Dry, itchy ears caused by earwax can be a source of ongoing annoyance for many people. As we get older, the skin in our ear canals can become dehydrated and flaky which adds to the problem. People who work in dusty environments can find that their ears block up more frequently. Unblocking Earwax is difficult to do yourself. Deep cleaning of your ears is best done by a professional such as a Hobart Audiologist trained in ear wax suction.
Ability Hearing and Balance uses the latest technique of earwax microsuction based on those used in the UK. We provide a complete solution which includes video otoscopy, micro-suction, and curettage. We also check your hearing afterward to ensure that any hearing loss caused by wax has been reversed. We provide earwax removal right across Hobart, and other areas in Tasmania.
Earwax is also known as cerumen. Although it is waxy in texture, earwax is not made up of wax at all! It is actually made up of a mixture of sebum, dead skin, dirt, sweat, and whatever tiny debris it catches. Its primary function is to catch and track any dust, or foreign particles so it doesn’t damage the more delicate structures in your ears like your eardrum.
Earwax can come in all types of consistency and texture. It can range from being moist and sticky, to being dry and flaky. This all depends on your body, genetics, and environmental factors.
When the process is working properly, the earwax migrates slowly out of your ears sweeping your ears clear. Excessive sebum production, small ear canals, ear infections, hearing aids, ear plugs, cotton buds, water from swimming, and dry skin can disrupt this process and cause an earwax blockage.
If you suffer from chronic earwax blockages, your Hobart Audiologist will advise you on ongoing care so they don’t block up as frequently again.
Manual earwax removal and suction may be performed by an ENT surgeon, doctor, nurse or audiologist. Our Hobart clinic employs Audiologists with 20 years of experience in manual wax removal techniques. At times, we may find that we need to do both suction and curettage to effectively get your ears clear. Our Audiologist is your best option for a complete ear & hearing care plan.
The good news is that most of the time, once earwax removal has been done, the symptoms also go away.
Here are some ear wax blockage symptoms to look out for:
- hearing loss
- tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- itchy ears
- painful ears
- discomfort/tickle in the throat
- the feeling of blocked ear
- your voice sounds muffled
Earwax micro-suction or earwax vacuuming is exactly as its name suggests! The procedure is performed by our Audiologist who vacuums wax from your ears via a tiny tube. The procedure is pain-free and gentle, giving you relief from itchy earwax!
We monitor your ear throughout the procedure via a binocular microscope. This gives us a clear view of your ear at all times.
We hear this often. Depending on the size and shape of your ear canals, you may start to notice an increase of earwax blockages! This is completely normal as the hearing aid is pushing wax back into your ears. Our Audiologist is the best person to give you ongoing advice on how to manage earwax if you wear hearing aids.
Our Hobart Audiologists provide more than ear wax removal in your appointment. We are experts in all things hearing to give you a holistic approach to ear care.
Video Otoscopy
At your appointment, we may use video otoscopy so you can see for yourself how blocked your ear is. Patients enjoy being about to see inside their ears on the big screen as our Hobart Audiologist explains ongoing aftercare you can do at home.
Hearing Check
Our Audiologist will also perform a pre- and post- ear wax removal hearing check to ensure that any hearing loss caused by earwax has been reversed.
Tympanometry and Management Advice
In some cases, we may also perform Tympanometry to assess the health of your eardrum. Our ears are delicate and safe ear wax removal is our priority.
If you wear hearing aids and have an earwax problem, we will advise you on at-home aftercare.
It is a complete package to ensure long-term management of your earwax issues.