How to Remove Ear Wax Safely?

Ear wax build up is a common concern that leaves many people asking “what is the best ear wax removal method?”. Ear wax is natural, and it is not harmful to the ears unless there is significant ear wax build up obstructing the ear canal. A build-up of ear wax can cause ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss and a blocked sensation in the ears. If the wax is not completely blocking the ear canal, hearing may not be affected, and it may be more difficult to tell if there is too much wax in the ears.

There are multiple methods of ear wax removal including ear wax removal drops, ear syringing, ear candling and microsuction. Ear wax removal drops can help to soften ear wax and make it easier for it to come out naturally, but sometimes deeply build-up wax becomes stuck and will need removal using another method. Ear syringing can be dangerous to the ears as direct pressure from the water can come into contact with the eardrum and cause injury including eardrum perforation. This method is also not suitable for those with grommets (ventilation tubes that are surgically implanted into the eardrum by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist), a known ear drum perforation present, or history of recurrent ear infections. Ear candling is also dangerous to the ears with risk of burns and injury to the skin in the ears and no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness.

Helix Hearing recommends the microsuction ear wax removal near me option. Our audiologists are professionally trained in performing ear wax removal. Microsuction uses a small thin suction tube to safely remove the wax without putting any pressure or force on the eardrum. This is typically the same method used by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist. Depending on the position and type of wax, the audiologist will sometimes also use a curette which is a small loop tool to gently remove the ear wax. This procedure is also safely done with a good light source called a Voroscope, so the audiologist can visualise and assess the health of the ear canal and eardrum while safely avoiding contact during wax removal. This is the method of choice for wax removal by ENT Specialists and audiologists.

Helix Hearing offers earwax removal near me via microsuction and curettage at multiple convenient clinic locations across Gippsland.