If you have booked in for ear wax removal, or you are thinking about it, you might be wondering exactly what goes on. It is one of the most common reasons people come to see us here in Wickersley, and yet plenty of folk arrive a little nervous, unsure whether it will hurt or how long they will be sitting in the chair.
The honest answer is that microsuction is usually quick, calm and completely painless. Here is what actually happens, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave hearing more clearly.
What is microsuction, and why do we use it?
Microsuction is a gentle way of removing ear wax using a low-pressure suction device, a bit like a tiny vacuum. We look right into your ear canal under bright light and magnification the whole time, so we can see exactly what we are doing rather than working blind.
Crucially, no water goes anywhere near your ear. You may have heard of older methods such as ear syringing or irrigation, where water is flushed into the canal. Those can be messy and are not suitable for everyone, particularly if you have ever had a perforated eardrum or an ear infection. At Wickersley Audiology we use microsuction only, because it is clean, controlled and one of the safest options available. You can read more on our ear wax removal page.
Do I definitely need my wax removed?
Not always, and we will always tell you honestly. Ear wax is completely normal and healthy. It protects the ear canal, and most of the time it works its way out on its own without any help at all. You might not need us yet.
It is worth booking in, though, if you notice any of the following:
- A blocked, full or muffled feeling in one or both ears
- Hearing that has dropped off, especially quite suddenly
- Earache, itching or a slight ringing that comes and goes
- Hearing aids that whistle or feel like they are not working as well
If you wear hearing aids, a build-up of wax is one of the most common reasons they start to whistle or sound weak, so a quick check can make a real difference.
What happens step by step on the day?
When you arrive, we start with a proper chat rather than diving straight in. We will ask about your general ear health, whether you have had any problems, surgery or infections, and what you have noticed lately. If it is your first time with us, our guide to what to expect on your visit covers the practical details too.
Next, we take a careful look inside each ear with an otoscope, so we can see how much wax there is and where it is sitting. Then, if wax removal is needed, we begin the microsuction itself:
- You sit back comfortably in the chair while we work under magnification.
- We use the fine suction tip to lift the wax away, a little at a time.
- We check as we go, and stop the moment your ear is clear.
Most appointments are done well within half an hour, and often much quicker. Many people are surprised at how straightforward it is.
Will it hurt, and is it noisy?
For the vast majority of people, microsuction is painless. You may feel a slight tickle or a sensation of movement in the ear, but it should never be uncomfortable. The one thing worth knowing in advance is the noise: the suction can sound a bit loud while it is near your eardrum, rather like a small hoover close to your ear. It is brief, it is normal, and it settles as soon as we move away. If anything ever feels off, you simply tell us and we pause.
Should I soften the wax first?
It often helps. Putting a few drops of plain olive oil into the ear for two or three days before your appointment can soften stubborn wax and make removal quicker and even more comfortable. It is not essential, and we will still see you if you have not done it, but it is a simple thing that can make the day go smoothly. If you are not sure, give us a ring and we will advise.
What happens if there is no wax, or something else going on?
Sometimes we look inside and there simply is not enough wax to explain the symptoms, and we will not remove what is not there. If that is the case, we will talk through what might be behind it, which could be anything from a mild cold to an underlying change in your hearing worth looking at properly.
If we spot signs of an infection, a perforation or anything that needs a GP, we will tell you plainly and point you in the right direction. Looking after your ears is about more than one appointment, and our ear health advice has more on keeping them in good shape between visits, including why cotton buds do more harm than good.
If your ears feel blocked or your hearing has gone a little dull, we are happy to take a look. Book your appointment online at book a microsuction wax-removal appointment, or call the clinic on 01709 437250 and we will find you a time.
