What Is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal?

Ear wax is a completely normal substance produced by your ears. It helps to protect your ear canals and can help prevent infection by trapping harmful bacteria, dirt, and other irritants. But if there is too much of it produced, or there is a build-up that doesn’t work its way out as normal, it can cause problems like hearing issues and earache. 

It’s important not to clean our ears ourselves, as this can make the problems worse. Microsuction is a common method of wax removal that is professionally used to help clear away excess wax. In this blog post, we’ll go over what microsuction is, how it works, and the benefits, as well as things to consider when choosing this method of wax removal. 

Introduction to Microsuction

Microsuction is one of the most effective, safest, and gentle methods of ear wax removal. It uses a small suction probe and a machine to gently remove wax via suction. It also uses an endoscopic microscope, loupe or other type of microscopic device so that your clinician can see inside your ear and monitor everything that is happening in real time.

Because your clinician can see what they’re doing while performing the procedure, it differs from other methods such as irrigation as it is not a blind procedure. It also doesn’t use water and there is overall less mess involved. This means it’s generally safer, faster, and more comfortable for you.

Additionally, unlike with irrigation, you don’t need to use wax-softening drops 2 weeks before your appointment. Just 3-5 days is enough to help soften the wax so it’s a more convenient procedure as well. 

Benefits of Microsuction

There are many reasons why microsuction is the gold standard for ear wax removal methods. 

• Unlike irrigation or manual wax removal, the process isn’t blind – your clinician can see everything they’re doing with the microscopic device which means it’s safer and more comfortable than other methods.
• This method is suitable for more people compared to other methods. For example, irrigation is not suitable for those with some pre -existing ear conditions.
• There’s no need for any water (which irrigation uses) so there’s less mess and is generally more comfortable. 
• Less preparation is needed for this procedure as softening drops are not always required. If they are needed, the drops are only needed to be used short term rather than for 2 weeks before your appointment.

Risks and Considerations

Microsuction is the safest form of wax removal and the risk is very minimal but like with any procedure, there can be some risk involved. 

Potential risks include:

• Dizziness 
• Infection
• Trauma to the ear
• Noise induced hearing loss
• Worsening of existing tinnitus
• Temporary irrigation to throat/cough

However, these risks are rare and are the reasons why your clinician will go through your history prior to the procedure. This is to make sure that you are suitable to receive microsuction and are well informed on the risks or considerations.

Some reasons you might not be suitable for microsuction treatments include:

• Troublesome vertigo
• Hearing only in one ear if its the ear to be treated
• Troublesome tinnitus if affected by noise exposure
• Grommet in situ 
• Cleft palate (even if repaired)

So make sure to tell your clinician everything about your hearing history.