Looking for blocked ear treatment? Do you want to know how to clear a blocked ear? Read below to find out everything you need to know about blocked ear treatment.
Blocked ears can be caused by excessive ear wax and is a condition that affects 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults. The most common symptoms of a blocked ear are a loss of hearing and a feeling of a fullness.
Ears are naturally self-cleaning, which means that they usually remove wax themselves. In fact, earwax is carried out of the ear via a migrating skin layer, assisted by jaw movement. However, for a range of reasons, this mechanism can become disrupted, and earwax can build-up and block the ear canal.
If you suffer from ears blocked with wax, some additional symptoms that you may also experience include:
- Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears)
- Itching
- Pain
- Discharge
- Odour
- Cough
There are multiple home remedies that are commonly used to attempt to remove wax, some being safer than others.
Ear wax softening drops from the chemist are a good first line treatment, as they may assist to break the down ear wax. This can create a gap in the wax which may improve symptoms and assist removal. This is ONLY an option if the eardrum has not been perforated. It is a good idea to seek advice from a clinician if you are unsure whether your eardrum is intact.
The Best Remedy for Blocked Ears: Micro-suction
The best remedy for blocked ears is micro-suction. Earworx registered nurses use microsuction and curettage techniques to remove impacted earwax.
The procedure uses suction under direct view. The ear canal will be under direct observation the whole time, with the use of ‘loupes’, which are binocular magnified glasses fitted with a bright light.
The assessment and procedure:
- The first step involves a series of questions about your ear health history, as well as a discussion about the symptoms you have been experiencing.
- Next, a speculum is placed in the ear canal so the registered nurse can assess the blockage using loupes. If the nurse makes an assessment that wax removal is clinically indicated, the procedure will be explained and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions.
- Fine instruments such as curettes and forceps, together with microsuction, are then used to remove the blockage.
Why Choose Earworx?
Earworx is a dedicated ear wax removal service with clinics across Australia. Microsuction and instrumentation, including curettage, are the main procedures performed at Earworx. Microsuction and curettage are techniques also used by Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons. At Earworx, this procedure is performed by qualified and highly trained nurses who help to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
We are experienced professionals dedicated to improving the ear health of all Australians, with many branches throughout the country and more locations popping up every day.
More Information
If you have questions or concerns about blocked ear treatments, feel free to contact the friendly Earworx team. We’re more than happy to help answer your questions and to assist you in relieving your ears of uncomfortable, wax-related symptoms.
To book an appointment, please contact the closest clinic to you.