ROCHDALE EAR CARE CLINIC

Providing microsuction for safe removal of wax/ debris from the ear canal.

Microsuction

Microsuction is the safest way to remove debris from the ear canal for two main reasons;

1. Katherine can visualise the canal and the debris at all times using microscopic vision. This is unlike syringing or irrigation where the clinician has to switch between visualisation of the canal with a handheld otoscope and then use an irrigation instrument.

2. There is no use of water. Irrigation flushes the canal using water under controlled pressure. Any water hitting the drum during the treatment can cause pain. Microsuction removes wax using a gentle vacuum device. The end of the suction tube is visible and controlled at all times and so the risk of trauma or perforation is greatly reduced when using this method.

Blocked Ears

The canal can become blocked with wax or a foreign body (often the end of a cotton bud) . Micro suction will gently remove any of this debris leaving the canal clear and comfortable.

Infection

You may have been informed by your Gp that you have otitis exerna (an infection of the canal).You may still have microsuction once you have complpeted any treatment your Gp has prescribed.

Mastoid Cavity

If you have a mastoid cavity you will be aware that they can be stable for long periods of time and then suddenly become blocked with wax build up . Microsuction is the best and recommended treatment to clear the wax.

Hearing Aid

The fact the hearing aid blocks the entrance to the canal can mean that the wax accumulates but becomes trapped . When the wax touches the mould, the aid then produces feedback causing the whistling sound that many experience. Once the wax is removed under microsuction the feedback is eradicated.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a troubling condition where a person can hear a noise for which there is no external source. Patients can experience whistling, drilling, hissing and bells amongst other sounds .

Tinnitus is related to damage within the delicate inner ear, often age related but also due to traumatic causes.If you have Tinnitus you are still able to undergo microsuction for wax removal.

Meneries Disease

This is a condition affecting the inner ear causing various unpleasant symptoms. These include vertigo, nausea, and tinnitus and hearing loss. As with vertigo, if you know you have Meniere’s disease then you are still able to undergo microsuction for wax removal.

Perforated Eardrum (Tympanic Perforation)

The Tympanic Membrane is a thin elastic membrane which can be damaged fairly easily resulting in a hole in the Eardrum. The main causes are infection and/ or trauma. It is extremely important to care properly for your ear. If you know the drum is perforated then syringing or irrigation of the canal is not suitable for you. Microsuction is the safe and recommended method for clearing wax if you have a perforated eardrum

Cannot Tolerate Syringing/Irrigation?

Over the years many of my patients have undergone both microsuction and syringing. The vast majority prefer microsuction as it is quicker, more effective and thorough. It is a safer and a less messy process and easier to tolerate as there is no risk of water touching the drum.

Vertigo

This is a symptom rather than a condition in its own right. It is the sensation that you or the surrounding environment is spinning. Attacks can be sudden and severe and occur with no warning. If the symptoms are persistent or recurring you should seek advice from your Gp. If you have experienced vertigo in the past and now require wax removal then microsuction would be preferable to irrigation as it is less likely to trigger an attack.

Effective Treatments

We provide effective treatment for conditions such as;

Blocked Ears – Wax
Infection – Unlike irrigation you can still undergo microsuction if you have had a recent ear infection
Mastoid Cavity – Cavity clearance and maintenance
Hearing Aid – Whistling and feedback can be resolved by the removal of problematic wax