Ear Microsuctioning / Wax Removal

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What happens during my appointment?

I will begin by discussing your medical history relating to your ears. I will then perform an aural otoscopy using the Tympahealth otoscopy device. I will inspect the condition of your ears, take images and videos of  the inner ear and then show you the results on a monitor. 

Should ear wax removal be required I will then explain how the micro-suction process works. 

You will then be asked to sign a consent form before the process goes ahead. Once the consent form is signed I will then carry out the process of ear wax removal. Once the removal has been completed, I will show the images and videos of the ear canal and ear drum. 

If I am unable to remove the wax during your initial appointment I will book you in for a follow-up appointment to remove the remaining wax. If there is a case where I believe there is an issue with the ear then I will refer you to an ENT specialist or your GP. 

 

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How do I know if I have ear wax build-up?

Symptoms of ear wax build-up may include:

• difficulty hearing

• a feeling of fullness in the ear

• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• discomfort in the ear (earache).

 

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How much does ear wax removal cost?

My prices start from £70, for both ears. This includes the following:

• Photos and video images of both ears pre- and post-treatment can be sent to your GP, on request. 

• If we find anything unusual in your ears, we have direct access to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) advice panel – within 72 hours of your appointment – at no extra cost to you.

 

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How will you remove my ear wax?

I use micro-suction. This painless technique doesn’t require any water being squirted into your ear, like some other methods. It involves a low-pressure suction probe being inserted into the ear which will gently remove excess wax and debris. This latest technology means your ear wax removal will be quick and effective. Only clinicians with a medical qualification are able to train to do this procedure so you know you are in capable hands.

 

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Can my GP remove my ear wax?

In September 2020, a government minister confirmed that the NHS would no longer be offering ear wax removal as a core service. This means that you might not be able to get your ear wax removed at your local GP surgery, even if you used to in the past. I offer ear wax removal as an alternative, private service.

 

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Can’t I just clean my ears with cotton buds?

Cotton buds may look soft, but they are made from artificial fibres that can scratch and inflame the sensitive skin inside the ear canal, making it more vulnerable to infection. They can also push wax deeper into your ear canal, making things worse.

If you think you have a blockage in your ear canal or think you have an ear wax build-up, you can book an appointment for a specialist wax removal appointment.

 

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Does ear wax removal hurt?

Ear wax removal shouldn’t hurt. An experienced ear wax removal practitioner will help remove your wax using the most up-to-date technology. Modern methods for ear wax removal should only lead to a mild sensation in the ear.

 

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Am I supposed to clean out ear wax?

No. Normally ear wax works its way out naturally by itself. You can wipe away any visible ear wax using a clean damp cloth. But never insert anything into the ear canal. If you have a wax blockage, have it treated by a professional.

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Should I do anything prior to my appointment to prepare?

I recommend using Earol® for 3 to 5 days before your appointment. This olive oil based spray will help soften the wax, making it easier to remove and is available at most pharmacies.

 

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How can I protect my ears after having ear wax removal?

Keep ears dry for a minimum of 24 hours after the appointment. It can be helpful to use a cotton wool ball in the entrance to the ear canal with some petroleum jelly when showering. Inform your clinician and seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical professional immediately if any discomfort, pain, swelling, discharge, odour or disruption to your hearing is experienced following the procedure.

 

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Are there any risks to having ear wax removal via micro-suction?

I have undertaken comprehensive training and am certified as competent in ear care and wax

removal and will use best-practice procedures to minimise any risk. However, even when

performed with the utmost care, there are some risks involved in wax removal. These risks

include:

Uncommon

● Discomfort / pain (minimised by application of olive oil prior to appointment) 

● Damage toskin of the ear canal (minimised by application of olive oil prior to appointment)

● Bleeding from ear canal

● Ear infection (minimised by water precautions post procedure)

● Temporary reduction in hearing

● Temporary hearing sensitivity

● Temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus

● Temporary irritation to the throat or stimulation of cough

Rare

● Feeling sick or light-headed

● Temporary dizziness

Extremely rare

● permanent hearing loss (minimised by limiting time of exposure to noise of suction

machine and avoiding contact with or trauma to the ear drum)

● triggering of new tinnitus (minimised by limiting time exposure to noise of suction machine) 

● damage to the ear drum during the procedure (minimised by restricting the depth of insertion of

the suction tube)