Although ear wax can have many benefits and is a normal part of human physiology, issues can arise when there is excessive wax production, or if the outer ear canal is not extracting it naturally, which can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss. If that’s the case, it’s usually recommended that the ear wax is removed to see if this is the cause of the symptoms.

Microsuction ear wax removal is a technique for removing ear wax that uses high-definition otoscopy device which allows for depth-perception and magnification.

This device allows us to look in your ear canal in great detail and use a very fine sterile suction device at low pressure to remove the wax. Therefore, it is similar to using a tiny vacuum cleaner inside the ear to remove the wax. All in all, using HD otoscope  means that we can visualise the external ear canal and its contents in great detail making the procedure more comfortable for patients.

Occasionally, we may need to use other instruments to remove particularly hard wax, such as Jobson Horne probes, hooks, or micro forceps).

This varies from patient to patient. Some may develop a lot of wax in their ear canal, with subsequent blockages, as often as every 2-3 months, which means they may require ear microsuction every 3 months.

In any case, microsuction means we can latch onto the ear wax to pull it out, while very soft wax will simply be sucked up by the suction probe, meaning the procedure can be carried out as often as necessary.

We also use ear microsuction to treat outer ear infections. As a result, we remove debris or pus from the canal so that antibiotic drops can do their job more effectively.

Softening ear wax before microsuction is not essential, but using olive oil drops to prior soften the wax may make it faster and more comfortable.

Microsuction ear wax removal is unlikely to be painful. However, some discomfort is normal. All in all, the main thing that you will notice is the sound of the suction probe, which you’ll soon become used to. Because we use extra fine tips for the suction of any ear wax closer to the ear drum, we basically avoid excessive exposure to suction noise.

Yes, you can have microsuction with an ear infection. However, you have to take into consideration that the infection itself could be uncomfortable. This means thet microsuction of the infected ear canal can be painful as a result. However, microsuction of infected debris is very helpful in the treatment of external ear infection (otitis externa), helping the antibiotic or antifungal ear drops to act quicker and more efficient. In this case, you can help to reduce some of the discomfort by taking your preferred painkiller an hour prior to attending your appointment.

Microsuction ear wax removal is the safest and most effective procedure for treatment of the ear buildup when performed by experienced and well trained practitioners.

In most cases, it can take up to 15 minutes to perform microsuction on both ears and up to 30 minutes for the consultation and hearing screening. It’s important to keep as still as you can during the procedure to ensure it can be performed as efficiently as possible. The ear canal is very small and is in very close proximity to the eardrum, so even small movements can take the ear canal image out of focus and make the procedure take longer. 

Yes– ear microsuction is perfectly suited and highly recommended for patients who have had ear surgery in the past, such as: mastoidectomy, eardrum repair, stapedectomy, and refashioning of the ear canal. However, it is important that a minimum of 6 months have passed since your surgery and you have been discharged from the ENT care.

Yes, microsuction ear wax removal is the safest method of cleaning the ears if you have a perforated eardrum. Patients who have perforated eardrums must not have their ears irrigated with water or syringed.

Yes, you can travel by plane after undergoing ear microsuction unless you’ve been advised not to fly due to other medical reasons.

Insurers generally do not cover ear microsuction. If you undergo microsuction ear wax removal at Ear Prime Care Bristol, payment is made directly to the clinic at the end of the consultation by credit or debit card.

Well, that’s easy. We are working hard to become as visible and approachable as possible for anyone who needs our help.

That’s why, apart from our website, you’ll find us easily even on Facebook and on our WhatsApp. We are literally one text away from you.