How Microsuction Works

Microsuction ear wax removal is the most commonly used technique to remove a build-up of wax from the ear. A build-up of earwax can affect people of any age, at any time. Ear wax usually passes from the body naturally, but sometimes it needs a little more encouragement.

Micro suction is made up of two words: “Micro” refers to the operating microscopes that can either be large floor standing units, or can be incorporated into glasses, in which case they are known as operating loupes. “Suction” refers to the medical suction pump that is attached to a tube and a 2 millimetre suction wand, which is used to suction the wax from your ear.

Micro suction requires a good knowledge of the anatomy of the ear, along with training in how to safely use the equipment. For this reason, microsuction is performed by ENT surgeons and Audiologists, who both specialise in the ear, and by specialist nurses who have had further training.

Micro suction only removes wax from the ear – because it doesn’t spray water into the ear it is safe to use after ear surgery, or when the eardrum is perforated. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a powerful operating microscope and a bright light source, so he or she can see exactly what is happening inside your ear, so the procedure is the safest of all.

Preparing for Ear Wax Removal

1. It is important you do not push objects inside the ear, such as; cotton wool buds or fingers, as we have seen many outer ear infections coming into the clinic, and there is a risk you may damage the ear.
2. We recommend visiting your local pharmacy and asking for advice on an ear wax softener product to help soften and break down the wax, which helps with the natural cleaning process already discussed.
3. To achieve the best results apply softening drops or olive oil prior to your appointment. This makes it much easier to remove any hardened wax.

Once you have finished your course of drops this is the ideal time to visit our microsuction clinic to have your wax safely removed using gentle suction. The ear wax softener makes the procedure quick, simple and painless.

However, our clinic offers same day appointments and regardless if you have applied drops, or not, in many cases the ear wax is soft enough to take out, and we can use drops at the clinic to help remove the wax. If the wax is stubborn, here at Clear Earwax, we offer a free followup consultation if we are not able to remove all the dry stubborn wax at the first appointment. We might recommend you go away for 5-7 days to apply drops to soften the wax and to come back and have the rest removed via micro suction technique.

Please be aware that we are not able to issue prescriptions; if you suspect that you may have an infection, please seek the advice of your GP or ENT Specialist.