What is microsuction?

A specialised high-definition otoscope is used to examine the inside of a patient’s ear canal to see if there is any ear wax present. This magnifies the ear canal and wax, giving exceptionally detailed imagery. This helps guide the clinician and gives depth perception on the positioning of the ear wax within the ear.

The imagery gives the clinician additional information from the colour and consistency of the wax. I then remove the ear wax by suction rather than water, using a small suction tube called a ‘Zoeller tube’. This is the most effective and safe method of ear wax removal to date, as this process pulls the wax away from the eardrum rather than inwards towards the eardrum.

Clinic Pricing

  • Microsuction Appointment: £55.00
  • Home Visit Appointment: £55.00 + travel costs
  • Under 18’s Appointment: £55.00
  • Under 10’s Appointment: £65.00 longer appointment times are often required
  • Drop-In Clinic: Free Ear Wax Check
    Every Tuesday, 9am - 12noon, Fleggburgh Village Hall, NR29 3AG
    • Call 01493 262 911

An effective method

Microsuction can be a little noisy once the wax blockage is broken. Some people say it tickles – but it should never hurt. This technique has been used by NHS ENT specialists for years. It’s safer and more effective than syringing or irrigation. Microsuction is now the gold standard in the UK because it’s suitable for people with:

  • A perforated eardrum
  • Otitis externa (outer ear infection)
  • Otomycosis (fungal ear infection)
  • A history of ear surgery

Here at Norfolk Ear Care I always talk through what microsuction is, if people have never had it before and I will answer any questions before we start. I show the actual suction on the back of the client’s hand, so they have an understanding of how gentle the suction actually is. I explain about the noises that they will hear, describing the noises sounding like a small child sucking a strawberry milkshake.

Microsuction Norwich
Ear Cleaning Clinic
Norfolk Ear Clinic
Earwax Cleaning Norwich

Common side effects

If the client, at any time, needs a break they can put their hand up and we will take a short break. This can happen once we have broken through the earwax blockage as the client might, at this point, feel slightly dizzy due to the drop in ear canal temperature (created by the suction tube airflow).

Like any medical procedure, microsuction may come with a few side effects. These are generally mild and temporary:

  • Dizziness
  • Noise
  • Temporary hearing loss
  • Potential infection
  • Worsening of tinnitus (usually temporary)
  • Injury to the ear canal
Microsuction Norwich