Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. In other words, ear wax is a good thing!
The amount of ear wax that the body produces differs from person to person, the amount that is retained within the ear also differs for each of us – these differences are for a number of reasons:
Age – Diet – Lifestyle – Personal anatomy – Genetics – Ethnicity
Many people will produce a small amount of wax their whole lives, which leaves the ear canal naturally, and never have any problem with it. For others, their ear will produce a larger amount of wax, which will not fully leave the ear canal and will become blocked, which leads to them having reduced hearing ability and also a blocked feeling in the ear.
Am I suitable for the treatment?
Please note that ear irrigation is not appropriate if you have:
You have had any ear surgery (apart from cases of extruded grommets which had come out at least 18 months beforehand) had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the past six weeks.
You have had a perforated eardrum, or if you have had a perforation in the last 12 months.
Previously had problems with irrigation, such as pain in your ear or severe vertigo.
Have a discharge of mucus from your ear or have had an ear infection in the preceding two months.
Have recurring or persistent infections of the ear canal.
You have had any ear surgery (apart from cases of extruded grommets which had come out at least 18 months beforehand) had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the past six weeks.
Have severe otitis externa (swimmers ear)
Those with middle ear disease
Those who have had radiation therapy to the ear
Had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the past six weeks.
What does the procedure involve?
The ears are checked with an otoscope and if clinically indicated a sterile tip is placed in the ear and warm water passes through the device at a controlled speed to wash out the ear canal and remove the ear wax. The procedure usually lasts no longer than 15 minutes per ear.
Things to Avoid
Avoid using cotton buds as they push the ear wax further into the ear and against the eardrum and also further compacts the ear wax making it more difficult to remove.
Objects should not be used in the ear due to the risk of damaging the eardrum and causing trauma to the ear canal.
How many sessions do I need?
Normally one session, however if the oil has not softened the wax enough to clear the ear canal to see the ear drum a further appointment may be required. Olive oil drops will need to be applied daily between appointments.
after-care
Do not get water in the ear 48 hours post irrigation
Weekly maintenance of olive oil drops (Earol recommended and can be supplied) this can enhance ear hygiene by keeping the wax nice and soft.
Follow up Ear Assessment can be booked for 6 – 12 months as required.
HOW DO I APPLY THE EAROL?
See instructions here
for more information or to book your appointment, please get in touch.
