Ear Microsuction

When to book ear microsuction

Book an ear wax removal appointment if you have:

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Reduced or muffled hearing
• Earache or pain in the affected ear
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
• Itchiness inside the ear canal

The NHS advises against using cotton buds, fingers or any object to clear wax yourself, as this pushes it deeper and makes things worse.

You are more likely to get wax build-up if you wear hearing aids, earbuds or in-ear headphones, have narrow or hairy ear canals, have eczema or psoriasis, have had ear surgery or infections, or are an older adult, as wax becomes drier and harder with age.

What is ear microsuction?

Ear microsuction is a safe, gentle procedure that removes excess or impacted ear wax using a small low-pressure suction device under magnification. Unlike ear syringing, no water enters the ear canal, which makes it a preferred option for anyone with a perforated eardrum, grommets or a history of ear infections. The NHS recognises microsuction as a professional treatment for ear wax removal.

Many GP surgeries no longer offer routine ear wax removal, so pharmacy microsuction is a fast, accessible alternative with no GP referral needed.

What happens at your appointment

• Assessment - your practitioner asks about your symptoms and ear history and checks your ears with an otoscope
• Preparation - hard or impacted wax may need softening with olive oil drops for a few days beforehand
• Microsuction - the wax is gently drawn out under magnification. It is usually painless, though you will hear a mild suction noise
• Aftercare - your ears are rechecked and you get advice on reducing future build-up

Appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients notice an immediate improvement in hearing.

Microsuction vs ear syringing

• No water is used, so it is safer with perforated eardrums, grommets or past infections
• The practitioner sees the ear canal throughout, allowing greater precision
• Lower risk of damage to the ear canal
• Better at shifting hard or impacted wax
• Usually quicker and more comfortable

Preparing and aftercare

For the best results, put 2 to 3 drops of medical-grade olive oil or almond oil into the affected ear (avoid almond oil with a nut allergy), lie with that ear facing up for 5 to 10 minutes, and repeat 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days before your appointment.

Afterwards, never insert cotton buds or objects into the ear canal, use olive oil drops once or twice a week if you are prone to build-up, keep ears dry when swimming, clean hearing aids regularly and have your ears checked every 6 to 12 months. Avoid ear candles, as the NHS confirms there is no evidence they work and they can cause injury.

Find ear microsuction near you

No GP referral required. Trained ear care professionals, appointments often available within days, suitable for patients with hearing aids, grommets or perforated eardrums. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy and book.