What is it?

Microsuction is the term used for cleaning ear canals under the magnified view of a surgical microscope, and using a tiny vacuum cleaner and/or tiny instruments to remove ear wax.

What does it involve?

Microsuction is an important part of our ear consultations. It is safe, gentle, and comfortable. When you have a consultation at TOLBECS, you will lie straight and flat on your back as this is the safest position for microsuction. The Ear Nurse Therapist will gently hold your ear so that the ear canal entrance is open and easy to view (sometimes the nurse will use a plastic funnel to gain the best view). The microscope is then focused into the ear canal entrance. The nurse will use microsuction and/or tiny instruments to retrieve ear wax and diagnose ear problems. When we use suction and instruments, clients often say “that tickles”, “that feels weird” or “it’s a bit noisy”.

What are the benefits?

Microsuction is the safest technique for clearing ear wax from the ear canal. It is much safer than syringing. The microscope offers extremely magnified vision so the nurses can see extremely well, therefore they can remove wax/debris without touching the ear canal walls – a comfortable, safe procedure. The magnified view allow the Ear Nurse Therapist to assess the ear canal and ear drum to make a diagnosis.

Who may need micro-suction?

• anyone with wax/debris in their ear canal
• anyone with an ear canal infection
• anyone who has had a middle ear infection and the ‘pus’ has burst into the ear canal
• anyone with a foreign body present
• anyone with a discharging ear

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