Everything You Need to Know
Earwax is a protective substance that forms in your ear, shielding the ear canal lining against dirt and water while also providing lubrication to the ear lining. The ear normally removes earwax and skin build-up on its own.
However, sometimes stubborn earwax and skin can be lodged deeper into the canal than is ideal. In these cases, a blockage is caused and can result in symptoms such as:
- hearing loss
- earache
- a feeling that your ears are blocked
- ear discharge and ear infections
- recurrent (repeated) ear infections
- ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
- damaged ear canals
Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, making them more prone to earwax blockages. Additionally, certain activities, such as regular use of earphones or hearing aids, can contribute to earwax build-up. Individuals with a history of ear problems, such as recurrent ear infections, may be more prone to ear problems. In addition, outer ear infections produce debris (dead skin and bacteria) that requires urgent attention with ear cleaning. Professional ear cleaning can help manage these situations safely.
Before
You’ll first need to book an appointment with an ENT consultant. If they agree that you could benefit from professional ear cleaning, we will book you in for the procedure.
Before performing ear cleaning, the doctor will assess your ears to determine the extent of build-up and ensure that the procedure is suitable for your situation.
During
If the earwax is hardened, your doctor may use ear drops to soften it. These drops usually contain a solution such as saline.
Microsuction involves using a handheld device with a small suction tube to remove earwax, dead skin and debris without introducing water into the ear canal. The doctor uses an operating microscope to get a clear view of the ear canal. The suction is carefully applied to remove the earwax, and the procedure is conducted with precision under direct visualisation.
After
After your microsuction clearance service, you’ll be able to go home.
Typically, there should be no pain or aches. However, if you do have any questions, symptoms, infections, or ear pain, call our team and we’ll be able to help.
If the ear cleaning was performed to address hearing issues caused by earwax blockage, you may notice an improvement in your hearing ability after the procedure, otherwise you will require further investigations such as a hearing test. Many people experience immediate relief from symptoms like earache, pressure, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) once the excess earwax has been removed.
Depending on the situation, the healthcare professional may provide post-cleaning care instructions or recommendations. This could include advice on keeping the ears dry, using ear drops, or scheduling follow-up appointments if necessary.
Your doctor may also offer guidance on preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of future earwax build-up. This could involve using ear drops to soften wax, avoiding the use of cotton swabs in the ear canal, and practicing good ear hygiene.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.