Micro-suction
At Hearing is Believing we use Micro-suction, irrigation, and dry tool removal. Micro-suction is our primary method as it is the cleanest way to remove wax, and can be very effective.
Reasons to use alternative methods of wax removal:
Over-use of oil treatment
– Where oil is used to soften impacted earwax has been over prescribed, irrigation can be used to remove the excess sludge of wax and oil which can settle deep in the ear canal. Attempting to micro-suction these areas increase the risk of eardrum perforation.
Very soft ear wax
– If your ear wax is very soft then irrigation may be a more successful method, as micro-suction probes can penetrate very soft wax and may therefore touch or scratch your ear canal.
Very hard ear wax
– may If your ear wax is very hard then we need to soften it with warm water, using the irrigation unit; or, if it is extremely hard, then dry tool removal may be more effective. Sometimes it is necessary to use oil-based softeners and have a free return visit.
What is ‘Micro-Suction’?
This is particularly efficient for moderately firm earwax.
Is Micro-Suction safe?
Ear wax removal is an invasive procedure in a very delicate and sensitive part of the body. There some varying risks when undertaking each different procedure – micro-suction, irrigation / syringing, and dry tool ear wax removal.
Some risks are standard, can occur often, and would be deemed acceptable – i.e., dry skin may peel away and cause slight soreness or very slight bleeding.
Other risks could be more severe and would be deemed unacceptable – i.e., perforated eardrum.
Risks associated with Micro-suction
Risks must be understood, managed, and controlled.
To do this – we must first have appropriate training. Hearing Is Believing uses training from The Hearing Lab Specialist.
To manage the risks, we to work to practice and procedural guidelines and to have risk assessments in place.
Hearing Is Believing works closely in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the British Society of Audiologists.
Hearing is believing also has in place risk assessments for each ear wax removal method. In our risk assessments we have review control methods laid out.
Prior to undertaking ear-wax removal it is imperative to fill in a consent form which will clearly lay out all the contraindications or precautions of undertaking ear-wax removal.
What is ‘Irrigation’?
Ear Syringing uses a small syringe which requires manual pressure – we do not use ear syringes.
Irrigation devices exert a pulsing spray of water into the ear to flush out softer wax. The water should be warm, as cold water can cause dizziness.
Irrigation is perfectly safe if the clinician appropriately controls the water flow pressure and angle of spray. It is advisable to undertake irrigation with clinician loupes to get a better view.
Dry tool earwax removal
Often ear wax can bind to the shedding skin of the ear and can tangle with hairs making it very difficult to remove with irrigation and micro-suction.
These tools can be essential for removing very hard compacted earwax.
It may occasionally be necessary to use all three methods with very stubborn compacted ear wax.
Why Choose Hearing is Believing for Ear Wax Removal?
Competitive prices
One side £50, two for £65 and 2 people in one 30 minutes slot £75
Free initial check
Before booking pop into the shop to have your ears assessed. It only takes a minute and could save you a no wax fee if you book a slot.
Online booking
Qualified ear care specialists
All wax removal is performed by a Registered Hearing Aid Audiologist.