Microsuction 

Private ear wax clearance using microsuction is provided by Caroline Atherton

Caroline is a registered nurse and has qualified to provide this treatment as a non-NHS, private service at the practice.

Microsuction is a wax removal technique using a precision suction apparatus to suck unwanted or obstructing skin cells and wax from the external auditory meatus (ear canal).

We use surgical lenses (loupes) which provide binocular magnification so that the tip of the fine cannula (the suction tube) is always under direct vision.

This technique contrasts with ear syringing where liquid is squirted into the ear to dislodge the wax. Microsuction is a more precise and gentle technique than ear syringing.

Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax. The technique means that we can always see what we are doing and can avoid touching the skin of  sides of the ear canal, which makes the process a lot more uncomfortable. 

What to expect from Ear Microsuction

We will talk you through the procedure, show you the equipment  and ask you to sign a consent form before we start.

The microsuction process can be noisy and occasionally make you feel dizzy. This usually passes within a few seconds.  If you are having the procedure under-taken on both ears, it will take up

 to 30 minutes

Prior to the Procedure

It is really important that you soften the ear wax by putting two drops of olive oil into the relevant ear/ears, twice daily, for three days prior to your appointment. Please note that if you have not  done this, and the wax iss too  hard to remove, you may still be charged for the procedure.

Fees 

The charges for this service are:

    1 ear: £40.00

    2 ears: £60.00

Check only (no removal) £10

Missed appointment charge £20

Patient Record 

A private patient medical record is created for our microsuction patients. This is stored within our clinical computer system. We therefore ask for your address, date of birth and telephone number to start this record, which will be retained, fully secure. Your treatment may require us to write to your GP so consent to share your treatment with your GP is part of our consent process. 

Risks

No treatment of ear wax is completely ‘risk-free’. Some of the risks and side effects of microscopic and microsuction ear wax removal include:

-Damage and trauma to the ear canal and eardrum (including perforation).

-If microsuction is being performed a loud noise can be generated in the ear canal due to the suction. In some people this can cause hearing loss (temporary or permanent) and tinnitus (ringing type noise inside the ear) or worsening of it if already experienced. This is rare.

-Microsuction ‘cools’ the temperature inside the ear canal which can lead to faintness, dizziness or vertigo. This is due to the ‘caloric’ effect and is normally short lasting.