Ear Wax Removal Galway
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is natural and performs a significant role as the secretions of the ceruminous glands in the outer ear canal help maintain an acidic environment that curbs the development of harmful bacteria and fungi as well as being a strong deterrent for insects. Movements in the jaw, laughing, chewing, and speaking help to push ear wax out of the ear canal. The natural function of the ear canal is to self-cleanse. Ear wax also prevents dirt and debris from reaching and potentially damaging the ear drum. The amount of ear wax varies from person to person, age, gender, medication, excessive hair, narrow canals, and skin allergy’s all influence the amount of wax present.
Why Do I Need Professional Ear Wax Removal?
Everyone has ear wax; it is completely natural so when does it get to the stage of requiring professional ear cleaning? There are many common signs of an ear wax build-up. These can include partial or complete hearing loss, earache, a ringing sound and sometimes even feeling dizzy and nauseous. There are distinct reasons why wax build-up is caused, and most are out of your control; small or damaged ear canals, excessive hair, regular swimming, and a build-up of dry skin are all common factors. It can be tempting to take matters into your own hands and try using cotton buds, hair pins, keys, or your fingers to budge the blockage, but I strongly advise against this. Pushing objects into your ear to try and clear wax can cause further blockage by compacting the blockage making it harder to remove. In extreme cases the downward pressure from pushing objects into your ear canal can tear or perforate the ear drum. I strongly advise that a qualified professional should always conduct ear wax extraction. If you wish to schedule an appointment with me in my Galway located clinic, simply complete the form at the end of this web page and I will contact you to arrange an appointment date and time.
Types of effective ear cleaning Microsuction
This wax removal process is conducted with precision accuracy using high spec head worn examination microscopes. This will give the audiologist x20 magnification for clear visibility and depth perception so we can work safely in the ear canal.
Microsuction
Microsuction ear wax removal uses gentle air suction to remove the wax blockage and is recognised as one of the safest and most effective procedures for the removal of ear wax.
Irrigation
Irrigation is conducted using a gentle machine operated water spray to dislodge the wax blockage. It is very gentle and not as severe as traditional syringing techniques. The water is lukewarm, and the patient dose not experience pain.
Instruments
Sometimes it may not be necessary to use microsuction or irrigation. It depends on the location of the blockage. I can remove wax at the edge of the ear canal using sterile specialist tool, tweezers, and special wax removal probes.
Preparing for Ear Wax removal
I advise using 100% olive oil spray prior to you visit. The softer the wax is the easier it is for me to remove it. There are several options available, but I recommend Earol spray. It works better than the standard drops and is 100% Olive oil with no chemical added. It is perfect for softening compacted wax.
***Sometimes I cannot remove all the wax in a single visit. In these cases, I may recommend more Earol spray for a few days before re appointing for further wax removal treatment.
***Please be aware that I am unable to issue prescriptions; if I suspect that you have an infection, I will refer you to your GP.
