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First
Provided there are no contra-indications add olive oil drops 2-3 days before the appointment
Second
At the appointment a case history is taken
Third
The ear is examined with a camera and an image is taken
Fourth
The ear wax is removed
Finally
The ear is re-examined with the camera and a completion image taken
Before Ear canal occluded with wax
After Ear canal clear, revealing a healthy ear drum and hearing is restored
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It protects the skin of the ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.
Earwax consists of shed skin cells, hair, and the secretions of the ceruminous and sebaceous glands of the outer ear canal. Major components of earwax are long chain fatty acids, alcohols, squalene and cholesterol.
Excess or compacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss. Hearing aids may be associated with increased earwax impaction. It is also estimated to be the cause of 60–80% of hearing aid faults.
Micro-Suction is the safe, modern method of earwax removal as recommended by the NHS. It is suitable for perforated ear drums.
Firstly the outer ear is examined to determine the extent of the wax build up and a picture taken which the patient is welcome to view. The earwax is removed via a small suction tube (no water is used) and a further image taken of the cleared canal. Disposable sterile equipment is always used.
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