What does Ear Wax Mico Suction Involve?

A qualified Clinical Ear Care Practitioner inspects both ears. Photographs and Videos of the inside of the ear are taken before and after the procedure, which you will see at the end of the treatment. A very fine suction device is then gently used to remove the wax. In most cases, the wax will go down the suction tube; in other cases, it will come out whole as a wax plug. It is one of the safest and most effective ways to remove ear wax.

Do I need to prepare for the appointment?

Yes, you need to start using Olive Oil 5-6 days before you come to your appointment, using it around 4 times a day. The recommendation is to use Earol which is an olive oil spray. Using a couple of pumps in both ears, then gently massage the outer and under part of the ear. This allows the wax to soften and become moist, enabling the suction machine to work more effectively, as it will not work if it is very dry and hard. Please use the oil in both ears, regardless of if you think only one ear is blocked.

Does it hurt?

No, it should not be painful. The machine is a little noisy, which you will hear before the procedure starts.

How long does it take?

The average time is half an hour for both ears, but it can vary depending on each individual and the amount and consistency of the wax; in some cases, it is 10 minutes, and in others, it is 30 minutes.

Do you check both ears?

In all cases, both ears are given a full health check. Many people feel only one ear is affected, but on inspection, both ears are full of wax. Once the wax is removed, a thorough ear health check is carried out.

Are there any side effects?

There are rarely side effects, but sometimes, after the procedure, it may cause slight dizziness, which will only last a few minutes. Some people feel their hearing is abnormally loud after the treatment. This will usually pass after a few hours, and normal hearing will return. A very rare side effect can be bleeding or an infection.

Is it safe?

Micro Suction is one of the safest and most effective forms of ear wax removal.

Can I have Micro-Suction if I have had a Perforated Ear Drum?

Yes, micro-suction can be used if there has been a perforation.

Is more than one appointment necessary?

In most cases, wax can be removed from both ears in one appointment. However, another appointment may be required if the wax is very dry, solid, or far back and has been there for a long time. Also, a slightly different preparation may be required for the patient to follow before their next appointment.

Is there an age requirement?

Anyone over 16 years of age can have the procedure.

What happens if you see something unusual or abnormal within the ear?

If there is anything of concern within the ear, the images/videos of the ear and a full report will be sent to my backup team of audiologists for further review, and a report of advice will be sent back to me within 24 hours. If, for some reason, the audiologist is not happy, they will forward the case to ENT consultants, and a report is usually sent to me between 7-10 days with advice. In some cases, an onward referral to the GP is necessary, in which case a full report is sent.

How Often Can You Have Micro Suction

Ear Wax Micro Suction can be done as often as necessary. The majority of people with ear wax issues come once a year. For those with a large wax production, it can be as often as every 3-4 months.