Ear Wax Removal – Microsuction

Our registered nurse has specialist training in ear wax removal using microsuction allowing us to offer a fast, safe and high-quality service to adults and children at very competitive prices. Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a precision suction apparatus to suction unwanted or obstructing skin cells and wax from the ear canal. We use surgical lenses that provide binocular magnification so that the tip of the suction tube is always under direct vision.

Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a very fine sterile suction device under a microscope. The gentle suction device is used to provide pain-free and immediate results, and whilst using the microscope the audiologist can clearly see inside the ear canal during the procedure making it an entirely controlled treatment.

We mainly use microsuction as our preferred option as it is cleaner, non-invasive and significantly quicker than irrigation and find that most people find it more comfortable. Our recommendation if you have wax is to put olive oil, or preferably sodium bicarbonate ear drops into your ears 2 to 3 days prior to your appointment as this will aid removal.

A comprehensive medical history will be taken, microscopic examination of the inner ear canals and eardrums gentle removal of the earwax with a surgical microsuction unit. The pharmacist will wear a pair of illuminated microscopes, namely “loupes”, and air will be heard rushing through the suction wand during the procedure. There may be an occasional mild ‘pop’ as the wax is sucked through the probe. Generally, the appointment will be painless.

A limitation of using operating microscopes (or loupes) to remove ear wax is the view provided is quite narrow. As a result, the position of the microscope, speculum inside the ear and the person’s head can require constant re-adjustment in order to refocus and visualise the ear wax. Despite this, microscopic and microsuction ear wax removal is regarded as being safe and well-tolerated.

What is Ear Microsuction?

As medical professionals working in ent, we get asked “how to remove ear wax?” almost every day. We only practice and promote microsuction as this is the most effective way of maintaining oral hygiene. What is microsuction? ‘micro’ – because we use microscopes, ‘suction’ – because we use a finely calibrated suction device, to vacuum out the wax.