Are you experiencing itchy and blocked ears? This could mean you have an excess of earwax building in your ear.
If you clicked on this blog, it is likely you are suffering with this sensation or are curious to learn more about what is involved in our Ear Microsuction service. So, here is everything you need to know to ease your anxieties, questions or concerns about what is expected.
However, if you’d like to skip ahead and book an Ear Microsuction appointment, click [here].
If you’re debating booking or find yourself waiting for your ear microsuction appointment, here are some preparation tips.
First, you must soften your ears before your appointment for optimal results.
Offering her professional guidance throughout this article, is our Branch Manager Ellie from our store, Mesnes Street.
“We advise putting olive oil ear drops in your ear 3-5 days before your appointment to soften any superfluous ear wax.
However, we can accept walk-in appointments, but patients may be advised to come back later if the wax is too hard and stubborn to remove.”
Once you have completed the recommended preparations, like any other appointment, it is important you plan your journey. Therefore, we encourage you to allocate enough travel time, check your route and directions as well as research any nearby parking.
Further, Ellie advises you to arrive at your Allied Pharmacy five minutes before your appointment time. This is as on entry you are required to check in at the counter. Once you have done so, a pharmacist will direct you into the private consultation room and the service will begin.
“A series of questions are asked regarding the patient’s medical history.
Answering these questions to the best of your ability can help us know what the best aftercare is and how to deal with the procedure.” says Ellie.
Here is a list of questions that may be asked, which you can prepare for in advance.
After this, the pharmacist will discuss with you the potential risks that can occur from the procedure. Once you have been provided with these details and you have consented to proceed, you will be asked to remain upright during the procedure.
The procedure will begin with the pharmacist using a disposable tip (at the end of a microscope) to see down your ear canal. In most cases, a light will be switched on the microscope, so the pharmacist can see clearly.
“If we find there is a sign of wax in the ear canal we get the suction, and this goes through the speculum and into the ear so that you can hoover up any wax that’s in there.
This can be a lengthy procedure depending on how much wax build-up there is and how stubborn the wax is.” Ellie explains.
In addition, she continues “This procedure is basically repeated until the debris is cleared.
If there is compacted wax, more than one visit may be needed, at a further cost.”
On occasion, olive oil ear spray will be used during the procedure, to loosen and clear any stubborn ear wax within the ear. This is so all ear wax is removed safely and efficiently.
It is also important to note that all the equipment used for this treatment is for single use only and is properly discarded afterwards.
If the pharmacist spots any foreign objects in your ear during the procedure, the suction may be used to remove such items. However, if the pharmacist feels removing the items would be unsafe or a discomfort to you, you will be referred to A&E for treatment.
During the examination the pharmacist will have captured a before and after image/video showing you the results of the treatment. After this, the pharmacist will provide you with advice on how to prevent any uncomfortable symptoms occurring after the appointment.
Here is a list of recommendations to adhere to.
If you have any questions following your appointment or any questions prior to your visit, contact your chosen pharmacy for help!