Ear irrigation involves the extraction of excess ear wax using a stream of warm water to flush out the ear canal. Ear microsuction draws out the wax using a gentle suction device. Microsuction is helpful in cases where clients should not have water in their ears (due to a perforation, infection or surgery).
Ear wax removal is unnecessary in the majority of cases. However, removal can be helpful if the wax is causing any of the following:
- Hearing loss
- Persistent itchiness
- Blocked ears, or a sense of fullness
- Vertigo
- Obstruction of the tympanic membrane (eardrum)