial.
Try It Yourself
In terms of patient comfort, procedure efficiency and effectiveness, and overall quality of care, microsuction appears to be the best type of ear wax removal treatment for excess ear wax.
Why not try it yourself at the Welling Ear Wax Clinic? Our team of highly skilled and experienced specialists offer expert advice and exceptional microsuction services that can help treat ear wax build-ups. Our specialised ear wax removal services are available to customers throughout London and the wider Kent area, encompassing locations such as Dartford, Bexley and Welling.