About Ear Wax Removal By Micro-suction

What is micro-suction?

Ear micro-suction is a painless technique for removing ear wax using specialised magnification loupes (similar to ones dentists use). This allows the clinician to look into the ear canal in great detail. 

The micro-suction procedure is not dissimilar to using a tiny vacuum cleaner inside the ear to remove the wax: with micro-suction the clinician can latch onto the wax using a suction probe and pull it out, or if it is very soft it just gets sucked into the probe!

Why we use micro-suction

Micro-suction is the safest and most effective method of examining and removing wax from the ear. The ear canal and eardrum are very sensitive and delicate however by using micro-suction the clinician is able to visualise the whole process. This makes it safer than syringing methods where water is flushed into the ear canal without any view. We maintain constant communication with our patients explaining the whole process and making it a comfortable experience.

As the procedure doesn’t require any water it reduces the risk of infection and it can also be performed on those with a perforated eardrum.

When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill in a short questionnaire regarding your recent hearing health and any previous wax removal procedures. You will also be given the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your ears or the procedure. 

Preparing for a micro-suction procedure

Micro-suction can be performed without the use of softening drops. Unlike syringing where it is necessary to use drops for up to a week prior to an appointment. That being said, using olive oil drops a night or two before a micro-suction procedure will start to soften any hard wax which may be present.