Earwax removal has never been easier.
We don’t want you to worry about your hearing, which is why our microsuction experts use the latest technology to help you get your hearing back.
For £70, you will be provided with outstanding care from start to finish.
Why Northumbria Health?
We will listen to you every step of the way and support you along your journey to a better, healthier self. As a patient at Northumbria Health, you will be seen and treated personally by our experts and receive outstanding care.
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is a water-free technique that is used by ear, nose and throat departments to remove earwax.
It requires specialised training as it is a method that can remove wax that is impacted on the drum.
This is also a safe wax removal method for those with a history of ear surgery and current perforations.
Q&A
with ENT Nurse Practitioner, Scott Bell
Locations
What is earwax?
Earwax is a moisturising barrier produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the drum. It naturally waterproofs the ear and protects against infection. It consists of mainly dead skin cells and natural oils.
What causes excess earwax?
Some people are just prone to produce more wax than others. This can be linked to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which cause over shedding of skin cells. Wearing hearing aids or ear plugs tends to push wax back into the canal which leads to excessive wax build up.
What options are available for wax removal?
A small amount of wax can often be dislodged with the use of oil or wax softeners aided with an ear bulb. This can be purchased from pharmacies. A small number of GPs still offer irrigation, however this does not remove dead skin and hair debris and has many contraindications. Wax contains a lot of dead skin, so the truly successful method is microsuction.
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is a process of vacuuming out debris from the ear canal by inserting a small tube into the canal. The ‘micro’ part means that the professional looks at the ear under magnification. This can be with a handheld mobile device or magnifying glasses called loupes.
What happens during the procedure?
Usually, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes per ear, but it can vary on the amount, the consistency, and the size of the ear canal. The procedure is painless, although it can be quite noisy and occasionally you may feel slightly dizzy.
What are the risks?
The vast majority of people have no complications at all. If you suffer from tinnitus, sometimes you can get a short spike of tinnitus because of the noise. This usually dissipates within minutes. There is a small risk of infection after any kind of wax removal.
What should I do to prepare for microsuction?
It is always advisable to lubricate you wax with olive or almond oil prior to microsuction. Nightly oil for around one week is adequate. I would advise you to stop using wax softeners if you’ve been using it for a long time.
What is the success of the procedure?
Microsuction is highly successful as it removes all debris from the canal. After the wax has been removed, your hearing will return to normal.
Watch the video above with our microsuction expert to learn more.
Get in touch
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