A blocked ear, muffled hearing or difficulty using hearing aids can sometimes be caused by a build-up of ear wax. If the wax needs to be removed, two methods you may hear about are microsuction and ear irrigation, often called ear syringing. Microsuction uses a small suction device, while irrigation uses a controlled flow of water. The right method depends on the findings of an ear examination and your ear health history.
During microsuction, a clinician uses magnification to see inside the ear canal and a small suction device to remove excess wax. The clinician can see the ear canal throughout the procedure, which uses no water.
At Smart Hearing Specialists, your clinician examines your ears first to check whether wax is present, whether it needs to be removed and whether microsuction is suitable.
Ear irrigation uses a controlled flow of water to flush wax out of the ear canal. Although people often call it ear syringing, modern clinical irrigation uses an electronic device. Irrigation may be unsuitable if you have a perforated eardrum or have had certain types of ear surgery. Tell your clinician about any past surgery, infections or problems with wax removal before treatment.
A blocked feeling can come from ear wax, an ear infection or changes in middle-ear pressure. An ear examination helps check whether wax is contributing to your symptoms. If symptoms continue after wax is cleared, further assessment may be needed.
If your hearing drops suddenly, seek urgent medical care straight away, even if it feels like a blocked ear.
Smart Hearing Specialists provides ear examinations and microsuction ear wax removal for people in Bendigo and surrounding communities. If your ears feel blocked, your hearing has gradually become muffled or you’ve been told you have excess wax, an examination can help you understand what to do next.
Book an ear wax assessment with Smart Hearing Specialists. Your clinician will check your ears before recommending the most appropriate care
If your ears feel blocked or sounds have gradually become muffled, an ear examination can help determine whether wax is the cause. If removal is needed, your clinician can recommend a method based on what they see and your ear health history.
Book an ear wax assessment with Smart Hearing Specialists in Bendigo to find out whether microsuction is suitable for you.
Many people report little discomfort during microsuction, though the suction can sound loud and some people experience temporary discomfort. Let your clinician know if you feel pain during the procedure.
Ear wax usually only needs to be removed when it causes symptoms, such as muffled hearing, or when it prevents a clinician from examining the ear properly.
Ask the clinic before using drops. Whether they’re suitable depends on your ear health, including whether you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum.
If your hearing remains muffled after the wax has been cleared, let your clinician know so they can check for another cause. If your hearing drops suddenly, seek urgent medical care straight away, even if it feels like a blocked ear.
