MICROSUCTION ear wax removal may sound daunting but it’s more common than you think.
Ear wax is a substance made by the body to help protect against dirt and germs.
GettyMicrosuction ear wax removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of ear wax build-ups[/caption]
But over time it can build up too much, affecting your ability to hear or even causing issues with balance and vertigo.
This is particularly likely if you have narrow or damaged ear canals, too much hair, a skin condition affecting your scalp or around your ear, or inflammation of the canals.
In these cases, medics may suggest microsuction ear wax removal to help clean out your ear holes and get you hearing properly again.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction ear wax removal is a process usually performed by an audiologist or GP.
It is not available on the NHS but may be recommended by a private provider if they find excessive ear wax build-ups.
How does microsuction ear wax removal work?
Microsuction involves using a small device that works like a vacuum cleaner to suck wax out your ears.
After using a camera to assess your wax levels, an audiologist will gently place the suction tube into your ear and probe it to remove the substance.
An appointment will usually take around half an hour, but the actual process is shorter.
Is microsuction ear wax removal painful?
The procedure is generally quite gentle and should not cause any pain.
However, to ensure you feel most comfortable, audiologists might suggest you use ear wax softening drops in the days before your appointment.
These help prime the wax to be sucked out, making the process easier.
Is microsuction ear wax removal safe?
Microsuction ear wax removal is one of the safest ways to remove wax from your ears if done by a trained professional.
They will go through the procedure with you before you start and it can be halted at any time during it if you feel pain or discomfort.
However, it can cause a slight ringing or buzzing for a couple of days after as your ears adjust, and things may sound different for a short amount of time.
How much does microsuction ear wax removal cost?
Microsuction ear wax removal is available at private GPs as well companies including Specsavers and Bupa.
It usually costs around £50 to £55 at those providers and may be cheaper or even free if experts do not find any wax at all, depending on the provider.