What is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal & Is it Safe?
Microsuction is a procedure that uses a gentle suction to remove wax from the ear.
Using specialist equipment, our highly trained clinicians can see directly into the ear canal and use a sterile suction tip to gently remove the wax.
Microsuction is one of the safest and most comfortable methods to remove ear wax. It is a procedure that uses gentle suction to remove excessive or stubborn wax from the ears.
Microsuction is the newest gold standard method for wax removal where no water is used in the procedure reducing the risk of infections and damage to the eardrum.
Microsuction allows the clinician to clearly see the ear canal during the full procedure which creates a much faster than previous methods of wax removal
When to Seek Professional Ear Wax Removal Help
Like other parts of your body, it's important to have your ears regularly examined. During one of those examinations, we may detect ear wax buildup and advise on the best way to proceed based on the amount of wax discovered.
While many cases of ear wax buildup can be effectively managed at home, some instances require professional intervention. If you experience any of the symptoms below, you should visit our clinic or call our emergency number immediately:
- Persistent symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss and itching
- Bleeding or discharge from the ear
- You have had previous ear surgery or experienced ear problems
- Suspected perforation of the eardrum
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ear Wax Removal & Microsuction Prices
Special Offer!
Adults 1 or 2 ears for £55 (normally £65)
If no wax is found, there will be a £30 charge for the consultation.
All appointments are carried out by fully qualified and registered healthcare professionals, who have carried out specialist training in child Microsuction ear wax removal.
Home Visits
Home ear wax removal appointments start from £165. Please contact us for further information.
Earwax Removal Appointment Process
What to Expect at Your Ear Wax Removal Consultation?
Step 1
Medical History. Your clinician will take your medical history and ask questions related to your ears.
Step 2
Pre Examination of the ears – We will examine your ears using specialist equipment and advise if there is any wax in the ears.
Step 3
Explanation – the microsuction procedure will be explained to you in detail.
Step 4
Procedure – ear wax removal will last between 5-10mins. If the wax in the ears is stubborn it may take slightly longer to remove. Microsuction is pain-free and the safest procedure to remove ear wax.
Step 5
Post Examination of the ears – Once we have successfully removed the ear wax, we will examine the ears again to check the health of your ear drums.
Step 6
Free Follow Up– If we cannot fully remove the ear wax in the first appointment, we will rebook you for a free follow up within four weeks of your original appointment.
What Happens If Ear Wax is Not Removed?
If you have excessive ear wax it will eventually cause a plug that can block the ear and may result in the following:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Pain in the ear
- Itchiness
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound constantly heard in the ear)
A cough – this is actually an unknown symptom to a lot of people but the pressure on the nerve in the ear caused by the earwax can result in coughing.
If you have any of the above issues and you are unsure of the cause it is advised to get your ear checked out by a professional who will be able to take a look into your ears and if needed can safely and effectively remove any problems using a microsuction earwax removal procedure.
Ear Wax Removal FAQ's
- Why does wax build up?Ear wax is a natural product made up in the ears. It consists of dust, old skin, and oil secretions from the gland. Its sticky nature helps protect the ear and prevent infections. Small amounts of wax in the ear are normal and expected.
- If my ears are blocked, what symptoms will I experience?If your ears are blocked with ear wax you may feel pain, discomfort, hearing loss, dizziness or ringing in your ears. These can often be a sign that your ears are excessively blocked. We always recommend having this checked immediately so we can advise whether it is wax or whether it requires further investigation.
- How do I know if it is ear wax that is causing the problem?If you have not had confirmation that there is definitely excessive ear wax buildup, we will examine the ears to confirm this. If there is ear wax build-up, we are able to remove this within the same appointment by microsuction. If there is no wax, we only charge £30 for the consultation. We will offer you a hearing test (£30) and a tympanometry test (£60) to further investigate the reasons for your discomfort.
- Should I use olive oil drops before the appointment?Olive oil can be used a few days before your appointment to help soften the ear wax. It is not absolutely necessary and we can still remove ear wax from the majority of ears within the first appointment without the use of olive oil drops. If the wax is very stubborn and we are unable to remove it in the first appointment, we will rebook you for a free follow up within four weeks of your original appointment. Please do not use olive oil if you have a perforation in the ear drum.
- How long does the appointment take?The microsuction procedure itself will take between 5-10 mins. Occasionally it may take longer if the wax is very stubborn. For children, the appointment times will take between 15-20 minutes.
- How long does it take to recover from ear wax removal?There is no recovery time necessary for microsuction earwax removal. However, we recommend keeping your ears dry for 4-5 days because the ear is more vulnerable to infection until it produces more wax.
- Can I hear better after earwax removal?Removing excess earwax can make a world of difference for your hearing. The extent of the change depends on the amount of wax in the ear, with patients with impacted earwax having the most substantial difference.
- How painful is earwax removal?Microsuction earwax removal is not painful and has minimal discomfort. Most patients consider the process easily tolerable without any medical assistance.
- Can removing earwax damage the eardrum?Yes, it's possible to damage the eardrum when removing earwax. That's why you should avoid attempting to dig out excessive or hardened earwax at home. It is a job best left to our professionals. You may push the wax farther into your ear and cause even more damage to the lining of your ear canal and eardrum.
- How long does the earwax removal procedure take?Earwax removal using microsuction takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount and position of the wax. After removing the wax, our experts will examine the ear canal once more to ensure there aren't any other potential problems.
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Why You Should Have Ear Wax Removed
Regular professional ear wax removal has many benefits, such as:
Improved hearing
Excessive ear wax buildup can lead to hearing loss. Ear wax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum efficiently.
Regular ear cleaning and wax removal can help improve hearing by eliminating blockages in the ear canal. We use safe and effective ear wax removal methods, such as microsuction ear wax removal, that are comfortable and don't compromise the structures inside the ear. These methods safely remove the wax and restore the passage of sound waves through the ear canal.
Prevention of ear infections
The number of things that can trigger an ear infection increases with age. These can range from trapped water to dirt or dust that finds its way inside the ear. However, ear wax buildup is still one of the leading threats to ear infections.
Excessive ear wax creates the perfect environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria that lead to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and proper earwax removal can prevent ear infections by eliminating the breeding ground for such microorganisms.
Relief from tinnitus
If you experience an uncomfortable ringing or buzzing in your ear, you might be suffering from tinnitus. You should visit a doctor for a consultation and diagnosis. Tinnitus causes include infection, sudden pressure change, and old age, and the most common culprit is earwax buildup.
When a significant amount of ear wax clumps in the canal, it can create pressure on the eardrum, leading to tinnitus. Proper and professional ear wax removal can prevent the wax from clumping into a ball and piling pressure on the eardrums.
Improved balance
The ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, and blockages in the ear canal can affect the balance. Excessive ear wax buildup can cause dizziness and vertigo and affect daily activities. Retaining only a healthy amount of ear wax can help improve balance and prevent blockages in the ear canal.
Prevents earaches
Trauma to the ear and earwax build can cause earaches. When left unaddressed, clumps of ear wax can eventually harden and form around the ear, causing additional pressure and earaches.
Incorrect usage of ear wax removal tools, like cotton swabs that push the wax inside the inner ear can cause the wax to compact together and harden, causing extreme pain. Professional ear wax removal using proven methods like microsuction can dislodge the wax and relieve the pain.
Prevent complications from earplugs and hearing aids
If you use hearing aids and earplugs, keeping your ear clean is even more critical because using these devices can cause earwax buildup if not cleaned regularly.
Excessive earwax can clog the hearing aid or earplug and reduce its effectiveness. Earwax removal can also prevent complications from the hearing aids and earplugs.