Earwax Removal

• Why is Earwax Important?

1. Protects the Ear Canal. Earwax traps dust, dirt, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching and potentially damaging the eardrum.

2. Fights Off Infections. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help protect the ear from infections.

3. Lubricates the Skin. It keeps the skin in the ear canal moist and prevents dryness and itching.

4. Self-Cleaning Mechanism. As you chew or move your jaw, earwax gradually moves outof the ear canal, carrying debris with it. This helps the ear clean itself naturally.

Having too much earwax—also known as cerumen impaction—can cause a range of symptoms and issues. Here’s what typically happens when earwax builds up:

1. Blocked Ear Canal

Too much wax can block the ear canal, which may lead to:

• Muffled or reduced hearing (like you're underwater)
• Earache or a feeling of fullness
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• Dizziness or imbalance (in some cases) 

2. Irritation or Itching

Excess wax can cause the skin inside your ear to become:

• Itchy
• Dry
• Irritated

You might feel the urge to dig or scratch, which can make things worse.

3. Risk of Infection

If wax traps water or bacteria in the ear, it can lead to an ear infection, with symptoms like:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Discharge (yellow or green fluid)
• Fever (in more severe cases) 

4. Hearing Aid Problems

For people who wear hearing aids, excess wax can:

• Block sound from getting through properly
• Damage the device or affect its performance

Causes of Excess Earwax

• Using cotton buds (they often push wax deeper)
• Narrow or hairy ear canals
• Wearing, headphones or hearing aids frequently
• Overproduction of wax by your glands

The Solution: 

Ear micro vacuuming (also called microsuction ear cleaning) is a method used to safely remove earwax, debris, or foreign objects from the ear canal. It’s often considered a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional ear syringing or irrigation.

How It Works:

• A  small medical-grade suction device is used.
• The healthcare professional also uses a special microscope or loupe to see inside the ear canal clearly while they work.
• The vacuum gently sucks out the wax or debris, without using water or high pressure.

Benefits:

• Precise and controlled – the practitioner can see exactly what      they’re doing.
• Dry procedure – unlike syringing, there's no water, reducing the risk of infection.
• Fast and usually comfortable – it’s often over in just a few minutes.
• Suitable for sensitive ears or people with ear conditions.

Does It Hurt?

Usually, no – but it can feel a bit weird or ticklish. Some people may hear a loud suction sound, which can be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. If there's impacted wax or infection, there might be some sensitivity.