Preparing for your microsuction appointment
Microsuction is the safest and most effective way to remove earwax. This post tells you more about how to prepare for your appointment, and what to expect on the day.
Why Microsuction?
Microsuction is considered the safest method of earwax removal. It is precise, as the treating practitioner is looking directly into your ear while they conduct the procedure. It is gentle, effective and usually painless. Finally, there is a reduced risk of causing infection, unlike other methods of earwax removal which involve putting water into the ears.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
Microsuction works best when the wax has been softened in the days leading up to the appointment. Hard wax can be more uncomfortable to remove, and sometimes it is hard to remove all of it in one session.
How do I soften earwax?
The best way to soften earwax is with olive oil as follows:
Use a small dropper to apply a few drops of olive oil into each ear that is affected by earwax
Massage the tragus (the harder area at the front of the ear) so the oil moves down the ear
Lie down with your head on the side and the ear facing upwards. This also helps the oil reach the wax.
Repeat the process on the other ear if required.
Ideally this procedure should be performed twice daily for a period of 6 days running up to your appointment.
Often when olive oil is used in the ear it fills any small gaps between the wax and your ear canal and can make you feel like your ear is completely blocked. This is not concerning and will resolve quickly, or when you have the microsuction.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure can vary according to the amount of wax or debris present, and how you get on with it. In most cases it lasts between 10 and 20 minutes in total. Often it is not possible to remove all the wax in one session, so you may be asked to return for another appointment following a further period of softening.
Is microsuction painful?
Generally speaking microsuction is not painful. If the earwax is particularly hard or impacted, it can cause intermittent discomfort during the procedure. You will be able to talk to the practitioner the whole time and can inform them if you are finding it uncomfortable. There is a wind-like noise from the end of the suction tube but most people are not troubled by this.
Gentle coughing is common during microsuction. This is because the nerve that is involved in coughing also has a small branch which goes to the ear canal. There is no harm in this, and the procedure can be paused if needed.
When should I repeat it?
There is no hard rule for how often someone should attend for earwax removal. It is much better to treat earwax early before the buildup becomes hard, impacted or painful. Therefore, if you are prone to wax buildup it is certainly worth having proactive treatment every 4-6 months. If you are a hearing aid wearer more frequent visits may be required. The practitioner should give you specific advice at the end of your appointment.
VIDEO: A plug of wax is removed using the Tympahealth system.
Are there any risks of microsuction?
Microsuction is considered an extremely safe procedure when conducted by an appropriately trained healthcare professional. Nevertheless, as with any medical procedure it carries a small amount of risk of potential complications. Most of these complications are minor and resolve quickly on their own, so there is no need to worry before having the procedure.
Some of the side effects that can occur include:
Dizziness: Some people experience a little dizziness or a feeling of vertigo during the procedure or shortly after. This is only temporary and shouldn’t last long following the completion of the procedure. Long lasting dizziness is not a recognised risk of microsuction.
Infection: Sometimes microsuction can stimulate infection in the skin of the ear canal. This is very rare, and if it occurs is easily treated with topical drops. If you have any pain or leakage from the ear in the hours or days after your procedure it is important that you inform us immediately.
Trauma to the ear: There is a small risk that the suction tube used to remove the wax scratches the wall of the ear canal. If this happens, there is no need for concern as the area should heal by itself with no lasting damage. More serious traumas to the ear, for example a perforated eardrum, are incredibly rare.
Noise Damage: The suction used for microsuction does generate some noise which some people find to be quite loud. Rarely, it can cause temporary hearing reduction or tinnitus - A ringing sensation in the ears.
Booking a Microsuction appointment
If you have not yet booked a microsuction appointment and wish to do so, please use the button below or contact us via email on reception@drdanielgordon.com or phone on 07771 724 488
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only. It is not intended to provide instruction and you should not rely on this information to determine diagnosis, prognosis or a course of treatment. It should not be used in place of a professional consultation with a doctor. The medical information is the personal opinion of the stated author(s). It is based on available evidence or, where no published evidence is available, on current medical opinion and practice. Every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed – rapid advances in medicine may cause information contained here to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. The author(s) is/are not responsible for the results of your decisions resulting from the use of the information, including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not to seek professional medical care, or from choosing or not choosing specific treatment based on the information. You should not disregard the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider because of any information you read on this website. If you have any health care questions, please consult a relevant medical practitioner.
