This article will be your guide if you’re thinking about an earwax removal appointment, or if you’ve already booked one.
You might not know what to expect at an earwax removal appointment, but that’s quite normal.
Even though they’re convenient, safe, and pain-free, earwax removal procedures often get put off and delayed. When our ears feel blocked, most people attempt to fix the problem themselves with home remedies or cotton-tipped swabs.
No matter how soft or plush cotton swabs are, they often push wax farther in, rather than removing it. This is typically what causes “itchy ears”. Earwax removal procedures are also checkups for your ear canals. Hearing Experts can assess and find the cause of the build-up, then propose solutions.
A blockage might be a symptom of something rather than just a normal accumulation of earwax.
Here’s what you can expect during an earwax removal appointment.
The Examination
Knowing the extent of the build-up is only possible with a professional examination. Your hearing specialist will find the best procedure for you. Everything starts with a closer look at the ear canal and the cerumen (earwax).
Hearing experts use an otoscope, which comfortably sits at the opening of the ear. You’ll have the chance to see the inside of your ear on-screen and discuss everything with your hearing professional. Examinations don’t take much time and are completely painless.
How Long Is the Appointment?
You can expect to spend 20-30 minutes at an earwax removal appointment.
The procedure is non-invasive and routine, so there’s no sensitivity or discomfort involved.
You can discuss follow-up appointments with your hearing expert. Though they aren’t always necessary, a routine checkup can be a great strategy to maintain hearing health.
How to Remove Earwax (Cerumen)
No two ears are the same and treatments vary from person to person. Let’s take a quick look at three main methods to professionally clean ears and remove a wax blockage.
Micro Suction
Micro suction is extremely precise and gentle.
The procedure doesn’t use liquid, which makes it hygienic, with less risk of infection.
Dry options like micro suction don’t require softening, which makes your appointment even more convenient to schedule. Your treatment will be over in minutes, and you’ll be able to get back to your daily routine.
Micro suction is best for:
- Hearing aid users
- People who can’t use other treatment options because of pre-existing hearing conditions
- Anyone with perforated eardrums
- Wax build-up and blockages (impacted wax)
Irrigation Technique
Irrigation is a medical term that means flushing the ear with body-temperature water.
Sterile water is warmed until it reaches the same temperature as your body. That way, your ear won’t be shocked, and you’ll be more comfortable during the treatment.
This treatment aims to gently dislodge earwax and flush it from the ear canal. The irrigation machine regulates the water temperature so that the whole procedure is painless and comfortable.
After the specialist finishes flushing the cerumen into a container, any remaining moisture is dried. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
When you schedule an earwax removal appointment, discuss the options with yourhearing expert. They may recommend using ear drops in the days before your appointment to help loosen earwax.
Manual Wax Removal
Not all treatments require machines; sometimes hearing experts manually remove earwax blockages with specialized tools. Fine scoops and calipers gently remove wax, without using liquid or suction.
Your trusted hearing experts will sometimes recommend ear drops before manual earwax removal.
Here’s How We Can Help
The best way to make a decision about earwax build-up is to speak to one of our professionals at Hometown Hearing Centre.
Modern earwax removal treatments are safe, pain-free, and much quicker than most people think.
If you feel earwax may be causing you discomfort or building up, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. Your hearing health is our priority, and we are here to answer your questions. Request a callback today so that our specialists can get in touch with you.
