A guide to safe and effective earwax removal

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural and important part of ear health. It protects your ears by trapping dust, debris and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the delicate inner ear. Normally, your body handles ear wax removal on its own through natural processes like jaw movement and skin migration.

However, sometimes excessive earwax build-up can occur, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds
• Discomfort, dizziness or even ear pain
• Reduced hearing aid performance for wearers

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to visit an Audiologist for professional earwax removal.

How an Audiologist can safely remove earwax

Audiologists use safe and effective methods to remove excess earwax. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Ear irrigation: A gentle flush of warm water is performed with a syringe to dislodge and remove earwax build-up. While effective, it may not be suitable for individuals with perforated eardrums or ear infections.
2. Manual removal: A trained audiologist uses specialised tools like curettes or forceps to carefully extract the wax. This method requires precision to avoid damaging the ear canal.
3. Ear drops: Over-the-counter or prescription ear drops can help soften hardened wax, making it easier to exit naturally. However, this method can take time and may not be effective for severe blockages.
4. Microsuction (our preferred method): A highly effective and gentle suction-based technique that removes wax without the need for water or direct contact with the eardrum.

Why we recommend Microsuction?

At the Health Hub, we recommend Microsuction as the safest and most effective earwax removal method. Here’s why:

• Non-invasive & gentle: Unlike ear irrigation, Microsuction doesn’t involve water, reducing the risk of infection or irritation.
• Precision & safe: The process is performed with a specialised suction device, allowing for controlled removal and ensuring that wax isn’t pushed further into the ear.
• Suitable for sensitive ears: Ideal for people with ear infections, perforated eardrums or recent ear surgeries where other methods might not be safe.
• Quick & immediate relief: The procedure is fast, comfortable and provides instant improvement in hearing clarity.

We’re here to help you

If earwax build-up is affecting your hearing or causing you discomfort, don’t ignore it! Our expert audiologist, Tracy from Sounds of Life Audiology, is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

To book an audiology appointment at the Health Hub Fortitude Valley click here or call us on 1300 709 076.

This general information, while intended to be helpful, is not individual health advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions. While the information is curated with care, its accuracy, completeness, or recency cannot be guaranteed. Content sourced from Sounds of Life Audiology.