Introduction:
Earwax buildup in the ear canal is a common problem people of all ages face. A person can clean their ears at home or, as is usually advised, consult a doctor to remove ear wax with an ear irrigation technique. However, this method is not always effective, and a person may require a micro suction ear-cleaning technique to eliminate this problem.
Surprisingly, ear wax is very useful, but its excessive and frequent build-up is a problematic condition anyway. The wax prevents pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, from invading the ear canal and lubricates the inner ear lining.
The problem is caused when the cells in the ear canal produce excess amounts of ear wax and need cleaning with earbuds more frequently. This causes further impaction of the ear wax, and it gets drier and usually falls out of the ear while sleeping or needs a more invasive technique like a microsuction ear cleaning procedure.
What Is Microsuction Ear Cleaning?
Microsuction ear cleaning is a method doctors use to remove blockages from the ear canal with the help of a microscope. They also use an endoscopic device with a light and a camera at the front. In this technique, the doctors use a vacuum to remove the earwax by providing suction.
This is a very good option for an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to remove ear wax. However, the equipment is less widely available in clinics due to its high cost. Microsuction ear cleaning is a preferred and more effective method of clearing ear blockages than conventional ear irrigation techniques.
When Is Microsuction Ear Cleaning Needed?
Microsuction ear cleaning is needed when earwax builds up in the ear canal.
The following symptoms indicate ear wax buildup and the need for microsuction ear cleaning:
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Tinnitus or buzzing and ringing sound in the ear.
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Earache or pain in the ear.
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Temporary, partial, or sudden hearing loss.
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The feeling of fullness in the ear.
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Dizziness and a person may develop vertigo over time.
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Muffled sounds or a person cannot hear a few sounds.
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Itchiness in the ear, and a person may try to scratch the inner part of the ear.
Also, it should be noted that symptoms such as dizziness, hearing loss, and earaches can also be associated with other causes or medical conditions. Therefore, a person should consult a doctor if they encounter such symptoms frequently.
How Does a Microsuction Ear Cleaning Device Work?
After taking a patient's medical history, the doctor looks into the person’s ear with a tiny camera or microscope. In some clinical setups, screens are installed so a person can also see inside their ear. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, long vacuum inside the ear canal to dislodge and remove the ear wax. During the procedure, the patient can feel suction inside the ear and hear squeaking or crackling sounds. The dislodged ear wax is then removed with the help of a vacuum or pulled out with a pair of forceps by the doctor.
What Are the Side Effects of Microsuction Ear Cleaning?
There are old studies establishing the safety of the microsuction technique. Some patients were found to develop mild and temporary side effects.
The most common side effects seen were as follows:
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Reduced hearing.
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Dizziness.
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Discomfort in the ear due to loudness caused by this procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Microsuction Ear Cleaning?
The benefits of micro suction ear cleaning over ear irrigation include:
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The doctor can look into the person’s ear during the procedure.
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The procedure takes less time than ear irrigation.
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The procedure does not cause moisture exposure to the ear canal.
In addition, the micro suction technique can also be used on people who suffer from the following conditions, unlike ear irrigation procedures.
These include
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A previous history of ear surgery.
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Outer ear infection or mild otitis media.
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A ruptured eardrum.
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Foreign matter in the ear.
What Are the Complications Associated with this Procedure?
The rare but very serious complications that micro suction ear cleaning can cause are:
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Injury to the eardrum.
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Infection.
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Worsening tinnitus.
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Temporary or permanent hearing loss.
What Are the Other Ear Cleaning Techniques Available?
Ear Irrigation: In this procedure, a saline mixture and water remove or flush out the earwax. The doctor can do the procedure in their clinical setup, or a person can also buy the water kit and bulb syringe at home.
Earwax Softeners: These are easily available and specifically designed over-the-counter ear drops for softening and cleaning the earwax buildup at home. However, other home ingredients, such as olive oil, mineral oil, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, can also be used.
Manual Techniques: The doctor removes earwax manually with a curette, which is a curved instrument. But this method is unsafe and should not be done at home, as a person may damage their eardrum by pushing deep into the ear canal.
Conclusion:
The microsuction ear cleaning technique is painless, comfortable, and can cure ear wax build-up problems. The procedure does not involve squirting water into the ear canal. Rather, a simple suction device is used to remove the ear wax. The procedure is safe and does not cause any damage to the inner ear lining, unlike the irrigation method.
Also, since the camera is attached, the doctor and the patient can have a clear view of the inner ear, making cleaning the canal easier and more effective. The camera also helps ensure that no wax remnants are left in the canal. Therefore, a person suffering from any above-mentioned symptoms of ear wax accumulation should consult a doctor immediately.
The doctors should also opt for this safe and effective method of ear wax removal to ensure that no or minimal side effects are caused to the patient compared to other treatment methods available.
