Cerumen (ear wax) is a normal and healthy part of the ear’s ability to clean, lubricate and protect itself from bacteria and moisture. Some people naturally produce more ear wax than others. When in excess, the wax exits the ear canal in a slow, corkscrew-style motion, however this process sometimes stops working. Whilst there is no simple explanation for why this happens, we do know that wax can accumulate in the ear canal with ageing, narrow/sloping/collapsed ear canals, use of hearing aids or cotton buds and with excess production. Those who fit these criteria may benefit from more frequent ear wax removal in Castlebar and Ballina compared to others.
So, how do you know that you need ear wax removal? Signs that excess wax is causing you problems include pain, reduced hearing, balance problems, itching and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If left untreated, an infection can develop behind the wax, so it is important that you attend an ear wax removal clinic promptly to be seen by a trained professional. In Castlebar and Ballina, companies use a variety of ear cleaning techniques, including microsuction, syringing, irrigation and candling. Of these, microsuction is the gold standard option for ear wax removal, followed closely by irrigation. These techniques offer the greatest precision and thus a reduced risk of damage to the highly sensitive ear canal and drum. Both our clinicis in Castlebar and Ballina prioritises your safety and comfort by only using the best practices.
As part of the ear cleaning process, a full medical history will be taken and an examination of both ears by a qualified Audiologist. Ear wax removal follows by either microsuction or irrigation depending on clinician and patient preference. Irrigation involves carefully inserting sterile water into the ear to flush out excess wax, whereas microsuction is a gentler method using suction (akin to a small vacuum cleaner). Microsuction is preferable for those who regularly experience ear infections or ear drum perforations. Aftercare may involve ear drops or sprays which are widely available over the counter in any Castlebar or Ballina located pharmacies.
If excess ear wax is troubling you, consider getting in touch with our team of professionals who would be happy to help you. Both our Castlebar and Ballina clinics operate Monday to Friday (9:30-17:30) and are closed on Sundays. Our aim is to fit flexibly around your schedule, to make maintaining good ear health as simple as possible. Aside from microsuction, our audiologists also offer hearing tests (both online and in-person), hearing aids with associated accessories, and noise protection plugs. Home visits can also be arranged on an individual basis for those customers who struggle to visit our clinic. We are accredited by the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, so you can be assured that you are in good hands.
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