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Excess earwax build-up can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensations. But with several ear wax removal solutions available today, which is the safest option? In this article, our audiologists discuss the safety of microsuction, and how the technique compares to the popular syringing method that used to be employed by the NHS.
Is microsuction safe for your ear? Yes, microsuction is safe for your ear. The technique uses a microscope and gentle suction tube which allows the audiologist to see exactly what they are doing, reducing the risk of accidental trauma to the canal or ear drum. The gentle suction also means wax is removed without causing pain or discomfort.
Is microsuction better than syringing? Microsuction is better for your ear health than syringing. This is because water from syringing can lead to ear infections, and the high volume of water in your ear could cause a perforated eardrum. Microsuction offers targeted earwax removal, which means the procedure is comfortable and minimises the risk of accidental damage.
Read on to find out more about why microsuction is safe, if there are any risks associated with microsuction, and how microsuction compares to syringing.
Microsuction only takes a couple of minutes to perform, which means it is more than suitable for young children who aren’t keen on sitting still for extended periods. Although the procedure is quick and painless, the suction tube can be fairly noisy, but this shouldn’t be a problem with plenty of reassurance and a calm, relaxed environment.
At North London Earwax Clinic, we can perform microsuction on children as young as six years old. If you are looking for an audiologist who can put your child at ease whilst performing microsuction, explore our Kids Earwax Removal service. Our team works with children of all ages, and we use sensory toys at our clinic to help your child remain calm and still. Fill in our online contact form to find out more about our services and how we can help you and your child.
Like with any medical procedure, even those that are low risk, there is a small chance of complications. As the tube enters the ear canal, the sides of the ear canal and eardrum are at risk of trauma if the patient moves or jolts unexpectedly. However, if the microsuction is practised by a trained professional, and the patient remains calm, this is unlikely to happen.
Microsuction is considered better than syringing for earwax removal, due to a number of reasons, which we have outlined below:
Microsuction does come with mild side effects in rare cases, such as dizziness or slight hearing reduction following the earwax removal. However, these are very short-lived and can be prevented by sitting up slowly after the procedure. Syringing, on the other hand, not only causes temporary dizziness, but many patients report discomfort, earache, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Ear syringing injects water into the ear to remove wax, which is unsuitable for people who have a perforated eardrum, grommets, or a mastoid cavity. The technique isn’t recommended for those with a current or recent ear infection, as the water could cause the infection to worsen or come back. Microsuction can be used on all patients due to the provision of the suction, with damaged parts of the eardrum and canal being avoided completely.
Although loud for some people, microsuction is a comfortable procedure, which doesn’t hurt or damage the ear when taking place. Earwax is comfortably removed with a low-pressure suction probe and high-precision instruments with no need for preparation with lubricants beforehand.
Syringing only works effectively when the earwax is soft, which means you may be asked to use ear drops or olive oil every day leading up to the procedure, which some, particularly children, may also find uncomfortable. During the actual procedure, patients may experience aching sensations due to the pressure of water in the ear canal.
The syringing technique comes with several risks including an increased chance of infection in the ear canal, which is caused by excess moisture buildup. The high volume of water being injected into the ear could also cause a perforated eardrum, vertigo, or tinnitus.
Microsuction, on the other hand, comes with very few risks. There is potential for minor damage to the ear canal or drum only if the patient moves unexpectedly. In very rare cases, some patients experience mild hearing loss, which resolves shortly after the procedure.
We offer a safe and comprehensive ear wax removal service both in-clinic and at home. Contact one of our specialists to find out how we can help or find out more today on our website.
Overall, we’d recommend microsuction for anyone looking to remove buildup earwax safely in under half an hour. Because the procedure is quick and painless, we’d also recommend this as an ideal solution for children struggling with earwax buildup.
At North London Earwax Clinic, we offer a professional microsuction service for a range of patients. Our audiologists specialise in removing earwax for anxious clients and children over the age of six. We also offer a home visit service, which is ideal for those who struggle to leave the house due to anxiety or mobility issues.
To book your comfortable microsuction appointment with our team, simply fill in the contact form found on our website. Alternatively, you can explore our kid’s and adult’s earwax removal services and our FAQs for more information on all things ears!
Zahrah Jaunmahomed is the founder of North London Earwax Clinic. Zahrah is an experienced and approachable qualified audiologist, specialised in working with children with complex and behavioural needs.
North London Earwax Clinic uses endoscopic microsuction to remove build-up ear wax in the safest and most comfortable way.
We offer a safe and comfortable service for children’s ear wax removal, both in-clinic and at home.
Our team of friendly Audiologists offers both in-clinic and at-home professional ear cleaning services, removing earwax buildup safely and efficiently through microsuction. Contact us today to book an appointment.
