Ear Microsuction

What is Ear Microsuction?

Ear microsuction is widely recognised as the safest and most effective method for removing earwax. Using a small, gentle suction probe, a trained clinician carefully removes excess or impacted wax directly from the ear canal under direct vision, without the use of water. The procedure usually avoids contact with the delicate walls of the ear canal or eardrum, although the clinician may occasionally need to touch the canal walls very gently.

Unlike traditional ear syringing, which uses a pressurised water jet to dislodge wax, microsuction is a dry, precise and controlled procedure. The clinician views the ear throughout using either an otoscope or a microscope, meaning they can see exactly what they are doing at all times. This makes it a much safer option for patients with a history of ear problems, perforated eardrums or those who have not responded well to other methods.

Earwax removal is no longer routinely available on the NHS in most parts of England, meaning many patients are now turning to private providers. At LivingCare, our ENT team offers microsuction at our Leeds and Sheffield clinics, carried out by experienced nurse practitioners and ENT consultants.

Why Might You Need Earwax Removal?

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural and important part of your ear's self-cleaning system. For most people, it works its way out of the ear on its own without any intervention. However, for some people - particularly those with narrow ear canals, those who wear hearing aids, or those who regularly use in-ear headphones or cotton buds - wax can build up, become impacted and cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

You may benefit from earwax removal if you are experiencing:

• Reduced or muffled hearing in one or both ears
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Earache or discomfort
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
• Itchiness inside the ear canal

These symptoms can often be relieved quickly and effectively with microsuction.

What to Expect at Your Ear Microsuction Appointment

Before Your Appointment
‍To make the procedure as effective as possible, we recommend using olive oil drops three to four times a day for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. This helps to soften the wax and makes it easier to remove in a single session. If you are unsure which product to use, speak to your pharmacist. Please do not use ear drops if you have a known perforated eardrum or a history of ear surgery without checking with a clinician first.

If your wax is particularly hard or deeply impacted, we may ask you to soften it further before we proceed or arrange a follow-up appointment.

During Your Appointment
‍Your appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. Your clinician will begin by going through a short set of medical questions to confirm that microsuction is appropriate for you and to identify any contraindications. They will then examine both ears using an otoscope, a small, illuminated magnification tool, to assess the type, quantity and position of the wax.

If the wax is suitable for removal, they will gently use a fine suction probe to clear the ear canal. The procedure is generally painless, though patients often find it makes a noticeable noise, a brief rushing or buzzing sound as the suction is applied. It may also tickle the throat and cause coughing, which may feel slightly uncomfortable. You can ask the clinician to pause at any point if you feel uncomfortable.

After Your Appointment
‍Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their hearing once the wax is cleared. Some people experience a brief period of sensitivity or a slight ringing sensation in the ear for a short while afterwards which usually settles within a day or two. 

If your wax could not be fully removed, your clinician will advise you on next steps, which may include further softening drops and a return appointment.

Who is Microsuction Not Suitable For?

While microsuction is appropriate for most adults, there are some circumstances where it may not be recommended. These include:

• Active ear infection or discharge from the ear
• A known or suspected perforated eardrum (unless advised otherwise by a specialist)
• Recent ear surgery
• Certain underlying ear conditions

Your clinician will review your medical history at the start of your appointment and will advise you if they have any concerns about proceeding.

Microsuction vs Ear Syringing

Ear syringing (the older method of wax removal that uses a pressurised flow of water) was previously the standard approach offered in GP surgeries. It has now largely been replaced by microsuction for clinical and safety reasons. Microsuction offers several advantages:

• It is performed under direct vision throughout, reducing the risk of inadvertent contact with the ear canal or eardrum
• There is no water involved, reducing the risk of ear canal irritation or infection
• It is more suitable for patients with a history of ear problems or previous ear surgery
• It is faster and more precise, with results that are often immediate

Risks and Side Effects

Ear microsuction is a very safe procedure when carried out by a trained clinician. Possible side effects include:

• Mild temporary discomfort or sensitivity in the ear canal
• Brief ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) after the procedure, which usually resolves quickly
• Very rarely, minor bleeding or dizziness during the procedure

Your clinician will talk you through the risks before proceeding and will not continue if they have any concerns about the safety of the procedure for you.