We are governed by these terms and conditions

The purpose of micro suction is to safely remove wax present within the ear canal. To ensure this process is safely carried out it is important that the clinician is made aware of anything which may have a bearing on the procedure.

PRE-PROCEDURE

You may be advised to soften the wax with olive oil prior to your appointment (usually for 5-7 days).

PROCEDURE

Two methods of wax removal may be used during your appointment: suction and/or manual extraction

• Suction: Wax is removed by a small vacuum. This procedure can be noisy
• Manual extraction: fine hand held instruments are inserted into the ear and is used to gently extract the wax. This will not be used when wax is deeply situated in the ear canal.

RISKS

Wax removal via micro suction is considered safer than other methods. Your clinician has undertaken training, is certified as competent in ear care and wax removal, and will use best-practice procedures to minimise any risk. However, even when performed with the utmost care, there are some risks involved. These risks include:

• Common: incomplete removal of ear wax requiring a return visit (for severely impacted wax),
• Uncommon: discomfort, damage to the skin of the ear canal, bleeding from ear canal, ear infection, temporary reduction in hearing, temporary hearing sensitivity, temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus, temporary irritation to the throat and stimulation of a cough
• Rare: Feeling sick or light-headed, temporary dizziness
• Extremely rare: permanent hearing loss, triggering of new tinnitus, damage to the ear drum

To ensure the risk of complication is minimal, it is essential that an accurate past medical history is supplied to our clinicians. In addition, it is important that the patient remains relatively still during the procedure as sudden movement may significantly increase the risk of eardrum perforation, permanent hearing loss and/or bleeding.

OUTCOMES

If the wax cannot be removed

Depending on the amount and consistency of the wax and your own comfort, it may not be possible to remove all of the wax in a single appointment. A second or third appointment may be required with further softening of the wax for a few days between visits using alternative softeners as advised.

Onward referral

In some situations, wax removal may be deemed unsuitable or need to be abandoned during the procedure. Most commonly, this is because abnormalities of the ear are identified which require further assessment by your GP or ENT specialist, making it inappropriate to proceed. It may be necessary to refer following the procedure for a follow up with a medical professional for further management, advice or a second opinion. Most commonly, this is because:

• Evidence of current or recent infection has been discovered
• Evidence of current or previous damage to the ear has been discovered
• The wax removal procedure has made you feel unwell
• The wax has proven to be too difficult to remove safely
• A foreign body has been discovered in the ear which cannot be removed safely

Media recorded

Before, during and after the procedure, your clinician will record images and videos within your ear(s). The media may be used for the following reasons:

• To request further advice or a second opinion from another suitably qualified medical professional
• Training and research
• To ensure you, the patient, are as informed as possible.