FAQ
TOP QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS
“Why are my ear canals blocking up?”
The production of cerumen (earwax) various across individuals. Cerumen in itself has anti-bacterial properties and helps to trap dirt and other debris in the ear canal.
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The 'self-cleaning' process of the canal- called epithelial migration- where the canal skin slowly sheds in a 'reverse corkscrew' fashion from the inner to the outer canal occurs at the same rate as finger nail growth.
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The combination of cerumen and skin debris can cause a build up in the canal that can remain in-situ over months and even years.
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”Isn't earwax healthy?"
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In short, soft cerumen provides a healthy function in the ear canal.
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However, if it becomes impacted (hard) or fully occluding (blocking the canal) it can lead to complications such as discomfort or in extreme cases phenomena such as fungal growth and otitis externa (outer ear infections).
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“What is the root cause of my earwax problem?”
Prior to commencing any aural hygiene procedure, we conduct an aural health check including a visual inspection of the canal with miscroscope loupes. This is also done post procedure so we can give you advice on the physiology of your canal and how you can maintain healthy ear canals going forward.
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Our observation is that the 'architecture and anatomy' of the ear canal is often a big contributor to cerumen accumulation. In other words, there may be a steep bend in the canal, cartilage blocking the exit of the external auditory maetus or other conditions such as exostosis (a bony growth calcification of the ear canal) that causes a narrowing of the canal.
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“I am a regular swimmer/surfer/diver- why am I constantly getting ear infections?”
Watersports such as swimming, surfing and sailing can lead to a condition called exostosis (surfers ear). In short over a long period of time (many years or decades), bony growths in the ear canal can lead to a narrowing of the external auditory maetus (ear canal).
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In itself, the condition is not harmful, however it often leads to water and normal wax debris become 'trapped' in the canal instead of draining normally. An ENT specialist can advise on whether corrective surgery is recommended for an individual's exostosis.
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Trapped debris in a confined space with constant warmth and humidity are the perfect preconditions for an infection to develop.
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It's important to note that we don't diagnose or treat ear infections as part of our service- but we've seen plenty of them!
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“Do ear candles work?”
Sadly, google searching isn't the answer on this one.
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The principle of ear candling is 'warming and softening'. It feels great and looks esoteric, but we're happy to cite you clinical research that shows no substantive benefit to using ear candles for wax removal.
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There are no centrifugal effects ie 'reversing out' of cerumen debris from the external auditory maetus. In some instances, ear candles can make the problem worse by impacting wax deeper into the canal.
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We're very happy to do a video otoscopy of your canal pre and post candling vs microsuction if you would like to view the results yourself of what a truly deep clean looks like.
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”Why are my hearing aid speakers and moulds constantly waxing up?"
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Let's not talk about earwax for the moment- think instead of the allegory of a car tyre or gumboots running from paved road through a muddy entrance to a driveway- mud clinging to the boots or tyres every time you enter or leave the driveway- tracking mud everywhere.
In other words, hearing aid speakers or moulds are constantly interacting (and impacting) with the cerumen debris in the ear canal every time they are removed and re-inserted during the day.
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Hearing aid manufacturers will readily state that 90% of all hearing aid maintenance problems are caused by earwax debris. ​
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Regular clearing debris from your ear canals will go a long way to reducing the hassle of constantly changing wax guards on your hearing aid speaker receivers and moulds.
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During our aural health assessment we can advise you on the periodic maintenance interval for keeping your canals clear for your hearing aids.
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"Does earwax affect hearing aid performance?"
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As we've described above, hearing aid manufacturers will readily admit that a majority of all aid maintenance issues relate to earwax debris. Aid receivers and moulds by design are seated in the canal- and attract debris like a magnet.
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It's not uncommon for aid users to be incidentally impacting earwax deeper into the canal over time- eventually leading to hearing aid feedback 'whistling'.
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Regular maintenance of the ear canal- clearing out cerumen- will reduce instances of aid feedback and of course reduce the amount of mould cleaning, wax guard or speaker changing required for a hearing aid wearer.
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"Do you do home/nursing home visits?"
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Our clinic is located on the ground floor within 25 metres of multiple off street and underground parking. If you or a relative have mobility and access difficulties getting to our clinic please contact us for after-hours or weekend service.
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Surcharges and conditions apply but we happy to assist in any care plans with your treating GP.
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