Ear Wax

Ear wax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, foreign materials such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal. Sometimes a plug of ear wax may form. This is not a serious problem and only needs to be removed it if is causing symptoms such as hearing loss or earache or causing problems when fitting a hearing aid.

Symptoms of earwax build-up include:

• hearing loss
• earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
• ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
• vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick

Conservative Treatment

Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for 3 to 5 days. It is recommended you use a dropper while lying your head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal(s). You may find it easier to do this first thing in the morning and then just before you go to sleep.

Over about 2 weeks, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you’re lying down. There’s no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax. Once the wax build up is significant and causes symptoms microsuction is the safest method to clean the ear.

What is ear microsuction?

Microsuction is one of the safest methods to clean the ear. The doctor treating you looks at your ear using a microscope. This magnifies the ear, making it easier to assess and treat. A suction device is used to clean the ear without the use of water. The gentle suction device works in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner and although it can be quite noisy, it is quick and painless. If the object being removed is hard, then removal can be slightly uncomfortable.

The person performing the procedure will always advise you if they feel it is going to be uncomfortable. When microsuction is being used to remove wax, then the procedure tends to be less uncomfortable if a wax softening spray (available over the counter) is used for two nights before, and on the morning of, the appointment.

Important

Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.