Microsuction to Remove Ear Wax

---

The term Microsuction is used to describe a procedure  carried out by Nurses and Audiologists to remove wax, dead  skin, foreign objects and even infection, from your ears. A  microscope is used to look into your ears and a very small  suction tube to “hoover” out the debris. 

Who can have Microsuction? 

Anyone can have microsuction - there is no upper or lower  age limit, as long as you are able to remain still throughout  the procedure.  Microsuction is used for patients who cannot safely or easily  have the debris removed from their ears by irrigation  (syringing) or manually removed using instruments.  

There are lots of reasons why your healthcare  professional may decide that microsuction is the  best course of treatment, here are just a few: 

• If you have had problems with irrigation in the past 
• If  there is evidence of a middle ear infection in the last  six weeks 
• If you have undergone any form of ear surgery (apart  from grommets that have fallen out or have been  removed at least 18 months ago) 
• If you have had a perforation or there is a history of a  mucous discharge in the last year  If you have had a cleft palate even if it has been  repaired  
• If there is an ear canal infection which is painful or  tender 
• If you have tinnitus. Very occasionally some people  may find that having their ears irrigated aggravates their tinnitus 
• If you have a healed perforation the nurse may decide  that microsuction would be a better way to remove the  debris 
• If you have problematic dizziness, microsuction may  be less invasive. 

What will it feel like? 

It may be noisy and you may feel some strange sensations,  there may be slight discomfort but if it is painful the  procedure will be stopped immediately. If you have  any concerns or worries, just speak to the Mary who will be  happy to allay your fears. 

If Mary does have any concerns when she examines your ear or after performing Microsuction she will discuss this with you. She will also advise if you need to see a doctor or another Health Professional.

Occasionally people prefer or need to have ear syringing rather than Microsuction. Mary is also able to offer this so please discuss this with her if needed.

Please also see FAQ's for further information.

You may find your ear (s) take a few hours to settle down or to adjust to your hearing level, especially if you have not heard well for a long time. Your voice may sound different to you too. If it was a difficult or ‘impacted’ ear wax removal your ears may feel sore for a few hours. Taking Ibuprofen, paracetamol or your preferred pain killer may help. You will be slightly more vulnerable to developing an ear infection for the first 2 – 3 days after the treatment. This is because ears do not like to be disturbed and also because the wax has been removed. A little wax in the right place is actually protective. Very occasionally minor trauma (similar to a graze or bruise) can be caused to the ear canal during treatment, more so in difficult wax extraction. However if it does occur the ear will heal itself very quickly. Occasional some people may experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) immediately after the treatment. This is usually caused by the volume of the suction machine and every effort will have been made to reduce the noise if needed by using a finer instrument. It usually settles within a few hours.

Immediate aftercare advice for the first 2 – 3 days

· Keep your ears dry. This will minimise   any potential risk of infection developing

· Do not expose your ears to loud noise, especially immediately after the treatment

· If your ear(s) have been blocked for a long time you may find it more comfortable to wear a hat or    scarf until your ears get used to having air in them again

· If pain develops speak to your GP or nurse as you may need prescription ear drops for a few days

General and long term ear care advice

· The use of olive oil (drops or spray) one drop / once or twice a month will help to keep your ears in good condition and help them to self clean the way they were designed to

· Hearing can be damaged by exposure to loud noise so always wear ear defenders

· Never put anything like cotton buds in your ears as this stimulates the glands to produce more wax to protect them

· You also risk pushing the wax down further, this can cause impaction as well as trauma