Wax Microsuction

Further evaluations, such as hearing tests and/ or more detailed medical consultations, can also be arranged in-house as and where required.

What is Wax Microsuction?

Wax Microsuction is the gold standard ear wax removal technique. It involves the use of an air suction device at low operating pressure to remove wax from the ear, all performed under an operating microscope. It is the safest and quickest means to conveniently remove ear wax and allows full visualisation of the ear canal so that any touching of the sensitive skin layer or fine hairs within the ear canal can, in most instances, be avoided. It is advised that wax softening drops (such as Earol) are used by patients a few days prior to attending for wax removal.

What Is Ear Wax?

Ear wax blockage affects about 6% of people and is one of the most common ear problems doctors see. Ear wax (Cerumen) is an amalgamation of substances, predominantly waxy oils and dead skin cells (Keratinocytes). It also contains traces of sebum in the mix, along with other substances such as squalene, cholesterol and triglyceride. It is a by-product of the thousands of Ceruminous glands (specialised sweat glands), which lie under the skin of the ear canal and drain into the guard hairs lining the ear canal. Though ear wax does possess some protective properties, excess or compacted wax can occlude the ear canal and press against the eardrum, which may impair hearing. This is when it needs removal.

Symptoms of Ear Wax build-up

• A blocked sensation or fullness in the ear
• Ear pain/discomfort
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ear (Tinnitus)
• Itching or drainage from the ear canal
• Vertigo or Dizziness

Risk Factors of Ear Wax build-up

Your risk of developing problems from a build-up of ear wax is increased if you have:

• Narrow ear canals or ear canals that aren’t fully formed
• Hairy ear canals
• Bony growths in the outer part of your ear canal – these are called osteomata
• A Skin condition of your scalp or pre-auricular area
• Hard Wax
• History of recurrent impacted earwax
• Repeated ear infections

Your chances of developing an earwax blockage are also increased if you:

• Use cotton buds – they can push ear wax deeper into your ear and pack it together harder, creating an ear wax plug
• Wear a hearing aid or earplugs, which can stop ear wax falling out of your ear naturally
• Are elderly–more at risk of having ear wax problems because ear wax becomes drier with age

Advantages of removing Ear Wax by Microsuction over Syringing:

Syringing is the traditional method of wax removal. It involves water being injected into the ear canal at high pressure, with the aim of trying to get behind the wax to force it out as the water seeps out of the ear canal. There are a number of problems associated with this method of wax removal:

• The procedure is done blind (without full ear canal visualisation)- high risk of clinical error
• Involves water entering the ear canal–high risk of ear infection
• High pressure of water injection–high risk of eardrum perforation
• Lack of proper specialised training guidelines on procedure–high risk of clinical error
• Heavy handed procedure–high risk of discomfort/ pain
• Not all wax is removed

Microsuction is performed under an operating microscope, with full visualisation of the ear canal and ear drum being maintained whilst removing wax allowing the clinician to clearly identify any outer or middle ear pathology. There are a number of benefits associated with this method of wax removal:

• Conducted under a high-powered operating microscope (with full ear canal visualisation)
• No water involved
• Wax and other debris suctioned out fully
• Clear specialised and assessed training guidelines on the procedure
• Comfortable supine or seated position during the procedure
• Relatively quick
• Hygienic

People with the following are advised to use the Microsuction procedure to remove wax/ debris from their ears to avoid further complications:

• Perforated/ damaged ear drum(s)
• Outer ear infection (Otitis Externa)
• History of outer/ middle ear surgery
• Osteoma/ Exostosis (bony growths in the ear canal)
• Stenotic (narrow) ear canals
• Regular wax build-up
• Ear pain/ sensitivity (otalgia)
• Eczema/ dermatitis in the ear canal
• Hearing aid users

Tympanometry

We also perform a middle ear pressure test (Tympanometry) once all the wax has been extracted as part of the procedure to ensure that the health of the middle ear can be assessed. This test displays how healthily the eardrums are moving, and provides an indication of the overall health of the middle ear.

Wax Drops

Wax drops are very useful in wax management. They soften wax, which often enables it to find its own way out of the ear canal through the natural outward migration of the skin cells in the ear canal. However, drops do not dissolve/ eliminate wax on their own and often requires an extraction method.

It is advised that everyone attending for wax micro-suctioning softens their wax with wax drops prior to attending. We advise all attending patients to use Earol Olive oil spray, which can be purchased from most Pharmacies.

Report Sheet

A report sheet of the procedure is also provided at the end detailing the appearance of the ear canal and eardrum post-micro-suctioning, along with the results from tympanometry. If any abnormality is detected then this will also be documented and should a referral to ENT be required for more specialist treatment be required this will also be stipulated/ arranged in-house.

When you choose to book your micro-suction appointment with us we will give you advice about your outer and middle ear as part of an inclusive mini-consultation. Should further hearing evaluation be required, this can also be arranged in the clinic in a timely fashion. For further enquiries or to book an appointment please contact us and a member of our team will assist you.

Prices

Wax Microsuction (one or both ears, inclusive of a mini-consultation and tympanometry): £85

Mini-consultation only (inclusive of tympanometry): £50

Our service is also recognised by all major health insurance providers, and so you may be able to use your insurance policy to cover costs for this service as an outpatient procedure. Please check with your policy provider and obtain pre-authorisation prior to attending for an appointment if you plan to use this route for payment.