Frequently Asked Questions

If You Can’t Find An Answer To Your Question About Microsuction Ear Wax Removal, Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Us.

What is Ear Wax

Ear wax is a natural lubricant and antibacterial material that’s produced by sebaceous glands within the ear canal. Ear wax can help to clean, lubricate, and protect the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and stopping too much water from entering the ear canal.

Why might ear wax need removing?

Although ear wax can have many benefits and is a normal part of human physiology, issues can arise when there is excessive wax production, or if the outer ear canal is not extracting it naturally, which can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss. When this is the case, it’s usually recommended that the ear wax is removed to see if this is the cause of the symptoms.

What if ear wax removal isn't the right option?

It’s important to bear in mind that symptoms such as hearing loss may be caused by middle or inner ear problems rather than a build-up of ear wax, so ear wax removal won’t always be the best option.

In these cases, the doctor will discuss potential next steps with the patient, which might include treatment for ear infections or onward referral for hearing tests, middle ear pressure tests, scans, or balance testing. The exact tests required will depend on the individual patient’s history and examination findings.

What is microsuction ear wax removal?

Microsuction ear wax removal is a technique for removing ear wax that uses specialist ENT equipment & instruments. These instruments allow the clinician to look in the ear canal in great detail and use a very fine sterile suction device at low pressure to remove the wax – not dissimilar to using a tiny vacuum cleaner inside the ear to remove the wax.

Using microsuction means that we can visualise the external ear canal and its contents in great detail with minimal need to touch the earlobe, making the procedure more comfortable for patients. Occasionally, we may need to use other instruments to remove particularly hard wax, such as Jobson Horne probes, hooks, or micro forceps).

Who performs microsuction ear wax removal?

Unlike at most other ear clinics, microsuction ear wax removal procedures at Nottingham Ear Clinic are only performed by highly experienced General Practitioners with specialist ENT training.

How often can you have ear microsuction?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to ‘how often can you have ear microsuction?’, as it varies from patient to patient. Some people develop a lot of wax in their ear canal, with subsequent blockages (as often as every 3-6 months), which means they may require ear microsuction every 4-6 months.

Ear syringing typically can’t be carried out as often, as the water flushed into the ear during the procedure has to hit the sensitive ear canal and delicate eardrum, which then needs time to recover.

In contrast, microsuction means we can latch onto the ear wax to pull it out, while very soft wax will simply be sucked up by the suction probe, meaning the procedure can be carried out as often as necessary.

We also use ear microsuction to treat outer ear infections. This helps us to remove debris or pus from the canal so that antibiotic drops can do their job more effectively.

Do you need to soften ear wax before microsuction?

We suggest you use olive oil ear spray times a day (Earol) to soften the wax 3-5 days prior to visiting us for your Microsuction appointment. If required this can be purchased from our clinic.

Does ear wax removal hurt?

There’s no one answer to ‘does ear wax removal hurt’, as it ultimately depends on the method of removal. If the method being used is ear microsuction and it’s being performed by an experienced clinician, the procedure is unlikely to be painful. The main thing that patients will notice is the sound of the suction probe, which you’ll soon become used to. We use extra fine tips for the suction of any ear wax very close to the drum to avoid excessive exposure to suction noise.

Can you have microsuction with an ear infection?

Yes, you can have microsuction with an ear infection, but bear in mind that the infection itself could be uncomfortable, meaning microsuction of the infected ear canal can be painful as a result. However, microsuction of infected debris and wax from the external ear canal is the most effective treatment for external ear infection (otitis externa), while antibiotic drop usage may also help if the cause is bacterial. In this event, you can help to reduce some of the discomfort by taking your preferred painkiller an hour prior to attending your appointment.

Is microsuction ear wax removal safe?

Microsuction ear wax removal is the safest and most effective procedure for examination and treatment of the ear when performed by experienced and well trained clinicians.

How long does ear microsuction take?

In most cases, it can take up to 30 minutes to perform microsuction on both ears. It’s important to keep as still as you can during the procedure to ensure it can be performed as efficiently as possible. The ear canal is very small and is in very close proximity to the eardrum, so even small movements can take the ear canal image out of focus and make the procedure take longer.

Can I undergo microsuction following ear surgery?

Yes – ear microsuction is perfectly suited and highly recommended for patients who have had ear surgery in the past, such as: mastoidectomy, eardrum repair, grommet insertion, stapedectomy, and refashioning of the ear canal.

Can I have microsuction with a perforated eardrum?

Yes – microsuction ear wax removal is the safest method of cleaning the ears if you have a perforated eardrum. Patients who have perforated eardrums must not have their ears irrigated with water or syringed.

Can I fly after having ear microsuction?

Yes – you can travel by plane after undergoing ear microsuction (unless you’ve been advised not to fly due to other medical reasons).

Are there any ear microsuction side effects?

Ear microsuction side effects are rare, but the most commonly reported are dizziness, noise damage, ear trauma, and infection. Any dizziness following microsuction should pass within a few minutes of the procedure being finished, while noise damage should also be a temporary side effect of microsuction – the procedure will sound very loud to some people, potentially causing temporary hearing loss.

Minor ear trauma is another of the rare microsuction ear wax removal side effects, usually occurring when recipients move suddenly. Infection is again extremely rare, but it is a risk that comes with any procedure you undergo. The tools used during microsuction are single-use and sterile, so the risk of infection is extremely remote. Please read our patient information for more information.

Do you offer microsuction for children?

We currently only perform microsuction for anyone aged 18 and over.

Can I read your privacy policy?

Yes– privacy policy

What other services does Nottingham Ear Clinic offer?

Alongside microsuction ear wax removal, we also offer medical consultations for other ear-related problems, such as ear pain, tinnitus, dizziness, and middle ear problems. Our clinic has excellent links with specialist Audiologists to perform audiometry and tympanometry testing as well as balance/dizziness testing. We are also able to refer patients for further investigations including MRI and other imaging scans, and to consultant ENT surgical colleagues if surgery is being considered.

What's your complaints procedure?

Please see our complaints procedure.

How much does microsuction ear wax removal cost?

At Nottingham Ear Clinic, ear microsuction appointments start at £95 for one or both ears. Read more about our fees.

Medical consultations for more complex issues such as ear infection, tinnitus, dizziness, or middle ear problems start from at £60.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Please see our terms of service.

Ear Care & Advice

Blocked ear wax - what symptoms to look for.

There are 5 common symptoms you may be experiencing if you think you have a build up of wax.

A feeling of fullness in the ear
Sudden partial hearing loss
Ear pain
Tinnitus (which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear)
Dizziness

It is important to seek medical help if you have impacted ear wax. Not only is it irritating, but it can also lead to infections so our advice is to see a doctor to avoid this.

How does your ear produce wax?

The ear canal produces wax as part of the ear’s protective mechanism. Too much wax will block the sound waves from getting to the ear drum causing deafness and a very unpleasant feeling of blockage.

In order to relieve these symptoms and protect the delicate structures, the safest and most effective way to have wax removed is with Microsuction.

We always use the most advanced, comprehensive digital microscope because this gives magnification, depth perception and excellent illumination which are all essential for safe and complete removal of wax.

How to keep your ears healthy.

You may not think you need to pay too much attention to keeping your ears ‘healthy’ but these tips below will help to minimise ear wax building up.

DO NOT USE Q-tips / Cotton Buds to clean your ears. They can damage the wall of the ear canal and increase the likelihood of an ear infection. They will also cause impaction of the wax by pushing it further into the canal resulting in a blocked ear with reduced hearing.
Regular use of Olive oil e.g. Earol, olive oil in a spray bottle, will help to keep the wax soft and help it to migrate out of the ear. We are a local stockist of Earol and can be purchased from our clinic.
If you suffer with dry skin or eczema moisturising around the outside of the ear with an unscented moisturiser (e.g E45) will help to minimise any dry skin from falling into the canal and causing irritation.
The risk of infection in the ear can be minimised by keeping your ears dry when showering/washing hair. You can use commercially purchased plugs from our clinic or alternatively you can use a cotton wool ball and a smear of Vaseline (dispose of it each time it is used).

Different types of hearing loss

In general, the ear is described as having three sections; the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear.

All parts of the hearing system need to be working in order to hear well.

A loss of hearing happens when something in the hearing system stops the sound information from reaching the brain.

There are different terms to describe the hearing loss depending on which part of the hearing system is affected.

Conductive hearing loss refers to conditions of the outer and middle ear. The inner ear is working, but the sound vibrations cannot reach it effectively.

Sensorineural hearing loss refers to a condition of the inner ear or nerves. Even though sound vibrations are being passed to the inner ear, the hair cells are missing, damaged or cannot transmit the information to the brain.

Mixed hearing loss has both conductive and sensorineural factors.

Can conductive hearing loss be treated?

Conductive hearing loss may have a simple cause, such as an earwax blockage. In these cases, the hearing problem goes away when the blockage is removed.

Glue ear is a common cause of conductive hearing loss in children. It often clears on its own but may need treatment if it continues to cause problems over a number of months.

Hearing aids are an effective option for people with conductive hearing loss. As well as conventional hearing aids, there are implanted devices that are designed for people with conductive hearing loss.

For certain types of conductive hearing loss, surgery may be possible to repair the sound pathway from the outer ear to the inner ear and improve hearing. However, many ear operations are to treat and prevent ear diseases and do not improve hearing.

Why do my ears itch? Understanding the common causes

The Causes of Itchy Ears: Understanding Otitis Externa and Other Irritations

Many people ask, ‘Why is the inside of my ear itchy?’ or ‘Why do my ears itch?’

Itchy ears can be incredibly annoying, and something many of us will have experienced at some point.

While a slight itch every now and then is normal, persistent or intense itching could indicate an underlying issue.

To deal with itchy ears, it is important to understand what is causing the itching so that the most appropriate treatment can be found.

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of itchy ears.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

This is the term often given to otitis externa, which is inflammation or infection of the ear canal (outer ear) and for which itchy ears/ear canals is a key symptom.

Simply put, this is where the thin layer of waxy film which helps to repel water and bacterial growth in the ear canal is broken down and your ears’ natural defences are overwhelmed by bacteria or fungi.

This breakdown is often caused by trapped water, or by scratches from objects like cotton buds/Q-Tips.

If you have spent a lot of time exposed to water, humid conditions or regularly have things in your ears like hearing aids, earphones or cotton buds, then this will increase your likelihood of developing Swimmer’s Ear.

Symptoms include itching, secretions, tenderness and/or pain, swelling of the ear canal and possible hearing loss.

Treatments for Swimmer’s Ear vary, depending on the severity of the case, and medical professionals can advise on the most appropriate one.

If symptoms persist or worsen after 1-3 days then you should book an appointment to see our doctor.

Irritation From Hearing Aids, Earphones etc.

Having objects in your ears, particularly for extended periods of time can rub, scratch, and irritate the skin, causing itchiness.

This is something that many hearing aid and earphone users may be familiar with.

On top of this, wearing hearing aids or in ear earphones can create a humid environment in the ear canal, meaning the protective waxy liner of the ear can become damaged and therefore making it easier for bacteria to cause issues.

Some wearers describe their ears as going a bit ‘mushy’ with prolonged use due to the humidity and sometimes wear only one hearing aid at a time to try and avoid this.

To an extent, this can be hard to avoid, particularly if you need to wear your hearing aids all the time.

It can help to make sure that anything that goes in your ear is clean, and to take every opportunity to take the devices out and give your ears a break.

Skin Conditions & Allergies

Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema have also been known to contribute to itchy ears, and it’s important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist about the best way to treat and manage these conditions.

Allergies can also contribute to itchy ears. Most commonly, seasonal allergies such as hay fever, along with mould spores and dust mites can lead to itchy or tingly eyes, throat, and ears. As well as this, an allergic reaction can also result from a product such as deodorant or sun cream coming into direct contact with the skin.

Allergic reactions can be very severe and even life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention, so if you think you have an allergy, you should monitor symptoms and see a GP.

The NHS has this useful guide to allergies and when to seek medical attention.

Ear Wax Build-Up and Over-Cleaning

Ear wax plays a vital role in our ears’ self-cleaning mechanism, helping to flush out the ear canals.

However, if ear wax builds up, it can then stick to the sides of the ear canal and cause itchiness. Linked to this, many people attempt to remove ear wax with things like cotton buds or fingernails.

However, this runs the risk of scratching the ear canal, in turn increasing the risk of otitis externa and skin irritation.

On top of that, putting objects in your ears to remove ear wax can also push the wax further into your ears and impact it, causing further issues.

Our ears are self-cleaning, so it’s usually best to leave them to do their thing, and avoid putting things in your ears to remove wax.

Ear wax also helps to counteract the skin’s natural tendency to evaporate, so again, if you over-clean and remove the wax, the skin of your ear canal may then be more prone to drying out and becoming itchy.

General Pointers & When to see a Doctor

As with most itches, scratching often makes matters worse as it further aggravates the skin.

It’s also a good idea to dry your outer ears after a shower, bath, or swimming, and to avoid getting things like shampoos, soaps, and hairsprays in your ears.

While most cases of itchy ears can be managed with self-care or over-the-counter treatments, persistent itching, pain, or discharge may require professional medical attention. If symptoms last for more than a few days, and particularly if they worsen or you experience any pain, hearing loss, drainage or bleeding you should seek medical advice. Feel free to book an appointment with one of our doctors.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Nottingham Ear & Scan Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions