If you’ve never had microsuction before, it’s completely understandable to have questions about what actually happens during an appointment.
How should you prepare? Does microsuction hurt? What does the suction feel like? How long does it take? And what happens if we examine your ears and there isn’t actually any wax to remove?
At Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield, we provide professional microsuction ear wax removal for people experiencing blocked ears, reduced hearing and other symptoms associated with ear wax build-up.
This guide takes you through the entire appointment, from preparing your ears beforehand to what you can expect after your treatment.
Before Your Microsuction Appointment
Preparing your ears beforehand can make wax easier to remove, particularly when it is dry or impacted.
At Hodgson Pharmacy, we recommend applying 1 to 2 drops of olive oil into the affected ear twice a day for approximately 3 to 5 days before your appointment.
The purpose of the olive oil is to soften hardened wax before we attempt to remove it.
You don’t need to try to remove the wax yourself.
In particular, avoid inserting cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax further inside the ear rather than removing it.
If you’re unsure whether you should use ear drops because of an existing ear condition or suspected perforated eardrum, seek professional advice beforehand.
What Should I Tell You Before Microsuction?
Your appointment isn’t simply a case of immediately removing the wax.
Before treatment, we’ll ask about your symptoms and relevant medical history so that we can assess your ears properly.
It’s particularly useful to tell us if you have experienced:
-
previous problems with your ears
-
previous ear surgery
-
a known or suspected perforated eardrum
-
ear infections
-
pain or discharge from the ear
-
dizziness or vertigo
-
tinnitus
-
sudden changes to your hearing
-
previous difficulties with ear wax removal
-
hearing aid use
This helps us understand what you’ve been experiencing and determine the appropriate next step.
What Happens During a Microsuction Appointment?
Your appointment at Hodgson Pharmacy generally follows four stages.
Step 1: Consultation
We’ll start by asking about your symptoms and relevant medical history.
You might have booked because your ear feels completely blocked, but other symptoms associated with ear wax build-up can include muffled hearing, earache, tinnitus or a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear.
The consultation gives us an opportunity to understand your symptoms before examining your ears.
Step 2: Examination of Your Ears
Next, we’ll examine your ear canal using illuminated magnification.
This is an important part of the appointment because symptoms such as reduced hearing or discomfort aren’t automatically caused by ear wax.
The examination allows us to see whether wax is present, how much has accumulated and whether removal is appropriate.
Step 3: Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
If wax is present and microsuction is appropriate, we can then begin removing it.
Microsuction uses a precision suction device to remove wax from the ear canal while the practitioner views the area using magnification.
Unlike ear irrigation, the procedure doesn’t involve flushing the ear canal with water.
The practitioner can therefore see the wax and ear canal throughout the procedure.
Step 4: Aftercare and Advice
Once the procedure is finished, we’ll provide appropriate aftercare advice.
If you’re someone who experiences recurring wax build-up, we can also discuss ways of managing your ears and when it might be appropriate to have them checked again.
What Does Microsuction Feel Like?
Microsuction can feel unusual if you’ve never experienced it before.
Because the suction device is working inside the ear canal, you’ll normally be aware of the sensation and may hear suction or other noises during the procedure.
Most people tolerate microsuction well, although individual experiences vary.
If you experience discomfort at any point, tell the practitioner. The procedure can be paused if necessary.
Is Microsuction Loud?
It can sound louder than you might expect.
The suction device is operating inside your ear canal, so noises that would ordinarily seem relatively quiet can sound considerably louder.
You may hear suction, crackling or other noises as wax is removed.
This is a normal part of the procedure.
Knowing about the noise beforehand can be particularly helpful if you’re nervous about your first microsuction appointment.
Does Microsuction Hurt?
Microsuction is usually well tolerated and shouldn’t normally be painful.
However, some people can experience temporary discomfort, particularly if the wax is very hard, the ear canal is sensitive or the wax is positioned in a difficult-to-reach area.
This is one reason why preparing your ears with olive oil beforehand can be helpful.
If something feels uncomfortable during your appointment, let the practitioner know rather than trying to tolerate it.
How Long Does a Microsuction Appointment Take?
A typical microsuction appointment at Hodgson Pharmacy takes around 15 minutes in total, including your consultation and examination.
However, the exact amount of time required can vary depending on:
-
whether one or both ears are affected
-
how much wax is present
-
how hard or impacted the wax is
-
the position of the wax within the ear canal
-
whether the wax has been softened beforehand
The aim isn’t to remove the wax as quickly as possible. Your ears will be assessed and treatment carried out appropriately for what we find.
What Happens If There Isn’t Any Ear Wax?
Sometimes symptoms that feel like ear wax aren’t actually being caused by a blockage.
That’s why examination is an important part of your appointment.
If we examine your ears and there is no wax requiring removal, you will only pay our £20 consultation fee.
We can then advise you on the appropriate next steps based on what we find and the symptoms you’ve described.
What If the Wax Can’t Be Removed?
Occasionally, wax may be particularly hard or impacted and complete removal may not be appropriate during the initial appointment.
This is more likely when the wax hasn’t been softened beforehand.
If we’re unable to remove the wax safely, we’ll explain what we’ve found and advise you on the next step rather than unnecessarily continuing with the procedure.
This may involve further softening of the wax before another attempt.
Will My Hearing Improve Straight Away?
If your reduced hearing is being caused by ear wax blocking the ear canal, you may notice an improvement once the blockage has been successfully removed.
Some people describe their hearing as noticeably clearer immediately afterwards.
However, hearing problems have many possible causes.
If your hearing remains reduced after the wax has been removed, further assessment may be appropriate.
Can Microsuction Make You Dizzy?
Some people can experience brief dizziness or an unusual sensation during or immediately after microsuction.
If this happens, tell the practitioner.
You can remain seated until the sensation has passed before getting up and leaving the consultation room.
Can I Drive After Microsuction?
Most people are able to continue with their normal activities after an uncomplicated microsuction appointment.
There is generally no routine recovery period required.
However, if you experience dizziness or feel unwell following the procedure, you should wait until you feel normal before driving.
Can I Wear My Hearing Aids After Microsuction?
If you use hearing aids, let us know during your consultation.
Ear wax can sometimes interfere with hearing aids as well as contributing to the feeling of reduced hearing.
We’ll be able to advise you about using your hearing aids following your appointment based on your individual circumstances.
What Should I Avoid After Ear Wax Removal?
For most people, there isn’t an extensive list of restrictions after microsuction.
The main thing is to avoid trying to clean deep inside your ears yourself.
Cotton buds and other objects inserted into the ear canal can push wax deeper and potentially irritate or damage the ear.
Ear wax itself isn’t something you need to eliminate completely. It naturally helps protect the ear canal.
The objective is to manage excessive or impacted wax when it begins causing problems.
How Much Does Microsuction Cost at Hodgson Pharmacy?
At Hodgson Pharmacy, a consultation costs £20 if no wax removal is required.
If microsuction is required, the cost is £50 for one ear, including the consultation, or £80 for both ears, including the consultation.
This means that if we examine your ears and determine that no microsuction is required, you’ll only pay the consultation fee.
When Should I Book an Ear Wax Removal Appointment?
Ear wax normally leaves the ear naturally and doesn’t need to be routinely removed.
However, excessive or impacted wax can sometimes cause symptoms including:
-
blocked or full-feeling ears
-
muffled or reduced hearing
-
earache or discomfort
-
tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing
-
dizziness or vertigo
If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be associated with wax build-up, an ear examination can help determine whether a blockage is present.
Can I Remove Ear Wax at Home Instead?
For mild ear wax build-up, you may be able to manage the problem at home using suitable ear drops or olive oil.
You should avoid trying to physically remove wax yourself using cotton buds, fingers or other objects.
These can push wax further into the ear canal and make the blockage worse.
If your symptoms aren’t improving or your ear remains significantly blocked, you may want to consider professional assessment.
Why Choose Hodgson Pharmacy for Microsuction?
Hodgson Pharmacy is an independent, GPhC-registered pharmacy based at 59 Station Road, Longfield, Kent.
We’ve been serving the local community since 1983 and provide professional ear wax removal alongside our wider pharmacy and healthcare services.
Our Longfield location makes our microsuction service convenient for people living in:
-
Longfield
-
Dartford
-
Gravesend
-
New Ash Green
-
Hartley
-
Meopham
-
Swanscombe
-
Greenhithe
-
surrounding areas of Kent
You don’t need a GP referral to use our private ear wax removal service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Microsuction Appointment
Do I need to use olive oil before microsuction?
We recommend using 1 to 2 drops of olive oil in the affected ear twice daily for around 3 to 5 days before your appointment to help soften the wax.
How long does microsuction take?
A typical appointment at Hodgson Pharmacy takes around 15 minutes, including consultation and examination. Treatment time can vary depending on the amount and condition of the wax.
Does microsuction hurt?
Most people tolerate microsuction well. You may notice suction noises and unusual sensations during the procedure, while particularly hard or impacted wax can sometimes cause temporary discomfort.
What happens if there’s no wax in my ears?
We’ll still have examined your ears and discussed your symptoms. If no wax removal is required, our consultation-only fee is £20.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Most people don’t need someone to drive them home and can continue with their day normally. If you experience temporary dizziness, you should wait until it has passed before driving.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can arrange a private microsuction appointment at Hodgson Pharmacy directly without a GP referral.
Can I have both ears treated during the same appointment?
Yes. If wax needs removing from both ears, both can normally be treated during the same appointment.
How much does microsuction cost for both ears?
Microsuction for both ears at Hodgson Pharmacy currently costs £80, including consultation.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal in Longfield
Hodgson Pharmacy provides professional microsuction ear wax removal from our pharmacy in Longfield for people experiencing blocked ears, reduced hearing and other symptoms that may be associated with excess ear wax.
Your ears will be examined first to determine whether wax is present and whether microsuction is appropriate.
A consultation where no removal is required costs £20. Microsuction for one ear costs £50 including consultation, while treatment for both ears costs £80 including consultation.
No GP referral is required.