Best ways to remove ear wax

"Huh?", "Pardon me?" 
Ear wax buildup is a normal function of the human body. It provides lubrication and  protection to your eardrum and has antibacterial properties. This said, a large amount of ear wax can be detrimental to your health, causing symptoms like: 

• Hearing loss
• Ear Pain
• Itchiness 
• Dizziness 
•  Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) 

So what are the best treatments for too much ear wax? While your first instinct might be to reach for a cotton bud, this is not recommended for ear cleaning. Cotton buds can push the wax further into your ear canal or damage your eardrum. Eardops are often used as the first line treatment for ear wax. They soften the ear wax so that it can clear from the ear canal naturally. Proving more effective than no intervention, eardrops are a first line of treatment. 

Should the wax buildup be too great or if eardrops are unsuccessful; a safe, efficacious way to remove ear wax is by microsuction.  Microsuction uses vaccum technology to remove ear wax, removing the discomfort and mess of water based treatments like ear syringe. It also employs the use of a microscope so the doctor can observe the ear canal whilst performing the procedure.  

Dr Vince Ladewig GP provides microsuction at Bulimba Doctors for a standard consult fee and bulk bills the procedure fee. To book in for a microsuction appointment, please call Bulimba Doctors on 3395 6099 or book online via Hotdoc.