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What is the micro-suction procedure?

The procedure involves the use of small instruments and gentle suction to remove wax blockages.  Your nurse uses binocular glasses fitted with a bright light to maintain direct vision into the ear at all times.

Is this the same as ear syringing?

No, there is no water involved in the micro-suction and curettage procedure.  This is a dry technique.

Why would  need this treatment?

The ear is a self-cleaning organ.  Wax is produced in the outer third of the ear canal and leaves the ear via migrating skin cells which work their way out from the eardrum at about the same rate as your fingernails grow.  For a small percentage of the population however, wax does not remove itself naturally.  This wax can then become impacted in the ear canal leading to symptoms.

Am I at risk of wax build up?

You may be more at risk of wax build up if you:

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  • Use cotton buds or other objects in your ear

  • Wear hearing aids

  • Regularly use ‘ear bud’ headphones

  • Have narrow, bendy or hairy ear canals

  • Suffer skin conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis

  • Work in dusty environments

  • Are stressed

  • Overproduce earwax

Who is the treatment suitable for?

The procedure is suitable for people with:

  • An overproduction of earwax

  • Perforated ear drums

  • Problems in the ear canal where syringing is unsuitable

  • Hearing aids

  • Previous ear surgery – you may require a referral back to your ENT specialist

  • Narrow ear canals

  • Curvy ear canals

  • Hairy ear canals

  • Skin conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis

  • Diabetes

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