Ear Wax Removal Microsuction Medway, Kent. Sonant Hearing Clinic Rochester/ Chatham

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Microsuction is regarded as the safest way to clear the ear canal of debris, when compared to irrigation and manual methods.

How long does Microsuction take?

It can happen quickly within an appointment in a space of a few seconds to 15 minutes, sometimes more than one appointment might be needed. Depending on the amount of occluding wax, it's depth of obstruction, the shape and curvature of the ear and the experience of the person performing the procedure. Micro-suction can be used alongside manual removal methods.

When to use micro-suction for ears?

To remove occluding debris of ear wax causing a temporary conductive hearing loss.
To enable the hearing aid work efficiently within the ear.
To remove foreign bodies obstructing the ear canal.
To remove residual debris that has built up in the ear canal following an ear infection.
To remove any obstruction that can interfere with procedures to be performed within the ear e.g. ear impressions, real ear probe-microphone measurements.

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Some symptoms experienced during micro-suction in patients;

These symptoms do not occur with the vast majority of people undergoing microsuction.

Coughing: Some may experience coughing due to stimulation of the vagus nerve (which is positioned closed to the ear canal wall) by the movement of ear wax within the ear canal.

Itching: As the ear wax is moved out of the ear this can disturb the original structure of wax within the ear leaving smaller granules of wax to move around the ear canal and cause the need to itch.

Discomfort: Obstructions housed deep within the ear canal where the skin is more sensitive can result in discomfort as the obstruction is moved out of the ear canal.

Loudness: some may find the suction pressure pump machine quite loud. The suction tip can be loud depending on the wideness of the suction tip being used. Thin keratin sheets sometimes produce a loud high frequency sound ("clarineting") when suctioned by larger tipped suction tubes, unlike fine end suction tubes.

Dizziness: Not often but very rarely, some patients may feel dizzy due to the change in temperature caused by the suction tube close to the ear canal. This may be observed in those with mastoid surgery history resulting in one canal wall being removed and the lateral semi-circular canal being exposed.

The British Society of Otology has developed new guidance on microsuction of the ear in order to help with maintaining clinical standards in the NHS and in the private sector. Click here for official guidance on microsuction of the external ear canal, from ENTUK and British Academy of Audiology.