What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction at ‘The Hearing Space’ in Leeds is a gentle and effective method for removing wax. It uses a thin metal tube to gently suction the wax out of the ear canal. This is typically carried out with a microscope to allow the practitioner to see the ear clearly which results in a safe and effective procedure. Sometimes, additional instruments are required to gently dislodge any difficult to remove wax. Also, for some people, a second visit may be required to allow for some wax softening products between visits. Ear wax removal using microsuction is usually painless and at ‘The Hearing Space’ we allow plenty time for each appointment.
Does microsuction hurt?
Microsuction, if done correctly and with the appropriate amount of time, should not hurt. Occasionally if the earwax is hard and attached to the skin in the ear canal, you may feel a tugging sensation as the earwax comes away from the skin. Typically, this is momentarily and once loose the earwax should come out easily. Very occasionally if the wax is deep down the earcanal, the ear-care professional may advise against microsuction and may recommend alternative techniques, to avoid discomfort that may be caused if microsuction is used too close to the eardrum.
How often can you have ear microsuction?
Microsuction techniques should not be required more than a couple of times a year at the most. For most people, treatments to remove earwax are only needed every few years. If, however, you wear hearing devices, you may need treatments more often due to the hearing devices preventing the natural movement of earwax out of the earcanal. Microsuction can occasionally produce loud sounds in the ear canal, and for this reason, a person with sensitive ears may limit the time spent undergoing the procedure.
Do you need to soften ear wax before microsuction?
It is probably safe to say that for most people, the use of olive oil drops for 2-3 days prior to their appointment will generally help the treatment. This will generally soften the earwax slightly which enables easier removal.
We wouldn’t generally recommend the use of drops such as Otex ear drop. These contain urea hydrogen peroxide which for some people can irritate the skin in the ear canal. Following your initial visit, if we are unable to remove severely impacted earwax, we may recommend the use of drops such as Otex drops, however we will check with you for any skin sensitivities that you may have.