About Microsuction
To find out what happens when you attend an appointment for microsuction, please see the link Attending Clinic - What Happens? in the Learn More section at the bottom of this page.
The word Microsuction is derived from two words, microscope and suction. The view of the ear canal (meatus) is improved with the use of a microscope. The gold standard for safe practice is an ENT specific microscope. The images below show the specialist at Ear Clinic Lymington, using a microscope.
There are cheaper alternatives. Microscopic lenses can be attached to glasses with a headlight. These are called Loupes. Ear Clinic invests to reduce risk, improve patient safety and comfort, so when treating the ear, we do not use Loupes. For dentistry and surgeons, this is a different matter.
When presented with excessive earwax in the ear canal (meatus), nursing staff at local medical centres would often be limited to use water to wash or irrigate earwax out of the meatus. For more information on this method please see the Learn More links at the bottom of this page.
An alternative to irrigation is to manually remove earwax using specialist instruments. There are a variety of reasons why this this required and for more information please scroll down to Learn More.
When a patient is referred to ENT via the NHS or private sector, ENT departments typically have the option to remove excessive earwax by microsuction and have an ENT microscope to give clear vision and importantly depth perception when working in the ear canal. They also have a vacuum source to provide suction and suction tubes (cannulas).
Ear Clinic provides the latest in equipment. In the two Ear Clinic images below, they show how bright the light is and the scale of the binocular microscope apparatus the specialist is looking through. This high-level performance is a standard we trust and why we do not use Loupes.
The word Microsuction is derived from two words, microscope and suction. The view of the ear canal (meatus) is improved with the use of a microscope. The gold standard for safe practice is an ENT specific microscope. The images below show the specialist at Ear Clinic Lymington, using a microscope.
There are cheaper alternatives. Microscopic lenses can be attached to glasses with a headlight. These are called Loupes. Ear Clinic invests to reduce risk, improve patient safety and comfort, so when treating the ear, we do not use Loupes. For dentistry and surgeons, this is a different matter.
When presented with excessive earwax in the ear canal (meatus), nursing staff at local medical centres would often be limited to use water to wash or irrigate earwax out of the meatus. For more information on this method please see the Learn More links at the bottom of this page.
An alternative to irrigation is to manually remove earwax using specialist instruments. There are a variety of reasons why this this required and for more information please scroll down to Learn More.
When a patient is referred to ENT via the NHS or private sector, ENT departments typically have the option to remove excessive earwax by microsuction and have an ENT microscope to give clear vision and importantly depth perception when working in the ear canal. They also have a vacuum source to provide suction and suction tubes (cannulas).
Ear Clinic provides the latest in equipment. In the two Ear Clinic images below, they show how bright the light is and the scale of the binocular microscope apparatus the specialist is looking through. This high-level performance is a standard we trust and why we do not use Loupes.
The method of treatment involves placing a small cone in the entrance of the ear canal to open the ear and, then viewing the ear using the microscope. A suction cannula (tube) is then inserted into the ear canal so the tip touches the earwax. The vacuum pressure draws the earwax up through the cannula and out of the ear canal. All our microsuction instruments are single use (disposable) to reduce the risk of cross infection.
For Hospitals and Ear Clinic in Lymington, microsuction with an ENT microscope is a preferred method of removing debris and earwax.
The Use of Cerumenolytics Prior To Treatment
Patients do not always have to soften earwax prior to treatment, however if safe to do so, it can make it easier to remove and certainly reduce the risk of discomfort. Microsuction can be carried out dry, however, the varying condition of the earwax can affect the comfort and time it takes to remove it. If a patient has hard impacted earwax that has adhered to the ear canal's wall, it is sensible to use typically olive oil drops for a few days prior to treatment.
It is therefore sensible to use an oil or other ceruminolytic to soften earwax, especially if you have not previously had treatment and are not aware of the type of earwax you have. If you're paying for your treatment, it will also reduce the chances of requiring two appointments and additional expense.
Patients should not assume that the use of oils or cerumenolytics will dissolve and remove earwax. Many types of earwax will not be removed, reduced or dissolved with topical drops.
Microsuction is very precise, as both where and how much earwax or debris is removed is decided by the specialist without compromising patient safety. This is ideal for patients with a perforation or condition that dictates the ear should remain dry.
When irrigating the ear, it is not possible to be so precise or remove earwax without touching the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and this increases the risk of perforation.
Additional Notes
Because the suction cannula is placed in your ear canal, microsuction treatment can be noisy as the air vacuum draws the earwax out of the ear canal. The ear can also feel cooler as air moves quickly (venturi effect). The noise may temporarily aggravate tinnitus.
If you use oil to soften earwax, it may expand like a sponge and further block your ear canal. This could make communication at home and work very difficult. It may also spoil a holiday and feel uncomfortable until the earwax is removed. It is advisable therefore to book the appointment for treatment before using oil for a few days before the appointment date.
If you have had surgery on your ear(s), perforation, grommet inserted or have any doubts at all, you should always ask your G.P. before putting any oil or other liquid in your ear canal.
The Use of Cerumenolytics Prior To Treatment
Patients do not always have to soften earwax prior to treatment, however if safe to do so, it can make it easier to remove and certainly reduce the risk of discomfort. Microsuction can be carried out dry, however, the varying condition of the earwax can affect the comfort and time it takes to remove it. If a patient has hard impacted earwax that has adhered to the ear canal's wall, it is sensible to use typically olive oil drops for a few days prior to treatment.
It is therefore sensible to use an oil or other ceruminolytic to soften earwax, especially if you have not previously had treatment and are not aware of the type of earwax you have. If you're paying for your treatment, it will also reduce the chances of requiring two appointments and additional expense.
Patients should not assume that the use of oils or cerumenolytics will dissolve and remove earwax. Many types of earwax will not be removed, reduced or dissolved with topical drops.
Microsuction is very precise, as both where and how much earwax or debris is removed is decided by the specialist without compromising patient safety. This is ideal for patients with a perforation or condition that dictates the ear should remain dry.
When irrigating the ear, it is not possible to be so precise or remove earwax without touching the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and this increases the risk of perforation.
Additional Notes
Because the suction cannula is placed in your ear canal, microsuction treatment can be noisy as the air vacuum draws the earwax out of the ear canal. The ear can also feel cooler as air moves quickly (venturi effect). The noise may temporarily aggravate tinnitus.
If you use oil to soften earwax, it may expand like a sponge and further block your ear canal. This could make communication at home and work very difficult. It may also spoil a holiday and feel uncomfortable until the earwax is removed. It is advisable therefore to book the appointment for treatment before using oil for a few days before the appointment date.
If you have had surgery on your ear(s), perforation, grommet inserted or have any doubts at all, you should always ask your G.P. before putting any oil or other liquid in your ear canal.
Book an appointment
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Walk-in to make an appointment.
See our Contact page here for more details.