Ear Wax Removal & Assessment

Microsuction

Microsuction is the gold standard method of ear wax removal. Microsuction is a gentle vacuum procedure, leaving your ear dry and is regarded as the healthiest option of wax removal.  A binocular operating microscope (which allows depth-perception and magnification) is used to look directly into the ear canal and a very fine sterile suction device is used to remove the wax without damaging the ear canal.

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How long will it take?

The length of the procedure depends on how impacted your wax is. To prevent adverse events such as hearing loss we do not like to work in one ear for longer than 10 minutes. Therefore your appointment time will be no longer than 30 minutes long. If we are unable to remove your wax on this appointment we will bring you back on another day to remove the remaining wax at no additional charge. 

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Is it painful?

Microsuction should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, due to the sensitive nature of the ear canal, extra care is taken to in order to prevent discomfort. The suction can sound relatively noisy. If you have an infection in your ear or any inflammation then this make the procedure slightly more uncomfortable. 

Most people tolerate Microsuction very well. 

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How often should I have my ears cleared?

Microsuction can be used as often as required. Some people need the procedure doing a few times a year others may never need the procedure doing again. As Microsuction does not strip the ear of its natural oils it can be used as regularly as the client wishes, although it is healthy to have a certain level of wax in your ear. 

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Are there any risks?

The nurse will discuss the risks with you. As with any procedure, Microsuction carries a small amount of risk and potential side effects. The most common side effect is some dizziness, vertigo or nausea during the procedure or shortly after. This is temporary and happens as the suction 'cools' the temperature of the ear canal. There is a very small risk of infection. As a tube will enter into the ear drum there is a very small risk of trauma to the canal or the ear drum, perforating the ear drum but this is rare. During Microsuction there is some noise generated by the equipment. Some people find this noise to be very loud. In some cases, this can lead to hearing loss, which may be temporary or permanent. It may also cause tinnitus or worsen existing 

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One of the main benefits of micro-suction is that you only need to use olive oil drops the night before your appointment. Microsuction as this is a dry procedure and therefore we require the wax to still be hard in order for it to be removed efficiently. If you have not managed to put any drops in before your appointment please do not worry the procedure can still be performed 

Irrigation

Some people, for whatever reason, may prefer to have ear syringing (irrigation) done. Ear irrigation has replaced the old fashioned technique of ear syringing. It is a safer and more effective water method of ear cleaning. It uses an electronic ear irrigation machine to remove ear wax. The machine contains a storage reservoir unit for water and a hand-held nozzle which gently pumps water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate. The water breaks down and dislodges the ear wax build-up, it then flushes the ear wax out of the canal and it is captured in a flask called a noots tank.

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How long will it take? 

Your appointment time will be 30 minutes. If the wax has been well oiled removal should be straight forward and all the wax will be removed very effectively in this time. Should the wax still be hard and impacted then it may be that we have to send you away to put more drops in and soften the wax further. The second appointment will be free of charge (unless it is obvious to the nurse that insufficient oil has been administered before the appointment- but Mircosuction may be appropriate if this is the case)

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Is it painful? 

Irrigation should not be painful. Sometimes there may be pain if there is an undiagnosed ear infection, or if the wax is hard and touches the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Otherwise, the procedure should be pain free. You may find the sensation slightly unusual however and it can seem quite loud. 

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How often should I have my ears cleared? 

Irrigation is appropriate only if impacted wax is causing a problem to your hearing or if the ear drum cannot be seen. It is unsafe to use if the nurse can visibly see the ear drum.

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Are there any risks?

The nurse will discuss this with you at your appointment. As with any procedure there are risks to irrigation. There is a risk of perforating the ear drum due to the pressure of the water, so the nurse will continually check the ear when some wax has been removed to see if the ear drum is exposed. If it is they will stop the procedure, which reduces the risk significantly. There is a risk of infection after having irrigation due to the water stripping the protective oils and water being left in the ear, so keeping your ears dry 48 hours after the procedure will reduce these risks significantly.  Sometimes you may become dizzy and feel nauseous due to water in the ear triggering one of the nerves which helps you to balance. This should only last for a few minutes but may reoccur later in the day. You may get tinnitus after this procedure and some hearing loss but this is very rare if carried out by a professional in a safe manner. 

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Please note that ear irrigation is not appropriate if you have or have ever had:

• A perforated eardrum

• Previously had problems with irrigation.

• Have a discharge of mucus from your ear or have had an ear infection in the preceding six weeks

• You have had any ear surgery (apart from cases of extruded grommets which had come out at least 18 months beforehand) 

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