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What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a safe ear wax removal technique using specialised a high magnification binocular operating microscope allowing depth-perception and magnification to look directly into the ear canal. The clinician then uses a very fine sterile suction device at safe low pressure to remove the wax buildup.

Why microsuction?

Microsuction is safer, cleaner and requires less preparation than syringing. It is far safer than syringing because no water is being forced into the ear. The clinician uses high magnification to see the minute detail of your ear and clear it.

Why not ear syringing?

Sound travels down your ear canal to the ear drum, one of the major factors of hearing loss can be a build up of wax in the ear canal, when this happens it’s necessary to remove the ear wax to restore hearing and balance. traditionally this has been done by ‘ear syringing’, a method of forcing water into the ear canal to dislodge and then flush out the ear wax. It’s not really the best method of removing ear wax because you are facing water into the ear canal so it can disturb the delicate lining of the ear canal, which can lead to infections a few days afterwards. It also requires 1-2 weeks of oiling each day prior to the procedure to be able to carry it out.

Microsuction ear wax removal explained

There is now a newer and safer method of removing ear wax, it’s called microsuction, which is very much self explanatory. The wax is removed by a tiny suction probe placed in the ear canal to gently suck out the blockage. It is cleaner, not as uncomfortable for the patient and only rehires some oiling beforehand, maybe a day or two. The clinician uses high magnification ‘loupes’ and a light to see directly into the patients ear canal so they can accurately ascertain the extent of the blockage and treat accordingly. The ‘loupes’ that Emma uses are high specification, high quality 5x Carl Zeiss loupes, they allow the clinical (Emma Brown) to see depth (of field), which means she is able to more accurately remove blockages safely.

A guide to healthy ears

A small amount of earwax is good because it’s there to protect the ear canal and lubricate it. It traps dust and foreign bodies stopping them from going further into the ear. Ear wax is slightly acidic so it has natural anti bacterial properties.

Putting a few drop os of olive oil into your ear once a month or fortnight will help to move skin and wax to the outside of the ear.

Chlorine in swimming pools can interfere with the ph of ear wax and cases infections. Swimming in the sea is better because sea water is more in line with your body. If you get ‘surfers ear’ I recommend you wear a wetsuit hat to cover your ears as the cold wind is one of main causes.

Do not use cotton buds in your ears as it can perforate the ear drum or case trauma to the delicate ear canal. It will also stimulate the glands to produce more wax and push wax further into the ear.