If you’re suffering from a build up of ear wax, having the wax professionally removed, such as with microsuction, could be the best way to deal with it.
Attending our own ear wax clinic in Bexley is a safer and more straightforward option than trying to remove the ear wax yourself. So, if you’ve noticed any signs of ear wax build up – such as difficulty hearing and a feeling of fullness in the ears – it could be well worth booking an appointment.
But if you’re new to microsuction, you may have a few questions about the process that you’d like answers to before you get in touch with us. That’s why we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions about microsuction and ear wax removal, including how often you should have ear wax removed and whether microsuction always works.
We’ll also look at the details of a microsuction appointment, covering how long each session takes, what the potential benefits are, and whether microsuction would be suitable for you.
How long does ear wax removal last?
When you have ear wax removed via microsuction, your appointment will be relatively quick, lasting from five minutes up to around 30 minutes. It is a very simple procedure, during which a small vacuum will be placed inside the ear to clear out the wax.
Exactly how long it will take depends on how much ear wax you have, as well as whether the wax buildup is in one ear or both. To help your appointment go faster, it is helpful if you stay still throughout, as this makes it easier for the vacuum to reach the ear wax.
Some people find the sensation of their ear being suctioned mildly uncomfortable, but this doesn’t last for long. Having the vacuum inside your ear can also seem slightly loud. But again, it will typically be over in a matter of minutes, and you’re likely to find that the quick relief from your ear wax symptoms vastly outweighs any discomfort you might experience during the microsuctioning.
How often to remove ear wax?
The exact frequency with which ear wax should be removed varies from person to person. For some people, having microsuction done once a year is enough to keep their ears clear and prevent any issues caused by ear wax buildup. Others can go around 18 months without noticing any ear wax issues.
Some people, however, may require a microsuction appointment as frequently as every few months. This is because some people naturally produce more ear wax than others, causing the buildup to happen faster.
You will probably be able to tell when it’s time to book another microsuction appointment, as you will start to notice signs of ear wax buildup. These signs include the sensation that something is in your ear, muffled hearing (which some people describe as like being underwater), and a high-pitched ringing or buzzing noise inside the ear, known as tinnitus. Even if you are not yet experiencing these signs, having your ear wax removed at least once a year can help to prevent them from developing.
As you age, you will naturally start to produce more ear wax, which means that you may need to increase the frequency of your ear wax removals. If you have hearing aids or regularly use headphones, you may also notice that your ear wax builds up quickly. This is because such devices tend to trap wax in the ear, which means you may require more frequent ear wax removals.
How many times can you have microsuction?
There is no limit on the number of times you can have microsuction carried out. The microsuction vacuum removes wax gently and should not damage the ear, so you don’t have to worry about how many times you have had microsuction in the past.
With that said, you should only get microsuction when you really need it – if you have had it done recently, your ears are likely to remain clear for some time afterwards. This means there will be no point in having more microsuction a short time after your last appointment, as there will almost certainly be no excess ear wax to remove.
This is why it is recommended that you wait at least a few months between microsuction appointments, as the procedure will be more effective and you will be more likely to notice a difference once it’s done.
Does microsuction always work?
Microsuction is effective for the majority of people. However, it won’t stop ear wax coming back, as everyone produces ear wax, and some people will produce more ear wax than others due to a range of factors, including their environment and their genetics.
This means that some people will need to have microsuction carried out more often than others in order to keep their ears clear. But if you book a microsuction appointment when you need one – whether that’s every few months or once a year – it should stop ear wax causing you problems.
There are some circumstances in which microsuction may not be a suitable method of removing ear wax. For example, if you currently have an ear infection, having microsuction is not advisable. Similarly, you should not have microsuction if you have a perforated ear drum, as this can make it worse.
It is also possible that, if you have struggled with ear wax for a long time, the wax has become impacted. This means it has formed a hard lump inside your ear that is difficult for the vacuum to remove. In this case, you will need to take steps to soften the wax – typically with oil or ear drops. Once the wax is soft enough, you should be able to have it microsuctioned.
With that said, most people who have microsuction can feel the benefits straight away. This is because it is one of the fastest methods of removing ear wax, meaning you will experience immediate results.
Other methods of ear wax removal can take weeks or days, with the ear wax coming out in small pieces. This can be frustrating, as it may mean that your ear wax symptoms continue until all the wax is gone. The goal of microsuction, on the other hand, is to remove all your ear wax in one session, offering almost instant relief from the symptoms caused by wax.
If you are interested in having microsuction done to help remove ear wax from your own ears, why wait any longer to book an appointment online with our Bexley ear wax clinic? You will almost certainly be glad that you did!