Unlike ear syringing, where water is used to flush the wax out without the use of a microscope, this method another method of ear wax removal using a microscope. The technique which is safe, comfortable and pain-free and can sometimes be more effective. With the Microsuction method, you don’t have to use olive oil prior to having the treatment, however, it may help but is not necessary.
Like with all ear wax removal procedures, upon your arrival, you will be greeted and asked to fill in a questionnaire in relation to your ear health history and any medication you may be taking.
You may also be asked for your consent to send a letter to your GP advising them of any treatment carried out. Your ear care specialist will then invite you into the treatment room, they will first make sure you are comfortable and then will explain what the procedure entails.
Firstly, the specialist will begin to examine your ear using a microscope to deter the consistency and extent of the earwax.
A microscope is used which provides the ear care specialist with a clear and magnified view of the ear canal. During the procedure a medical suction devise is used to suck out the wax, a piece of equipment which is made of very thin still is placed onto the suction tube which allows the ear care specialist to gently suck the out the earwax from the ear canal using the low-pressure suction devise.
A video otoscope will be used to show you a clear image of before and after the treatment. Microsuction is a dry procedure, with no liquids/water being used or flushed into the ear there will be no mess during this procedure. This also reduces the risk of infection. Microsuction is pain-free and quick, it is totally comfortable, and the blockage can be removed in minutes, it is also safe for people who have a perforated eardrum
Microsuction is accepted across the medical profession as the safest and most comfortable method of ear wax removal, however, no treatment of ear wax removal is completely risk-free.
As with all medical procedures, there can be problems, generally though these problems are quite rare.
The risks are as follows:
Microsuction is still considered to be safe, comfortable and with little or no risk when undertaken by an experienced and qualified professional.
Once the treatment is completed, and the procedure is successful, you will be free to leave the clinic, the best way to look after your ears after the appointment is to try to not use cotton buds, scratch or poke your ears. The ear canal naturally cleans itself and when you fiddle with the ears you are more likely to cause them problems such as a build-up of wax or worse an ear infection.
To clean the outside of the ear, use a dry tissue or an alcohol-free baby wipe to wipe around and behind the ear after taking a shower or bath.
Another way to prevent a build-up of ear wax using olive oil drops at least once a month, this will help soften and break the wax apart making it easier for it to move out of the ear canal.
if the wax is cleared but you still feel your experiencing hearing difficulties, the ear care specialist may recommend booking you in for a hearing test to test your hearing.