Microsuction ear cleaning is a technique doctors use to remove earwax. Before starting the earwax removal, a doctor will look into your ear canal using a microscope to find the blockage. Alternatively, they may also use a tiny camera with a light that fits into your ear canal called an endoscope. During the procedure, the doctor will use a tiny vacuum to gently provide suction to dislodge and remove the wax. Microsuction is less widely available than other techniques since the equipment is more expensive for clinics to purchase. It may make a good option for earwax removal when available, but you may need to visit an ear, nose, throat specialist to have it done.
MICROSUCTION
Why it's done ?
SAFEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE METHOD
Microsuction is the safest and most comfortable method of ear wax removal and clearing blocked ears. Provide Wellbeing’s Microsuction ear wax removal service offers a simple solution to clearing blocked ears. Symptoms associated with blocked ears can be disorientating and painful, which is why we provide quick and easy access to one of our experienced Ear Care specialists on our self-pay service.
MAIN SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
• A mild earache.
• Tinnitus or ringing inside your ear.
• A clogged feeling or a feeling of fullness.
• Dizziness.
• Reduced hearing.
Full overview of the procedure
1 - PRE-PROCEDURAL PREPARATION
Explanation of the procedure :
- We will explain the procedure in great detail.
- We will show you the equipment and we will also discuss the anatomy of the outer part of the ear.
- We will explain what you have to do and how you should communicate with us should you need to. Your ear drum is only 0.1 mm thick therefore we need to help you understand the importance of following our instructions.
- The procedure itself is pain free and can take anything from 5 to 15 mins per ear.
Some patients may well have very hard impacted wax which will be too hard and uncomfortable to be microsuctioned clear at one visit. Some may well need to go away and instil some wax-softening ear drops (ceruminolytics, such as Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops) for a week or two before any repeat attempt to microsuction.
2 - DURING THE PROCEDURE
Viewing the condition of your ear canal :
- We will move on to otoscopy which is viewing the condition of your ear canal and how much ear wax is in both of your ears.
- We will always carry out otoscopy on both ears even if you only complain of one ear being blocked with ear wax.
- We will display your ear canal, ear wax or ear drum on the screen so you can what we see.
Remove the ear wax from your ears :
We will remove the ear wax from your ears. The microsuction earwax machine is quite noisy. We will prepare you for this but you will get used to it very quickly.
We will begin by removing any earwax that is on the edge of the canal. We tend to work around the edges as this is where the ear wax is at its softest. During the ear wax removal procedure you will hear the microsuction machine change in noise. The noise changes are when the machine is grabbing the ear wax and trying to suction it up the tubes.
As we remove the impacted ear wax we may add some oil. This will help lubricate your ear canals and help the microsuction machine grab hold of the ear wax.
We may use our hand to brace against the side of your face. This is a safety measure so you don’t move your head towards us during the microsuction procedure.
As we get deeper down the ear canal we will stop from time to time and just check in with you and make sure you are ok.
We will ask you about the noise of the microsuction machine and then we will ask you if you are ok and if the ear wax removal procedure is free from discomfort.
3 - POST-OPERATIVE CARE
When it’s done
Once the ear wax removal by microsuction procedure has been completed you will probably feel the difference immediately.
That your voice has a little echo or you may feel your voice is tinny. This is natural and a good sign that the procedure has worked. We will carry out the video otoscopy again and let you see your ear drum and your ear canal.
ADVANTAGES
Microsuction also offers several benefits such as:
• It offers doctors a clear view of the ear. The binocular microscope used with this treatment means doctors can clearly see the ear canal and the presence of wax. This makes it significantly easier to get rid of all traces of it. Safety-wise, it’s always better to have an accurate view of the area being treated.
• It’s a neater treatment with no messy water used. Ear syringing involves water being flushed into the ear, but there’s no need for that with microsuction. Not only does this reduce any risk of infection, but it also makes for a more comfortable experience for patients.
• It’s safe for perforations. For those who have a perforated eardrum, microsuction ear wax removal is the safest treatment option. It is the most accurate method for wax removal and there is no risk of anything being pushed into your eardrum.
• It gives your doctor a chance to examine the ear for any infections or perforations. Thanks to the binocular microscope, your doctor will be able to carry out a more thorough ear examination to treat your ear appropriately. Ultimately, this is much safer than ear syringing or ear irrigation where the inner ear isn’t examined for any issues.
• The microsuction treatment is comfortable and pain-free. Unlike ear syringing, which is known to cause discomfort to some patients, microsuction is a more comfortable method of wax removal. However, it’s important to mention that private ear syringing isn’t painful either. With both methods, make sure you remain still throughout the procedure to avoid any damage to the sensitive inner ear area.
RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
Microsuction is considered an extremely safe procedure when conducted by an appropriately trained healthcare professional. Nevertheless, as with any medical procedure it carries a small amount of risk of potential complications. Most of these complications are minor and resolve quickly on their own, so there is no need to worry before having the procedure.Some of the side effects that can occur include:
• Dizziness: Some people experience a little dizziness or a feeling of vertigo during the procedure or shortly after. This is only temporary and shouldn’t last long following the completion of the procedure. Long lasting dizziness is not a recognised risk of microsuction.
• Infection: Sometimes microsuction can stimulate infection in the skin of the ear canal. This is very rare, and if it occurs is easily treated with topical drops. If you have any pain or leakage from the ear in the hours or days after your procedure it is important that you inform us immediately.
• Trauma to the ear: There is a small risk that the suction tube used to remove the wax scratches the wall of the ear canal. If this happens, there is no need for concern as the area should heal by itself with no lasting damage. More serious traumas to the ear, for example a perforated eardrum, are incredibly rare.
• Noise Damage: The suction used for microsuction does generate some noise which some people find to be quite loud. Rarely, it can cause temporary hearing reduction or tinnitus – A ringing sensation in the ears.
BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH OUR DOCTORS TO DEFINE WITH YOU THE RIGHT TREATMENT.
* All procedures require a first appointment with our doctors.
* Most of our procedures are performed directly at the clinic.
Disclaimer:
Information provided is only for educational purpose. Contact your Health consultant or Emergency services depending on your symptoms. Do not self-diagnose, treat or take health care decisions based on the information given. It cannot replace a medical consultation required for a patients individual needs.
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