Kids Ear wax removal 
Ear cleaning, via Microsuction 

Kids can put all sorts of things in their ears!

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I've removed parts of an eraser, beads, tissue, Q-Tips and sand from many kid's ear canals in my career as an Audiologist (and some adults too). Discharge is another item we remove from ear canals. Some kids are more prone to ear wax build up, and when this becomes occluding (or completely blocking) this can cause what is known as a temporary or conductive hearing loss.

 

Ear wax blocking the ear canal is a risk for kiddies in particular, as it can impact how they acquire speech-language and the clarity of their speech. "You speak the way you hear" is a great reminder of clarity, or in some cases, the lack of clarity, a child may have, and this may be down to ear wax blocking the ear canal. At the time of ear wax removal, a hearing test may also be suggested depending on the case history.

 

We can see kiddies aged 3 years and up at Perth Audiology, however this comes with a caution. Prior to booking your child in, please call or text us to discuss your kiddies 'Wriggle Factor' or comfort at having their ears examined/touched. This call or contact is a great way to discuss any concerns with your kids ears / hearing. 

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Having clear ear canals is essentially for clear transmission of sound waves through the pathways of hearing and we work to make the ear cleaning process calm, smooth and fun!

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The technique of microsuction to remove ear wax or clean your ear canals is a safe and pain free experience. Microsuctioning under the use of Vorotek binoculars is the recommended and  preferred method for removing ear wax or removal of foreign objects from the ear canal for the following reasons:

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1. View into the ear canal using the Vorotek binoculars for excellent vision in the ear canal. Your ear canals are small, dark spaces that need this form of vision and light.

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2. Microsuction approaches from a frontal point of view. This means we can see what we are working with. When comparing with ear irrigation or water to clear the ears, the method here is to push water into the ear canal in the hopes it hits the ear drum and pushes the ear wax out of your canal. The issue with this method is not being able to see what is happening behind the ear wax. Is there a hole in your ear drum or spores in your ear? All this can amount to further complications in the long term. Not to mention it's not the most pleasant experience. In some people, the use of the water can also induce some dizziness. Water poses more risks if the client has discharge, a fungal infection or bacterial growth in their ear canals too, as the moistened environment may support the growth of these foreign bodies.

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3. Microsuction is a gentle form of wax removal. This will depend on how long your ear wax has been in your ear canal and if have been using a Q-tip or the likes to try remove it yourself (please don't, as this pushes your ear wax deeper into your ear canal). The longer your ear wax build up, the longer it may take to remove.

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4. Treatment: We may use an ear wax removal spray to support the removal of ear wax. 

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5. Ear wax is a naturally occurring product of your ear canal ecosystem, however when pushed in deeper with a Q-tip or other object, it may become problematic.

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6. The cost for ear microsuctioning is $130. Should you require additional testing the cost may be between $130 to $175.

 

​Book your kiddies ear wax removal appointment here.