More often than not, when preparing for an ear wax removal appointment, it will be recommended that you use olive oil drops for at least a couple of days beforehand. Softening the wax before your appointment offers several benefits and can make a big difference to the overall experience. At The Hearing Hub, we specialise in ear wax removal and have successfully removed excessive build-ups of wax from our patients’ ears.
If you live in the Aldershot area, we can assist you at our Guildford clinic and we specialise in all methods of ear wax removal, including microsuction, ear syringing and instrumentation. If you’re wondering why it’s recommended that you soften the ear wax before your appointment, below we have explored the importance of preparing for your appointment.
Why Softening Matters
Ear wax is naturally produced by the body to protect the ears from water, dirt, bacteria and other foreign particles. While more often than not, it naturally moves out of the ear canal, sometimes it can build up and harden. This leads to blockages that can impact your hearing and cause discomfort. Softening the ear wax before a professional removal appointment is beneficial because it makes the process quicker, easier and more comfortable. Softened wax is less stubborn and using olive oil can enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
Preparing for Microsuction
Microsuction is known for its safety and precision when removing ear wax, and it doesn’t need extensive pre-treatment. Unlike other methods, such as ear syringing, which may require a couple of weeks of softening to make the removal process more straightforward, microsuction can often be performed with only a few days of preparation. At The Hearing Hub, we recommend using some form of softening ear drops before your appointment to make the procedure easier for you and ensure the best possible outcome.
Recommended Softening Techniques
When you book an appointment for ear wax removal in Guildford, we suggest using olive oil drops in your ears for at least two days before your microsuction procedure. This gentle product helps soften, loosen and break up the wax without irritating the sensitive skin in the ear canal. Among the range of ear drops available on the market, we recommend Earol Olive Oil spray for its ease of use and effectiveness. The spray applicator distributes the oil evenly, covering all of the wax, which makes the removal process much easier.
How to Use Olive Oil Spray
Using olive oil spray is very straightforward and can easily be done at home before your ear wax removal appointment;
- Tilt your head slightly and open the ear canal by pulling the upper ear outwards.
- Apply the spray as directed on the bottle. Generally, the nozzle should be placed at the entrance of the ear canal and one or two sprays is enough.
- To help ensure the oil goes deep into the ear wax, you can massage the tragus while moving your jaw around.
- Repeat the process on the other ear if you’re going to be having ear wax removal carried out on both ears during your appointment.
- Follow this process twice a day for optimal softening for at least two days before your appointment. You can also use it afterwards as a preventative measure.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
When you arrive for your microsuction appointment at The Hearing Hub, the softened wax can typically be removed quickly and with minimal discomfort. Our highly trained audiologists will use a gentle suction device to carefully extract the wax from the ear canal. Many patients notice an immediate difference and a significant improvement in symptoms straight after the procedure. Microscution typically lasts between 10-30 minutes, depending on the consistency of the ear wax, and it’s an effective solution for ear care.
Preparing for Ear Wax Removal in Guildford
It’s fair to say that it’s always beneficial to prepare properly before ear wax removal. Simply softening the wax can have a big impact, making the procedure more comfortable and providing better results. Using Earol Olive Oil spray for general softening is a very straightforward way to ensure you get the desired effect from your ear wax removal appointment.
If you’re interested in booking ear wax removal services near Aldershot, you can use our online booking tool. Simply select our Guildford clinic and book an appointment for a date and time that best suits you. If you have any questions about ear wax build-up or the microsuction process, feel free to contact us. We’re here to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.