WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR EAR HEALTH

Ear Microsuction Wax Removal

Ear microsuction is a safe and effective way to remove ear wax, debris, and blockages from the ear canal.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

A female dentist examines an elderly patient using a microscope in a dental clinic.

We use a specialised microscope to clearly view the ear canal and eardrum.

Wax or debris is gently removed using a small suction tube or fine instruments, all while maintaining direct vision throughout the procedure.

Microsuction is suitable for:

Blocked ears or reduced hearing
Ear discomfort or pain
Itchy or irritated ears
Hearing aid users
Before hearing tests, flying or diving.

It is also safe for people with:

Perforated eardrums
Previous ear surgery
Grommets

Appointments typically take 15 minutes.

What to expect during your appointment

You will be seated comfortably while your ears are examined using a specialised microscope, allowing the nurse to have a clear magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum.

A small suction device (similar to a tiny vacuum) is used to gently remove wax or debris. In some cases, small instruments may also be used.

You may notice:

A vacuum-like sound during the procedure
A tickly sensation in the ear
Mild dizziness for a few seconds afterwards
Occasionally a cough reflex (normal and temporary)

Your comfort and safety are always prioritised throughout.

A woman looks into a microscope while an elderly man sits nearby, focusing on the microscope's light.

Understanding ear wax

Ear wax is completely natural and helps protect your ears. Normally, it moves out of the ear on its own.

However, wax can build up due to:

Ear plugs or headphones
Hearing aids
Cotton buds (which push wax further in)

This can lead to:

Blocked or full feeling
Reduced hearing
Discomfort or pain

A smiling young woman with long dark hair and a pink cardigan hands a yellow and pink model of a human mouth to an older man with gray hair. They are sitting at a table in a bright room near a window with a white orchid plant in the background.

How blocked ears can affect you

Blocked ears can be more than just annoying they can impact your daily life.

You may experience:

Reduced or muffled hearing
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Discomfort or pain
Dizziness or imbalance
Ringing or buzzing sounds

For some people, blocked ears can also affect concentration, communication, and overall comfort.

These symptoms can be caused by wax build-up, eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), or infection.

If left untreated, symptoms may worsen or lead to further irritation or infection.

During your appointment, I can:

Safely remove wax build-up
Assess your ear health
Identify if there are any underlying issues

If needed, I can also provide advice, education, and refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider for further assessment or treatment.

A senior woman lying in a medical chair getting an ear examination with a doctor using an otoscope and a surgical light.

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Ear infections can cause swollen, itchy, painful, or discharging ear canals, as well as a blocked sensation.

Common causes include:

Excess wax
Water exposure (e.g. swimming)
Skin conditions like eczema
Narrow canals
Using objects (cotton buds, finger nails, keys etc.) in the ear which causes damage to the skin leading to infection.

Microsuction can help gently clear the ear and support healing, along with advice on ongoing care.

A woman performing eye surgery on an elderly patient with a medical microscope in a clinical setting.

Foreign body removal

Objects can sometimes become stuck in the ear (common in children or from hearing aids).

Using magnification and specialised tools, these can be safely and carefully removed.

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A woman uses a microscope to examine a senior man's ear during a medical check-up.