How long does a microsuction appointment take?

Appointments are booked for 30 minutes so the visit is not rushed. This gives your doctor time to listen to your concerns, examine your ears, provide treatment where appropriate and explain aftercare.

Who performs microsuction at Nottingham Ear Clinic?

Microsuction is carried out by a GMC-registered doctor with specialist ENT training using medical-grade equipment and ENT-grade visualisation.

Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Nottingham

Q: Do I need a GP referral for microsuction ear wax removal?

No. Adults can book microsuction ear wax removal directly with Nottingham Ear Clinic. If you are unsure whether microsuction is suitable, our team can advise before you book.

Q: What happens if there is no wax?

If no wax is found, your appointment can be converted into an ENT consultation so your doctor can assess other possible causes of blockage, discomfort, hearing change or pressure.

Microsuction Wax Removal

Doctor-led microsuction for blocked ears and wax build-up

Microsuction is a precise method of ear wax removal carried out using direct vision, so the clinician can clearly see the ear canal while removing wax. It is commonly recommended for adults with blocked ears, reduced hearing, fullness, discomfort or recurrent wax build-up.

At Nottingham Ear Clinic, microsuction is performed by a GMC-registered doctor with specialist ENT training. We are based in Stapleford, Nottingham, and support patients from across Nottingham, Beeston, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Wollaton, West Bridgford, Derby and surrounding areas.

What can microsuction ear wax removal help with?

Microsuction may be suitable when ear wax is causing blockage, discomfort or hearing-related symptoms.

Blocked ears

Wax build-up can make the ear feel blocked, full or under pressure, sometimes affecting one or both ears.

Reduced hearing

Impacted wax can reduce sound clarity and make conversation, television or phone calls harder to hear.

Ringing or buzzing

Wax can sometimes contribute to tinnitus-like symptoms, ringing, buzzing or increased sound awareness.

Ear discomfort

Wax, dry skin or irritation can cause discomfort, itchiness or a feeling that something is trapped in the ear.

Concerns before treatment

Your doctor will check for signs of infection, inflammation or discharge before deciding whether microsuction is appropriate.

Unclear symptoms

If wax is not the cause, your appointment can be used to assess other possible ear conditions and advise next steps.

What happens during your microsuction appointment?

1

We listen to your symptoms

Your doctor will ask about blockage, hearing changes, pain, discharge, previous ear problems, surgery and any concerns before treatment begins.

2

Your ears are examined

Both ears are assessed using appropriate clinical instruments and ENT-grade visualisation, so the ear canal and eardrum can be checked carefully before wax removal.

3

Microsuction is performed

Where clinically appropriate, wax is gently removed using a fine suction device under direct vision. The aim is to clear the ear safely while keeping you comfortable.

4

Aftercare and follow-up

Your doctor will explain the findings, provide aftercare advice and recommend follow-up if the wax is very stubborn, the ear is sensitive or further review is needed.

ENT-grade microscope equipment used for ear microsuction

Why ENT-grade visualisation matters

Precise wax removal using microscope-guided care

Microsuction gets its name from the use of magnified visualisation during treatment. This is an important part of safe ear wax removal because the clinician needs to clearly see the ear canal, wax position and eardrum.

At Nottingham Ear Clinic, microsuction is provided by an experienced doctor-led ENT service. We use ENT-grade digital microscope equipment rather than lower-magnification alternatives, helping your doctor work carefully and explain what is seen during your appointment.

What is included in your microsuction appointment?

Medical consultation

Time to discuss your symptoms, concerns and any relevant ear history before treatment.

Both ears assessed

Your appointment is prepared for both ears, even if only one ear ultimately needs treatment.

Careful ear examination

Assessment of the ear canal and eardrum before wax removal is carried out.

Microsuction treatment

Wax removal using fine suction under direct vision where it is clinically appropriate and safe to proceed.

Images or video where useful

Clinical images or video may be used to document findings and help explain what is happening inside the ear.

Hearing screening

A simple hearing screening can be carried out where appropriate to help understand whether wax build-up may be affecting your hearing.

Aftercare advice

Clear guidance on keeping the ears comfortable after treatment and when follow-up may be needed.

Follow-up support

If your doctor feels further review is clinically needed, we will explain the next steps and arrange follow-up advice clearly.

How to prepare for your appointment

1

Before your appointment

If you are able to do so, using olive oil ear drops for up to three days before your appointment can help soften wax. Softer wax is often easier to remove and may make the procedure more comfortable.

If you need to be seen urgently, have ear pain, discharge, a recent infection, a known eardrum perforation, or are unsure whether drops are suitable, please contact us for advice before putting anything in the ear.

2

After your treatment

Most patients can return to normal activities straight away. If the ear canal feels sensitive, your doctor may advise keeping the ear dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Avoid cotton buds, tissues or other objects in the ear. If a large amount of wax has been removed, normal sounds may feel louder for a short time while your hearing readjusts.

Related ear care services

If wax is not the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one of our related ear care services.

Your questions, answered

Common questions about microsuction ear wax removal at Nottingham Ear Clinic.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Adults can book microsuction directly with Nottingham Ear Clinic. If you are unsure whether microsuction is the right appointment, our team can help guide you before booking.

What does microsuction feel like?

Microsuction usually feels like a light pulling, tickling or suction sensation. You may hear a suction sound during treatment. Most patients find the appointment comfortable and straightforward.

How long does the appointment take?

You will be booked for a 30-minute appointment so your visit is not rushed. This allows time for your doctor to listen, examine your ears, provide treatment where appropriate and explain aftercare.

What happens if there is no wax?

If no ear wax is found, your appointment can be converted into an ENT consultation. Your doctor can then assess other possible causes of blockage, discomfort, pressure or hearing change rather than simply turning you away.

What if my ears cannot be fully cleared?

In some cases, wax may be very stubborn or the ear canal may be sensitive. If your doctor feels follow-up is clinically necessary, your first follow-up can be offered free when booked within two weeks.

Can you clean one ear only?

Ear wax removal appointments are booked as bilateral appointments, meaning both ears are assessed even if only one ear needs treatment. The appointment price remains the same.

Is microsuction suitable if I have had ear surgery?

Microsuction is often preferred to syringing when there has been previous ear surgery because it is performed under direct vision. Your doctor will take your history and examine your ears carefully before deciding whether it is appropriate.

Do you see children?

Nottingham Ear Clinic currently provides microsuction and private ear care for adults aged 18 and over only.

More FAQs

Microsuction Ear Wax Removal in Nottingham

Doctor-led microsuction for blocked ears and wax build-up