Microsuction

What is Microsuction?

At Deeping Surgical we pride ourselves in delivery of ear wax removal with precision microsuction techniques. Microsuction is a safe and gentle procedure used to remove excess or impacted earwax.

It involves using a small, sterile suction device and a microscope or head loupe to visualise and precisely extract wax from the ear canal. It is considered the gold standard for wax removal due to its effectiveness and low risk of complications.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

You should consider microsuction if you experience:

Blocked or muffled hearing
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Dizziness or imbalance
Discomfort or itching due to visible wax buildup
Difficulty hearing with hearing aids due to wax obstruction

What is the NHS Criteria for this Procedure?

MICROSUCTION (Ear Wax Removal) *NO prior approval needed*

Patients may be referred for treatment in the CSS, when all levels of self-care as detailed below (also detailed within the Microsuction patient leaflet) have been undertaken.

Olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops are used by patient for 3-5 days.

Where the above self-care has been unsuccessful and earwax is still totally occluding the ear canal

AND

Substantial hearing loss suspected to be due to earwax
Chronic earache suspected to be due to earwax
Tinnitus suspected to be due to earwax
Vertigo suspected to be due to earwax

Cough suspected to be due to earwax
The tympanic membrane is obscured by wax but needs to be viewed to establish a diagnosis
The person wears a hearing aid, wax is present, and an impression needs to be taken

of the ear canal for a mould, or if wax is causing the hearing aid to whistle

Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes. Microsuction is not surgery. It is a non-invasive outpatient procedure, usually completed in under 15 minutes.

In mild cases, ear drops (such as olive oil or sodium bicarbonate) may soften the wax enough to clear naturally — though this is often not sufficient for significant or stubborn wax build-up.

What is the Surgery?

This isn’t surgery in the traditional sense — there is no cutting or incision involved. Microsuction is performed with you seated, using a fine suction device under visual guidance to gently remove wax. No anaesthetic is required.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before:

You will be advised to use softening ear drops (e.g. olive oil) for 2–3 days before your appointment to make removal easier
Inform us if you have had previous ear problems or surgery

After:

Most patients notice immediate improvement in hearing and comfort
Temporary mild discomfort or ringing may occur in some cases
Avoid inserting anything into your ears (like cotton buds)
No downtime – you can return to daily activities immediately

What Are the Risks?

Microsuction is a very low-risk procedure when performed by trained professionals. Possible, but rare, risks include:

Temporary dizziness
Mild irritation or discomfort
Slight bleeding (if the canal is inflamed or scratched)
Temporary ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Very rarely, eardrum damage (especially in patients who move suddenly)

How Do I Prepare?

Use olive oil drops or a wax softener (if advised) for a few days prior
Do not use cotton buds, ear candles, or insert anything into your ears
Inform us of any current ear pain, infections, or previous surgeries
Arrive with clean, dry ears and bring your hearing aids if you use them

Patients Asking a doctor Questions _edit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is microsuction painful?
A: No — it’s usually painless. You may hear some noise and feel slight suction, but it’s well-tolerated.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Most appointments last 10 to 15 minutes per ear.

Q: How often should I have it done?
A: That depends on how quickly your ears produce wax. Some people need it annually, while others require more frequent treatment.

Q: Is it available on the NHS?
A: Yes, microsuction through the Community Surgery Scheme is funded by the NHS with minimal waiting times.