Have you noticed that your ears are blocked and you’re experiencing mild discomfort or reduced hearing? Our team at The Hearing Hub can help. We provide several ear wax removal methods at our ear clinic in Guildford and we can provide you with immediate relief. 

Ear irrigation, more commonly known as ear syringing, is commonly used to remove excess ear wax and other debris from the ear canal. Often, ear syringing will be used when the consistency of the wax means that microsuction isn’t suitable and it is an effective way to clear blocked ears. If you don’t know much about ear syringing, our audiologists have covered the basics so you know when to expect during an appointment. 

What Happens When Ear Wax Becomes a Problem?

In most cases, ear wax will naturally make its way out of the ear and it won’t cause any problems. However, when it builds up, it may need to be professionally removed. 

An excessive amount of ear wax can cause problems when it’s left sitting in the ear. For example, partial hearing loss, pressure in the ear, dizziness, tinnitus and itchiness in the ear. Sometimes, the natural process of ear wax moving out of the ear can be hindered by using cotton buds too, which can push the ear wax further back and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. In such cases, ear syringing can be a suitable method for clearing the blockage.

The Ear Syringing Procedure

Ear syringing is a widely-used procedure for removing excessive ear wax and alleviating the discomfort it can cause. When performed by a trained audiologist, it can be a safe and effective way to clear blockages. Ear syringing is a relatively simple procedure, it typically involves the following steps; 

  • Examination – Before the ear syringing procedure, an audiologist will use a microscope to get a detailed view of your ear canal. They will examine the potential build-up of ear wax, assess the extent of the blockage and identify any potential issues.
  • Preparation – Depending on the consistency of the ear wax, an audiologist may put a few drops of oil into the ear canal to soften the wax, this makes it easier to remove. It may be suggested that you use olive oil drops prior to your appointment too. 
  • Syringing – The actual syringing process involves gently pumping warm water into the ear canal to flush out the ear wax. An audiologist will be extremely careful throughout the procedure to avoid direct contact with sensitive parts of the ear and minimise the risk of injury to the ear drum. As the ear wax and other debris is dislodged, it will be collected in a basin or a specialised container held below the ear. 
  • Post-procedure – Once the syringing is complete, an audiologist will usually use the microscope again to ensure that they have cleared all of the ear wax from the ear canal. Sometimes, for particularly stubborn ear wax, instrumentation may be required too. In rare cases, you may need to book a follow-up appointment too. 

Speak to an Expert About Ear Syringing in the Cranleigh Area

Hopefully, you will now know a little bit more about ear syringing and how an audiologist can help to remove blockages in your ears. Should you have any unanswered questions about this procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at The Hearing Hub. We can provide you with any additional information you may require about the process of ear syringing. 

To book an appointment for ear syringing in Cranleigh at our local Guildford clinic, head over to our website. You can use our convenient online booking system to arrange an appointment for a date and time that best suits you. You can also call us on 0330 111 9992 if you’d prefer and a member of our team will happily get you booked in. Whenever you turn to The Hearing Hub for ear syringing in Guildford, you can trust that you will be in good hands with our audiologists.