Preparing your child before their microsuction ear wax removal appointment can help the procedure go smoothly and ensures a more comfortable experience for the child.
We recommend applying olive oil in the child’s ears for 2 nights prior to your appointment. This helps soften the ear wax, facilitating a quick and easy removal using microsuction.
Important none: Using oil may not be suitable for all children, especially those with a history of a hole or perforation in the eardrum or ear grommets. Do not use liquid drops in the ear if this applies. This method is also not recommended if a foreign object is stuck in the ear, especially if it has the potential to swell when wet.
How to use oil to soften ear wax
What you’ll need:
- An eye dropper
- A mild oil like olive oil or baby oil
- Cotton wool
- A towel
Method:
For an easier application, you may choose to do the following steps whilst your child is asleep.
- Warm the oil to make application more comfortable using your body heat by holding the bottle or dropper within your hands for a minute or two.
- Ensure your child is laying on their side and gently pull your child’s ear down and back to open the ear canal.
- Using the eye dropper, apply the oil into the ear using enough drops to fill the ear canal.
- Gently massage the ear to help the oil loosen the ear wax better.
- Let the oil sit for at least 5 minutes, ensuring the child remains laying on their side. You can place cotton wool in the ear opening as a plug to ensure oil doesn’t spill out.
- After about 20 minutes, remove the cotton wool and wipe up any oil that may spill out with a towel.
- Repeat these steps from step 1 on the opposite ear.
Apply the oil to each ear for 2 nights before your child’s microsuction appointment to ensure the ear wax is softened and easy to remove.
Common Questions about Microsuction Ear Wax removal for kids
Does Microsuction Ear Wax Removal hurt?
Not at all, some people say it can actually feel more like a ticklish sensation. Microsuction is a gentle and safe procedure that can be performed on people of any age.
Occasionally mild dizziness may be experienced for a few seconds. If this occurs, the nurse practitioner will stop the suction to allow the dizziness to settle.
Is Microsuction loud?
Because the procedure happens so close to the ear drum, ear suction can be a little bit noisy. It’s often described as a slurpy noise in your ear. If there’s any discomfort, the nurse practitioner will stop the suction until the patient is ready to proceed.
My child struggles to keep still. Will that be an issue?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the procedure it’s very important that your child is able to remain still and follow directions for the duration of the procedure for their own safety and well-being.
We are able to stop suction and pause the procedure momentarily should any discomfort arise, however if we determine that the child is uncooperative or too restless to proceed, we will have to stop the procedure to ensure the child’s safety.
Is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal safe?
Yes, microsuction is a safe and effective way to remove excess ear wax and foreign items from the ear. It is water-free, and allows for total visibility of the ear canal. This makes it a great alternative for people who cannot use water in the ear, such as those with a history of ear surgery, perforated ear drums, or ear grommets.
Microsuction is the gold standard for ear wax removal, and it’s the preferred method used by many Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required to make an appointment with MicroClear Ears.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at MicroClear Ears. If you haven’t already, you can book an appointment for your child, or for yourself by calling us on 0475 422 813.
Category: Ear health
