Ear Wax Removal

Professional Assessment and Removal of Excess Ear Wax

Ear wax is naturally produced within the ear canal and normally moves out of the ear without treatment. However, wax can sometimes accumulate and become impacted, leading to symptoms such as blocked ears, reduced hearing, discomfort, itching, tinnitus or a feeling of fullness.

YT Medical provides professional Ear Wax Removal for suitable patients. Treatment begins by examining the ear rather than assuming that symptoms are caused by wax. This is important because hearing changes, discomfort and blocked sensations can have other causes that will not improve simply by removing wax.

How Is Ear Wax Removed?

Several professional techniques can be used to remove ear wax. These include microsuction, in which wax is carefully removed using a fine suction device under direct vision, and other methods of mechanical removal or irrigation where appropriate.

The method selected depends on what is found during examination, the consistency and position of the wax and factors such as previous ear surgery or problems affecting the eardrum. Not every removal technique is suitable for every patient.

Microsuction has the advantage of allowing wax to be removed while the practitioner can directly observe the ear canal. Patients may hear relatively loud suction noises during the procedure and can experience unusual sensations as wax is removed, particularly when it is close to the eardrum.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Depending on the amount and hardness of the wax, you may be advised to use an appropriate wax-softening preparation before your appointment. Softening impacted wax can make removal easier and reduce the amount of manipulation required within the ear canal.

You should not attempt to remove deeply impacted wax using cotton buds or other objects. These can push wax further into the canal and may injure the skin or eardrum.

Please tell us about previous ear surgery, perforated eardrums, recurrent infections, hearing aids or other significant ear problems before treatment.

What If Wax Is Not the Problem?

Sometimes examination reveals very little wax despite symptoms of blockage or hearing loss. In this situation, repeatedly attempting to clean the ear will not address the cause.

Similarly, significant pain, discharge, bleeding, sudden hearing loss, evidence of infection or another abnormal finding may require assessment through an appropriate medical or audiology pathway. Where this is the case, we will explain why routine wax removal is not the appropriate next step.

After Ear Wax Removal

Many patients notice an immediate improvement where impacted wax was causing a physical blockage. Mild temporary sensitivity can occasionally occur following treatment, particularly where the ear canal has been irritated by dense or impacted wax.

Although professional removal is generally straightforward, potential complications can include discomfort, irritation of the ear canal, bleeding, infection and, rarely, injury to the eardrum. The treatment will be stopped if continuing is considered inappropriate or unsafe.