Microscopic Examination and Microsuction

Microscopic examination and microsuction is carried out during an outpatient appointment, and doesn’t require any anaesthetic or sedation.

Your consultant will begin by looking in your ear with a microscope, and will assess any wax, discharge or skin build-up. If necessary, they'll guide a suction tool into the ear to remove any blockage. They may also use small instruments to lift or loosen dry material.

Once the ear canal is clear, your specialist will check the eardrum and surrounding tissues to ensure they’re healthy.

The procedure typically lasts only a few minutes, depending on how much wax or debris needs to be removed. Most people find the process slightly noisy, but not painful. Occasionally, patients feel dizziness during or just after the procedure, which is usually short-lived.

Microsuction is considered safer than syringing or other ear-cleaning methods because it’s performed under direct vision. However, like all procedures, it carries some risks.

Possible risks include:

• mild discomfort, especially if the ear canal is inflamed

• brief dizziness during, or after, the procedure

• small scratches inside the ear canal

• slight bleeding if the skin is dry or fragile

• temporary sensitivity or tenderness in the ear

• very small risk of infection

These symptoms usually settle within a few days, and serious complications are extremely rare.

Your specialist may recommend using softening drops for a few days before your appointment, especially if the wax is firm or dry. This helps loosen the material and can make removal easier and more comfortable.

In many cases, no special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal unless your specialist advises otherwise.

Most people feel comfortable immediately after microsuction, and any dizziness typically settles within minutes. After the procedure, you can go home straight away and carry on with your usual activities. 

You may notice some mild sensitivity, humming, or a slightly open feeling in the ear for a short time. These sensations usually pass quickly. Very occasionally, there may be some bleeding from the ear canal after the procedure if the skin is scratched by the removal of a dry crust.

If your ear canal was irritated before the procedure, you may be given ear drops or advice on how to keep the area clean while it heals. 

Your consultant will let you know whether a follow-up appointment is needed. This depends on the underlying reason for your treatment and whether further care is recommended.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our ENT consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.