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Ear Wax Removal

In a procedure known as microsuction ear wax removal, a small suction instrument removes ear wax while inspecting your ear. With the aid of a binocular microscope that provides an exceptionally clear picture of the ear canal, they will examine the ear, making it easier to remove the ear wax using low-pressure suction.

If you require a home visit please call the pharmacy, we can provide the service with an additional cost. 

Tel: (01604) 816162

What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a precision, low pressure suction apparatus to gently and safely suck un-wanted or obstructing skin cells and wax from the external auditory meatus (ear canal). It avoids touching the sensitive area around the ear canal and evades contact with the eardrum

2

Is microsuction painful?

The process is gentle but, to be more comfortable, we may suggest you soften the earwax first so that it's easier to remove, by using olive oil ear drops a week prior to the procedure.

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Is ear microsuction better than syringing?

Microsuction is considered to be safer and more effective compared to ear syringing as no liquids are sprayed into your ear which reduced the chance of infection and damage to the ear drum.

Syringing and irrigation use water to remove ear wax. The idea is that by squirting water past the wax blockage, the water pressure will build up behind the wax and push it out. As the ear is full of water during the flushing process, it is not possible to see what is happening.

Microsuction uses gentle medical suction accurately applied to the ear wax. The practitioner is able to look into the ear throughout the process to see that is happening and remove the ear wax with pinpoint accuracy because microsuction uses suction to draw the wax from the ear, it cannot push wax further in and the success rate is therefore far greater than that of syringing or irrigation.

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What are the benefits of ear microsuction? 

No required preparation, safe, instant results, accurate, Improvement in hearing.

Compared to traditional forms of wax removal – ear drops and irrigation or syringing, microsuction is:

  • Safer

  • Quicker

  • Cleaner and neater

  • Generally better tolerated, with less side effects

  • More effective and likely to need only one appointment

  • Doesn’t need weeks of waiting for drops to soften the wax

  • Microsuction may still be possible for people who struggle to use oil prior to treatment

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Is microsuction safe?

Yes, the wax removal is carried out by a health professional who will ensure that your ears are safe to have the earwax removed prior to starting the procedure  (i.e., ensuring you don't have an ear infection etc) and will talk you through the process before they proceed.

Microsuction is considered to be the safest method of ear wax removal. However, all procedures have an element of risk.

It is important that you understand the risks involved. An individual’s choice to undergo a procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your practitioner to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of microsuction:

  • Minor bleeding

  • Soreness

  • Mild discomfort

  • Short-term ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

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Is there an alternative to microsuction?

We also provide earwax removal with irrigation for people who are more comfortable with it. The procedure is a lot like ear syringing, but much safer.

 

We use a special Irrigation machine, which is commonly used in the medical setting. The irrigation solution is carefully warmed to body temperature, as dizziness can be a common side effect of ear washing or syringing with solutions that are colder or warmer than body temperature.

 

We use the irrigation machine to gently stream water into the ear. The procedure is simple, the water flows along the roof of the ear canal. The irrigation solution flows out of the canal along its floor taking wax and debris with it.

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Is there an age restriction?

 

We will only treat those over 18 years old for ear wax removal by microsuction.

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What to expect:

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Prior to the procedure

  1. An ear examination is carried out to assess the eligibility of the procedure

  2. You will be recommended to soften the ear wax by putting 2-3 drops of olive oil (into the affected ear/ears, twice daily, for three to five days prior to your appointment to ease the process of removal

During the procedure

  1. A comprehensive medical history will be taken​, consent will be taken

  2. Microscopic examination of the inner ear canals and ear drums

  3. Gentle removal of the earwax with a surgical Microsuction unit. The microsuction process can be noisy and occasionally make you feel dizzy. This usually passes within a short while. If you are having the procedure undertaken on both ears, it will take up to 30 minutes.

Post wax removal

  1. Depending on the procedure undertaken, you make have mild dizziness and discomfort

  2. Usually the procedure is safe and is well tolerated.

Sorting Medicine

Get in Touch

Contact us on (01604) 816162

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