EAR NURSE

Before you have your ear wax removed by micro-suction, it is important that you know all about the procedure.

The Ear Canal is the passage from your outer ear to your ear drum. The ear canal can become blocked with;

Wax
Debris
Skin
Foreign objects

This can cause temporary hearing loss and /or infection. Micro-suction of an ear canal is performed under direct vision using a microscope. It is the cleaning of an ear canal using gentle suction and instruments. All equipment is sterilized before use . At the Hearing Association (Auckland) Inc this procedure is performed by registered nurses who have been trained in this method. 

Our experienced Ear Nurse removes Ear Wax, using the Oto-microscope suction method

Clinics are held twice weekly - Tuesdays and Thursdays. No referrals necessary

Appointments usually take 15 - 20 minutes

We advise that you use a few drops of olive or almond oil for 2 days before the appointment to soften the wax

You will be asked to fill in a medical form and sign a consent form

The Ear Nurse will explain the procedure
The Nurse will place a small cone in your ear to enable her to view the canal
A microscope is used to give the nurse a closer look into the ear canal
A small suction tube with a probe attached will be carefully placed in your ear canal. The suction will make a windy sound.
Wax and debris will be carefully removed
Forceps may be used to remove hard plugs of wax, skin and foreign objects
If your ear canal is sensitive, infected or inflamed it may be a little uncomfortable
Cold air across your eardrum may cause temporary dizziness
Touching your ear canal may cause coughing

How often should you have your ears micro-suctioned?
Each person has individual needs as they produce varying amounts and types of wax
The Ear Nurse will advise you how often you should have your ears suctioned

If you wear hearing aids we recommend you have your ears suctioned every 6 months, to avoid wax build up and damage to your hearing aids

We advise for your comfort to use olive or almond oil for 2 days prior to your appointment
People with eardrum perforations should not use oils