Microsuction for ear cleaning: prices, procedure, side effects

Microsuction is widely recognised as one of the safest techniques for removing earwax. During the procedure, a nurse, doctor, or audiologist examines your ear with the help of a microscope, allowing for precise assessment and treatment. Instead of flushing the ear with water, a gentle suction device is used to clear away any wax. The process involves a fine suction tube and probe, which carefully extract excess wax without putting pressure on the ear. To clean ears microsuction is becoming one of the preferred approach to earwax removal, and all audiology professionals complete accredited training to carry it out safely and effectively. However, microsuction may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain ear conditions, such as a perforated eardrum or a history of recurrent ear infections, may be advised against this treatment.

Your audiology professional will begin by asking you a series of medical questions. This helps identify whether there are any health conditions that could make microsuction unsuitable for you, such as frequent ear infections or a perforated eardrum. The clinician will also explain any potential risks before confirming you are comfortable to go ahead.

Next, the clinician will use an otoscope — a small magnifying tool with a built-in light — to look inside your ear canal. This allows them to assess the amount and texture of the wax and check whether it is ready for safe removal with microsuction.

If the wax is soft enough, the clinician will carefully insert a fine suction tube and probe into your ear canal. The device works like a small vacuum, gently removing the excess wax without the need for water. Most people find this quick and painless, though you may notice a slight pulling sensation or noise as the wax is removed.

If the wax is too hard to remove straight away, you will be advised to use wax-softening drops, such as olive oil or sodium bicarbonate, before returning for a follow-up appointment. This helps loosen the wax so that it can be safely cleared during your next visit. Always check with a healthcare professional before using any ear drops.

Once the procedure is complete, your clinician will re-examine your ears to ensure they are clear. They will also provide aftercare advice, such as keeping your ears dry for the rest of the day. Most patients experience instant improvement in hearing and relief from blocked ears following microsuction.

Does microsuction ear wax removal hurt? Microsuction is widely recognised as one of the safest and most effective ways to remove earwax. The procedure uses a gentle suction device that works a bit like a vacuum cleaner. While the noise can be quite loud, most people find it quick, comfortable, and painless. You may feel a light pulling sensation as the wax is removed, which can feel unusual but should not cause pain. Occasionally, if the wax is very hard or impacted, or if your ear canal is especially sensitive, the process might feel slightly uncomfortable. In these cases, your audiology professional will let you know and can adjust or pause the treatment if needed. To make the experience more comfortable, it often helps to use a wax-softening spray for several nights before your appointment and again on the morning of your visit. Products such as Earol® olive oil spray are widely available in pharmacies. Bringing the spray with you can be useful, as the clinician may apply it during your appointment to help loosen the wax before removal. Overall, microsuction ear wax removal is considered safe, minimally invasive, and effective, with most patients noticing instant relief and clearer hearing afterwards.

Yes, microsuction can remove hard or impacted earwax. However, the procedure is often more effective if the wax has been softened beforehand. Your audiology professional will advise you on the best way to do this before your appointment — for example, by using suitable ear drops. If the wax is particularly deep or stubborn, you may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment. In rare cases where microsuction is not appropriate, your clinician will explain the alternatives available.

In most cases, earwax is beneficial — it helps protect, lubricate, and clean the ear canal naturally. For many people, the ears are self-cleaning and do not require any intervention. However, problems can arise when wax builds up or becomes impacted. This can cause symptoms such as earache, dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus, and even temporary hearing loss. In these situations, it is worth asking an audiology professional to examine your ears and discuss whether microsuction earwax removal would be helpful. Learn more about earwax and tinnitus in our dedicated article.

✅ Do

• Use a dry tissue or alcohol-free baby wipes to gently clean around and behind your ears after showering or bathing.
• Allow your ears to dry naturally after they get wet.

❌ Do Not

• Do not use cotton buds, scratch, or poke inside your ears. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and interference can lead to wax build-up or infection.
• Do not insert tissues, cotton buds, or other materials to absorb moisture inside the ear canal.
• Do not use ear drops or other products bought from a pharmacy if there is a chance your eardrum is perforated (has a hole).
• If your ears are itchy, or if you’ve recently had an ear infection, try to avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo in your ear canal. Instead, place a piece of cotton wool (about twice the size of your thumbnail) coated with white soft paraffin at the entrance of the ear canal to keep water out. Do not push it deep inside, as it may be difficult to remove.

👂 If You Wear a Hearing Aid

Wash the hearing aid mould daily with warm, soapy water while receiving treatment. Ask your provider about:

• Vented moulds – which have a small hole to allow air into the ear canal.
• Hypoallergenic moulds – made from materials less likely to irritate the skin.

🌿 If You Have Itchy or Dry Skin

• Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional about suitable treatments to ease irritation or dryness.

🏊 Swimming and Ear Care

• Wear a snug swimming hat or headband to help keep water — and cotton wool or earplugs — in place.
• If you are prone to frequent ear infections, an audiologist can take an impression of your ear to create custom silicone swimming plugs. These plugs form a seal to prevent water entering the ear canal. In some cases, this service may be available through the NHS. Ask your GP or practice nurse if a referral is possible.

• Temporary dizziness or vertigo: Caused by stimulation of the ear canal during suction.
• Mild discomfort: Some people experience sensitivity or slight pain during the procedure.
• Temporary change in hearing: Hearing may feel sharper or slightly altered immediately after wax removal.
• Minor ringing in the ears (tinnitus): Usually short-lived.

• Ear canal irritation or abrasions: Contact with the suction probe can sometimes scratch the delicate skin.
• Temporary bleeding: Rare, but possible if the ear canal lining is accidentally grazed.
• Worsening of tinnitus: In susceptible individuals, existing tinnitus may temporarily feel more noticeable.
• Incomplete wax removal: In some cases, especially with very hard or impacted wax, further treatment may be needed.

• Perforated eardrum: Extremely rare, usually linked to sudden movement during the procedure.
• Infection: Uncommon, but possible if the ear canal becomes irritated or if equipment is not sterile.

• Hands-on practice with real patients or realistic models.
• Supervised sessions and formal competency assessments.
• Combination of theory and practice (anatomy, contraindications, risk management).
• Small group sizes for personalised feedback.
• Accredited certification or CPD recognition.
• Guidance on clinic setup, infection control, insurance, and documentation.

• If looking for training in Italy or elsewhere in the EU, it is important to check:
• Legal and professional requirements for practising microsuction.
• Accreditation status of the training provider.
• Availability of courses in your preferred language.
• Whether supervised clinical practice is included.

• Boots Hearingcare – Many branches offer earwax removal, usually through microsuction. Appointments can be booked online or in store.
• Specsavers Audiology – Offers earwax removal services across most of their hearing centres, using microsuction or irrigation depending on suitability.
• Independent Pharmacies & Hearing Clinics – Some local pharmacies, audiologists, and private ear-care clinics also provide wax removal services.

• GP surgeries – Many no longer offer ear syringing due to safety concerns, but some may provide referrals for earwax removal, or guidance on over-the-counter remedies.
• NHS ear clinics – Availability varies by region; some hospital audiology departments or ENT clinics provide microsuction for patients with medical need.

• Private ear-care specialists often offer same-day appointments for microsuction, irrigation, or manual removal. This can be quicker than waiting for NHS care, though it usually involves a fee.

Traditional ear syringing (flushing the ear canal with water) has largely been replaced by safer methods such as microsuction or irrigation. If you specifically want syringing, some private audiologists or local ear-care providers still offer it, but it is less common in GP surgeries. Always check the provider’s website or call ahead to confirm.

Consumer “ear suction” kits exist, but their suction is usually much weaker than clinical machines. They may help with small amounts of soft wax but are less effective for blockages. Examples include:

• WiFi Otoscope Kits – provide a camera so you can see inside your ear.
• Electric Suction Devices – gentle, portable, but often too weak for impacted wax.
• Smart Ear Cleaners with Screen – combine mild suction with visual feedback.

The best choice depends on:

• The severity of your wax build-up
• Your ear health history (perforations, infections, surgery)
• Budget (private clinic vs at-home kit)
• How quickly you need treatment
• Your preference for safety — professional microsuction is always more reliable than home methods