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Booking & pre-appointment advice
Softening drops (olive oil or sodium bicarbonate) for 3-5 days before your appointment make removal quicker and more comfortable — we'll confirm this when you book.
Private Ear Microsuction
Gentle, water-free earwax removal.
Same-week appointments for safe, fully visualised earwax removal using a microscope and low-pressure suction — performed by a trained clinician in our private consultation room.
- About 30 minutesAppointment
- Water-free, microscope-guidedMethod
- Immediate improvement in most casesOutcome
What is ear microsuction?
Ear microsuction is the gold-standard method for removing earwax. A clinician examines your ear canal under a microscope or magnifying loupe and uses a fine, low-pressure suction device to lift the wax out — no water, no syringing, and no pressure changes against the eardrum.
Because the canal is fully visualised throughout, microsuction is considered the safest option for patients with perforated eardrums, grommets, hearing aids, previous ear surgery, recurrent infections, or narrow ear canals — situations where ear irrigation is not recommended.
Appointments at Qrystal Pharmacy take around 30 minutes and are carried out in our private consultation room by a trained clinician. Most patients have both ears treated in a single visit and notice an immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.
Who can have ear microsuction?
Microsuction is suitable for most adults and older children with symptomatic earwax build-up. It is the preferred option if water-based removal is unsafe for you.
- Adults experiencing blocked ears, reduced hearing, tinnitus, or itchiness from wax
- Patients with a history of perforated eardrums, grommets, or ear surgery
- Hearing-aid users needing wax cleared before fittings or impressions
- Patients with recurrent ear infections or narrow ear canals
- Children aged 5 and over, with a parent or guardian present
You're not eligible if:
- Patients with an active middle-ear infection — we'll advise treatment first
- Patients with severe ear pain of unknown cause — please see a GP or ENT specialist
- Children under 5 (we'll refer you to a paediatric ENT service)
How your appointment works
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Consultation & otoscopy
Your clinician reviews your symptoms and medical history, then examines both ears with an otoscope to confirm wax is the cause and that microsuction is appropriate.
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Microsuction
Using a microscope or magnifying loupe and a fine suction probe, the wax is gently lifted out. You'll hear the suction noise but the procedure is generally painless.
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Aftercare & advice
We'll show you your before-and-after view, advise on preventing future build-up, and refer you to an ENT specialist if anything else needs attention.
What's included
- Pre-procedure otoscopy of both ears
- Microsuction of both ears as clinically required
- Aftercare advice and prevention guidance
- Onward referral to ENT if any other ear condition is identified
- Written record of the procedure, shareable with your GP on request
Ear microsuction — frequently asked questions
Does microsuction hurt?
No — most patients describe it as a slightly noisy but painless procedure. The suction probe doesn't touch the eardrum, and your clinician sees the canal clearly throughout. Let us know during the appointment if anything feels uncomfortable.
Do I need to use ear drops beforehand?
We recommend olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops twice daily for 3-5 days before your appointment. This softens the wax and makes removal quicker. If you can't use drops, we can still see you — please let us know when booking.
How is microsuction different from ear syringing or irrigation?
Ear irrigation flushes the canal with warm water; microsuction uses gentle suction with no water at all. Microsuction is safer for patients with perforated eardrums, grommets, or previous ear surgery, and the canal is fully visualised at all times.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow around 30 minutes for the full appointment. The microsuction itself is typically 5-15 minutes depending on the amount and texture of the wax.
Will both ears be treated?
Yes, both ears are examined and any symptomatic wax is removed in the same appointment at no extra charge.
How often can I have it done?
Most patients need microsuction once or twice a year at most. Some prone to recurrent build-up may need more frequent appointments — your clinician will advise.
Is it safe for hearing aid users?
Yes — microsuction is the preferred method for hearing aid users, as wax build-up is common and water-based methods can damage the canal or interfere with hearing aid moulds.
What does it cost?
Pricing covers examination and microsuction of both ears in a single appointment. Call us or use the booking form for an up-to-date quote.
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Book a private microsuction appointment today and get an immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.