My Approach

What to expect at your appointment

At EarCare4You, we use the safest and most effective form of wax removal - Microsuction.

Microsuction earwax removal uses a small, low pressure vacuum to gently remove any excess wax or blockages from your ears that may be the cause of hearing loss or other conditions.

If the procedure is unsuccessful and we are unable to remove the wax from your ear/s, we will advise you as to the next step. If you are required to visit us again to complete the removal process, you will not be charged for a second appointment.

You may be advised to soften the wax, this will involve using oil drops (Earol or olive oil). If you require a referral to your GP, we can process this, or the Tympahealth team can advise on a diagnosis with an appropriate treatment plan where necessary.

What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a safe and comfortable method of removing ear wax or foreign bodies from your ears.

Using a microscope and a suction device, your doctor will suction any blockages from your ear canals.

Microsuction is usually done as an outpatient appointment meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. It usually takes 15-20 minutes.

Benefits of earwax removal

Microsuction has many benefits. As well as being quick and easy giving instantaneous results for, it is also very safe and is suitable for anyone, even those with existing conditions.

As there is no water involved, it also reduces the risks of infection or allergic reactions.

There is also no preparation involved, meaning that it is beneficial for hard or impacted ear wax as well.

How does microsuction work?

During microsuction your consultant will use a microscope to examine your ear canal. They will insert a tiny suction tube (called a cannula) into the canal and suction any blockage from the area. Sometimes sterile saline solution is used to help break up wax or debris.

Can microsuction remove hard or impacted wax?

Microsuction is an effective method of removing any type of ear wax. The suction of the instrument used is very strong, meaning even the most stubborn of blockages can be removed.

How is microsuction different to ear syringing or irrigation?

Whereas ear syringing and irrigation uses water to dislodge any ear wax or foreign bodies, microsuction uses a suction device without the need for any water.

Some people may not be able to have water in their ears and therefore microsuction is a good alternative. These reasons could include:

Complications from previous ear irrigations
Any middle ear infections
Some ear surgeres
A hole (or perforation) of the ear drum
A cleft palate

Is microsuction safe?

Microsuction is one of the safest methods of ear wax removal, however sometimes microsuction causes dizziness immediately following the procedure. You will be asked to sit still for a few minutes to ensure you have no balance problems.

Can microsuction damage your ears?

Microsuction is an incredibly safe procedure. There is potential for minimal damage to the ear drum, but only if you move unexpectedly during the procedure. In very rare circumstances, you may experience minor hearing loss immediately afterwards, however this will resolve itself a short time after.

Is it safe to remove earwax at home?

It is not advised to attempt to remove ear wax at home. Do not use cotton buds, scratch or poke your ears to try and remove ear wax yourself, as this could make the build up worse and cause further complications.

How to prepare for your appointment

Microsuction is usually painless, however you can make the procedure even less uncomfortable by using wax-softening spray or an olive oil spray for 2-3 days before your appointment. This will soften the wax and make it easier to remove.

Your wax removal appointment will take around 30 mins
We will ask a few questions to get a better understanding of the general health of your ears
An examination of your ears will be carried out. A TympaHealth digital otoscope device (magnifier with a light) is used to obtain a clear 360-degree view of both ears.
All examinations are recorded and uploaded to the ‘Cloud’ a secure platform, where this information will be kept in case any advice or guidance is needed from our team of ENT specialists and/or to keep track of any changes in your ears over time.
The procedure will then be explained to you. Our clinician can answer any questions you may have.
You will need to sign a consent form before we remove any wax from your ears.
Once you are happy to go ahead, our clinician will begin the procedure using a magnifier and suction tube to gently remove any wax that’s in your ear.
After our clinician has performed the procedure, they will then check the health of your ears and record this information.
If any follow up is needed, our clinician will arrange this at a convenient time to suit you.

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Your wax removal appointment will take around 30 mins

We will ask a few questions to get a better understanding of the general health of your ears

An examination of your ears will be carried out. A TympaHealth digital otoscope device (magnifier with a light) is used to obtain a clear 360-degree view of both ears.

All examinations are recorded and uploaded to the ‘Cloud’ a secure platform, where this information will be kept in case any advice or guidance is needed from our team of ENT specialists and/or to keep track of any changes in your ears over time.

The procedure will then be explained to you. Our clinician can answer any questions you may have.

You will need to sign a consent form before we remove any wax from your ears.

Once you are happy to go ahead, our clinician will begin the procedure using a magnifier and suction tube to gently remove any wax that’s in your ear.

After our clinician has performed the procedure, they will then check the health of your ears and record this information.

If any follow up is needed, our clinician will arrange this at a convenient time to suit you.