EAR HEALTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT
To ensure your ears are in top condition, Dr. Benjamin Loh of Dr. Ben Medical sheds light on ear health and ISSUES, AS WELL AS A BENEfiCIAL MICROSUCTION PROCEDURE THAT MORE PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AND CONSIDER.
Why should we pay attention to ear health, especially when it comes to matters like ear wax and ear wax buildup?
In my experience, most people do place a great emphasis on ear health — but they do so by constantly cleaning it with Q-tips, cotton buds, or even the metal ear digger. Ironically, the correct way is it leave ear wax alone as our ears possesses a selfcleaning mechanism that helps get rid of the wax naturally. Instrumentation to clean the ears can later result in further complications like impacted ear wax and damage to the ear canal.
Why is it that some people produce more ear wax than others?
We have been seeing more people with earwax build-up lately as everyone has been exercising more during this period and perspiration may lead to increased ear wax production. Nevertheless, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risk of earwax build-up. For patients who have been living in places with lower humidity, they might find that they have more ear wax build up compared to living in a tropical climate in Singapore. Also, in more recent times, the more frequent use of in-ear headphones might impede wax clearance leading to build up.
Can you tell us more about the aural toilet microsuction procedure offered at Dr. Ben Medical?
Ear wax microsuction is a very short procedure that usually takes about 1015 minutes to complete. It is a safe, quick, and effective procedure for ear wax removal. It is even comfortable for some. However, some might dislike to noise at the start of the suction process.
Can you walk us through the benefits of this procedure? Who should consider going for this?
Anyone with complications of ear wax discomfort or ear infection may consider this procedure. It helps remove various foreign objects that find their way in the ear, as well as excess earwax that causes discomfort and pain to the patient or is symptomatic to the patient. Meanwhile, those suffering from certain health conditions like eczema can benefit from microsuction because of the high skin cell turnover in the ear canal. Those with an external and middle ear infection will also benefit from microsuction for the removal of either earwax or abnormal discharge for better absorption and penetration of medicated ear drops. What’s more, microsuction is beneficial in situations where the visualization of the entire eardrum without earwax obstruction is needed for various diagnostic purposes.
Please share after care tips for those who have gone through the microsuction procedure.
It is important to keep your ears dry after the procedure to prevent infection as it might take a couple of days before the ear wax can acts as a protective barrier again. Speak to your doctor should you experience any signs of infection, which includes ear discharge, pain, or swelling.
Is this a procedure you would recommend someone to do regularly or is it merely a solution for a worst-case scenario?
This procedure is strongly recommended for patients suffering from an ear infection. Ear irrigation is not an alternative to such patients. Patients with earwax buildup that have caused symptoms, anatomical variations within the ear canal, and hearing aids are also encouraged to go for this procedure. Children who are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and are able and willing to follow and understand simple instructions will also benefit from it.
Finally, can you share three simple steps to maintain overall good ear health?
Keep your ears dry, do not attempt to clean or stick any ear cleaning device into your ear, and avoid prolonged noise exposure.