KEEPING YOUR HEARING HEALTHY
Microsuction at a local ear health clinic for safe, speedy ear wax removal.
Our state-of-the-art equipment, which uses the Tympahealth system and suction machine, allows your ears to be free of excess wax build-up and accumulated debris. This keeps your ear drums and ear canals healthy and allows for better hearing and auditory perception.
The procedure involves taking a full medical history, as well as examination and inspection of both ears. The treatments is carried out at a branch local to you, and is offered in our Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Easter Road and Oxgangs pharmacies.
EAR WAX
Ear wax – or cerumen – is produced by the glands in the ear canal. It acts as a lubricant and has antibacterial properties that help to protect the skin inside the ear. Wax production inside the ears is determined by many factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics.
An accumulation of excessive or built-up ear wax can lead to various issues such as hearing loss, pain, discharge, odours, dizziness and itching.
MICROSUCTION
Microsuction is a safe, effective and painless method of removing excess or built-up ear wax.
WHAT IS MICROSUCTION?
Microsuction uses low pressure, precision suction, to safely and effectively remove ear wax and skin cells that are obstructing the ear canal. It is the safest method of removing excess built-up wax in the ears.
Treatment is carried out with the state-of-the-art Tympahealth System, using a suction tube and probe. The suction tube is a microcannula, that ensures there is no contact with the eardrum or sensitive areas, and magnification at the tip ensures that the health professional carrying out the procedure has clear, direct, pinpoint vision of the inner ear at all times.
ADVANTAGES OF MICROSUCTION
Microsuction is the safest form of ear wax removal. It is extremely effective, and most people will likely only need one session. It is quicker, cleaner, and neater to carry out, meaning minimum invasiveness and maximum convenience. Most people tolerate treatment better in comparison to other methods, and there are minimal side effects.
PRE-TREATMENT
Microsuction can work on hardened ear wax, but the procedure works optimally on wax that has been softened prior to treatment. This can be done quickly and easily with 1-2 sprays of olive oil used in the ears, twice per day, for 3-5 days, prior to treatment. This is very important, as it softens the wax so that maximum benefit is gained from the procedure. Olive oil spray is readily available from our pharmacy and travel branches. For best results, we ask all patients to carry out pre-treatment recommendations.
You may still incur a charge for your session if you fail to follow pre-treatment advice, resulting in the wax being too hard to remove.
YOUR MICROSUCTION APPOINTMENT
A trained professional will take full and comprehensive details of your medical history,and will also carry out a detailed microscopic examination of your eardrums and ear canals. This is to establish that the procedure is safe for you to undergo. You will sign a consent form for the treatment and have the opportunity to ask any questions or address any concerns.
You will leave the appointment with healthier ears, clearer hearing, and other benefits associated with treatment.
AFTERCARE
There are no further requirements or follow-ups required. Immediately after treatment, you are free to go back to daily life as normal.
COST
Consultation only (no treatment): £15
Microsuction treatment for one or both ears: £55 Payment is required in full prior to the treatment taking place.
Failure to attend your appointment or cancellation within 24 hours may result in you being charged in full.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I access Microsuction services?
Microsuction is offered on either a private basis, or through the NHS following a referral.
NHS patients will require a referral from either their GP, or their local ENT department/hospital. Sometimes the waiting times for NHS Microsuction can vary from weeks to months.
A quick, easy, and affordable alternative is via accessing our private Microsuction service, which often has same week availability. This service is offered at our Oxgangs, Dunfermline and Glenrothes branches.
What is the difference between Microsuction and Syringing?
Microsuction is considerably safer and more effective than irrigation or syringing methods.
Syringing or irrigation methods use water pressure to push out built-up wax. However, high-water pressure can pose the risk of impacting wax further and pushing it deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing more serious issues. The practitioner’s view of the ear is also obstructed whilst syringing or irrigation is taking place, meaning that it is not always accurate, thorough, or precise.
Microsuction involves gently but directly suctioning out the wax build-up. The practitioner can do so with pin-point accuracy, as they have full view of the ear canal whilst carrying out the procedure. The method of suctioning, as opposed to high-pressure techniques, also ensures that there is no risk of wax travelling further into the ear.
Is Microsuction painful?
Most people will experience no pain at all during their Microsuction procedure.
The treatment can be considered noisy due to the nature of working within the ear canal. Noise levels can be comparable to a hand dryer or a hair dryer.
A handful of people may find the procedure mildly uncomfortable if they have recently suffered from an ear infection or have recently been using ear drops.
How effective is Microsuction?
100% of built-up ear wax will be removed by Microsuction in the vast majority of cases.
In some cases, 90-95% of wax is removed, but this is still a sufficient success to restore hearing loss occurring because of built-up ear wax.
Some wax may remain because it is too hard, impacted or close to the eardrum to remove safely. Wax that remains in the ear canal may be successfully treated with the continued use of olive oil after the procedure, where it will likely resolve of its own accord.
Is Microsuction safe?
Microsuction is the safest method of ear wax removal.
As with all medical procedures, you should be aware of the risks involved. Your practitioner will be glad to discuss these with you in detail and answer any questions. Minor bleeding, minor soreness or discomfort, and short-term ringing in the ear (tinnitus) are all very rare but possible risks associated with Microsuction.
Will Microsuction restore hearing loss?
If loss of hearing has occurred as a direct result of ear wax build-up, then following a successful treatment, Microsuction will restore hearing to the level it was prior to the build-up occurring.
Temporary, prolonged, or partial hearing loss that has occurred as a result of another factor will not be improved by ear wax removal, if ear wax was not the initial cause.
How often is ear wax removal via Microsuction required?
Microsuction can be carried out on an as and when needed basis, with recommended frequency varying between individuals.
For those who regularly wear hearing aids, cleaning of the ear canal is recommended every 4-6 months to prevent build-up.
Those who are prone to excess ear wax may find that regular treatment on a 3-6 monthly basis is beneficial.
How long will the appointment last?
Appointments consist of a consultation and carrying out the procedure, which in total will take around 20 – 30 minutes.
What age is Microsuction suitable for?
Our clinic will treat anyone over the age of 18 for ear wax removal via Microsuction.
