If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of blocked ears, you know how disruptive it can be. Blocked ears can lead to muffled hearing, pain, dizziness, and even infections if left untreated. One of the most common causes of blocked ears is a build up of ear wax, also known as cerumen.
While ear wax plays a vital role in keeping our ears clean and healthy, too much of it can cause significant issues. At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we specialise in microsuction ear wax removal. We offer a safe and effective way to clear ear wax blockages.
In this article, we’ll explore what ear wax is, why it forms and its function. We will also discuss how microsuction provides the safest method for ear wax removal.
What is Earwax?
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It’s composed of a mix of secretions from sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands and dead skin cells. It also contains debris such as dust and dirt.
Earwax comes in a range of colours and textures, from soft and light to hard and dark. It depends on the individual and other factors such as age and environmental exposure.
While earwax may seem like an inconvenience, it actually plays an important protective role in our ears. Not only does it help keep the ear canal clean, but it also serves as a barrier. It protects against bacteria, dust, and other particles that could potentially cause infections or damage to the eardrum.
How is Ear Wax Formed?
The production of earwax is a natural and continuous process. Glands located in the outer ear canal secrete a mixture of oils, sweat, and proteins. These secretions mix with dead skin cells, hairs, and other small particles from the environment, forming earwax.
Most of the time, the ear has a self-cleaning mechanism that naturally expels old earwax out of the ear canal. This process occurs as we move our jaw during talking or chewing.
This helps to shift the wax toward the outer part of the ear, where it naturally falls out or can be gently wiped away.
Types of Ear Wax
There are two main types of earwax:
Wet Ear Wax: This type is more common in individuals of European and African descent. It tends to be stickier and darker.
Dry Earwax: Found more commonly in people of East Asian descent, this type of earwax is flaky and lighter in colour.
The Function of Ear Wax
Ear wax is often viewed as an annoying blockage that needs to be removed. It actually has several important functions:
1. Protection: Ear wax acts as a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and other foreign particles that may enter the ear canal. Without ear wax, these particles could potentially reach the ear drum. It can lead to irritation, infections, or even damage to this sensitive area.
2. Moisturising the Ear Canal: The skin inside the ear is quite delicate. Ear wax keeps the skin lubricated. This prevents it from drying out and becoming irritated or cracked, which can leave it more vulnerable to infections.
3. Antimicrobial Properties: Ear wax contains enzymes that kill or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This helps to prevent ear infections.
4. Self-Cleaning: As mentioned earlier, earwax helps clean the ear canal. The wax migrates outward, taking with it any debris or dead skin cells. The ear naturally handles ear wax on its own. In most cases, intervention like ear wax removal is not necessary.
5. Sound Protection: Ear wax can also help to protect the inner ear by acting as a buffer against loud sounds. Although this is not its primary role, the presence of ear wax can slightly reduce the volume of extremely loud noises.
What Causes Blocked Ears?
While ear wax is beneficial, too much of it can lead to problems. A buildup of ear wax can block the ear canal, leading to a range of symptoms including:
• Muffled or reduced hearing
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Earache or discomfort
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Ear wax blockages can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Excess Ear Wax Production: Some people naturally produce more ear wax than others, leading to frequent blockages.
2. Narrow Ear Canals: Individuals with narrower or curvier ear canals may be more prone to ear wax buildup. This happens because it becomes more difficult for wax to move out naturally.
3. Using Cotton Buds or Other Objects:. Many people mistakenly use cotton buds or other objects to clean their ears. However, this often pushes the wax further into the ear canal, compacting it and increasing the risk of blockages.
4. Wearing Earplugs or Hearing Aids: Frequent use of earplugs, hearing aids. or headphones can prevent ear wax from naturally expelling itself from the ear canal. Leading to a buildup over time.
Why Is It Important to Remove Excess Ear Wax Safely?
While it might be tempting to remove earwax using cotton buds or other at-home remedies, these methods can be unsafe. Inserting objects into the ear can push the wax deeper, leading to impaction and making the situation worse.
Additionally, improper removal techniques can damage the sensitive skin of the ear canal or even perforate the eardrum. MK Ear Wax Clinic offer safe earwax removal by specially trained professionals by the use of microsuction.
Blocked ears can also lead to other health problems. If left untreated, an ear wax blockage can cause ear infections, pain, and temporary hearing loss. Therefore, it’s essential to use safe and effective methods for ear wax removal.
Safe Ear Wax Removal at MK Ear Wax Clinic: Microsuction
At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we specialise in microsuction ear wax removal. This procedure is widely regarded as one of the safest for clearing blockages caused by ear wax. Microsuction is a quick and painless procedure. It can be done at our clinic or in the comfort of your home through our home visit service.
What Is Microsuction?
Microsuction is a method of ear cleaning. It involves using a gentle suction device to remove excess ear wax from the ear canal. During the procedure, a trained professional uses an endoscope to get a clear view of the ear canal. This ensures precise removal of the wax.
The clinician then uses a small, sterile suction tube to carefully extract the wax. without coming into direct contact with the ear canal or eardrum.
Why Choose Microsuction?
Microsuction offers several advantages over traditional ear wax removal methods, such as irrigation (flushing the ear with water).
1. Safe and Gentle: Because the clinician can see exactly what they are doing. Microsuction reduces the risk of damaging the ear canal or eardrum. The procedure does not involve water, so there’s no risk of introducing infection or causing ear infections.
2. Quick and Effective: Microsuction can remove large amounts of ear wax quickly and effectively, often in just one session.
3. Comfortable: Most patients find microsuction to be a comfortable procedure. Unlike irrigation, there is no pressure or water involved, which can sometimes cause discomfort.
4. Ideal for Sensitive Ears: Microsuction is the best option for people with sensitive ears. This includes people with perforated eardrums, or those who have had ear surgery.
The Microsuction Process at MK Ear Wax Clinic
At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing a professional and friendly service. Whether you prefer to visit our clinic or opt for a home visit, our process ensures a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation and Assessment: Before beginning the procedure, we’ll discuss your symptoms and medical history. We do this to ensure microsuction is the best method for you. We’ll also use an otoscope or endoscope to examine your ear canal. This allows us to assess the level of wax buildup.
2. Microsuction Procedure:. Once we have a clear view of the ear canal, the clinician will use the microsuction device to gently remove the wax. The entire process typically takes less than 20 minutes. Though this may vary depending on the amount and consistency of the wax.
3. Aftercare: After the procedure, we’ll provide you with advice on ear care and how to prevent future blockages. We may also recommend ear drops if necessary to keep the ear canal moisturised.
Why Choose MK Ear Wax Clinic?
At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we are dedicated to providing safe and effective ear wax removal. We understand how uncomfortable blocked ears can be, and we strive to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Here are a few reasons to choose us for your ear cleaning needs:
• Professional Clinicians: Our team consists of trained and experienced clinicians who specialise in microsuction ear wax removal. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Clinic and Home Visits: Whether you prefer to visit our comfortable clinic or have the procedure done in the privacy of your own home, we offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs.
• Customer-Centered Care: We believe in putting our patients first. We take the time to explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. We ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.
• Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing for both clinic and home visits. Making professional ear wax removal accessible to everyone.
Preventing Future Ear Wax Blockages
While microsuction is a highly effective way to remove ear wax, there are steps you can take to prevent future blockages:
• Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ear: Refrain from using cotton buds, hairpins to clean your ears. This can push wax deeper into the ear canal.
• Keep Your Ears Dry: Moisture can cause earwax to become compacted. Be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or swimming.
• Use Ear Drops if Recommended:. If you are prone to excessive earwax buildup your clinician may recommend using ear drops. This will help to keep the wax soft and prevent blockages. This could be olive oil drops or in some instances, hydrogen peroxide or sodium bicarbonate drops.
Conclusion
Blocked ears caused by excess earwax can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but safe and effective treatments are available. At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we specialise in microsuction earwax removal. This is a quick and painless procedure that ensures your ears are clean and healthy.
Whether you prefer a visit to our clinic or the convenience of a home visit. Our professional team is ready to help you enjoy clear, comfortable hearing once again. We offer home visit ear wax removal, clinic visit earwax removal, microsuction, adult earwax removal, excess wax removal. We also offer children ear wax removal, emergency ear wax removal, emergency earwax removal, foreign body removal, earwax removal services, earwax blockages.
We offer advise on earwax build up and the best way to keep your ears clean. Get in touch with us by searching "ear wax removal near me", "ear wax removal Richmond", "ear wax removal Bromley", "ear wax removal Croydon" and "ear wax removal West Wickham".
If you’re struggling with blocked ears, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today. Call now on 0203 576 2944 or visit our website www.mkearwaxclinic.co.uk and book online.
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