Question 1

What happens during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

During the appointment the clinician will first discuss any questions you may have regarding the consent form we ask you to read through and sign prior to the appointment.  They will then discuss the pre-microsuction questionnaire which you will have also been asked to complete.

Both ears will be examined using a video otoscope to provide us with a digital record of the ear canals before and after treatment.  We are checking not only the ears for wax but also the health of the outer ear and ear canal.

If wax is found, the microsuction procedure will then be fully explained and ear wax removal will then take place if it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Once the procedure is complete, we will once again take a photograph of your ears and conduct a full health check of the ears and the clinician will discuss the outcome of the procedure.

Question 2

How long does the appointment last?

Accepted Answer

Appointments can take up to 30 minutes depending on how soft the wax is, the quantity of wax to be removed and whether we are treating one ear or both.

Question 3

Do I need to prepare my ears for the appointment?

Accepted Answer

We ask patients to soften the wax with an olive oil spray such as Earol twice a day for 5 days prior to the treatment. Often patients will feel a greater sense of occlusion (blocked feeling) in the ear whilst using softening drops and hearing can often feel worse during this time.

Question 4

What happens if you are unable to remove all the wax?

Accepted Answer

On occasion it may not be possible or safe to remove all the wax during one appointment.  This could be due to the wax plug being too hard to remove or the wax has migrated too deep into the ear canal and further treatment is required to bring it a safe distance away from the ear drum. In this instance we will advise you further on the best course of treatment and the second appointment will be conducted free of charge.

Question 5

What if I attend the appointment and there is no wax found?

Accepted Answer

During the appointment if no wax is found, we will conduct an ear health check and for this we charge £30.  This involves examination of the outer ear, the ear canal and the ear drum itself.  We will also conduct video otoscopy and take digital recordings of our findings.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We kindly ask that cancellations are made at least 24 hours in advance of the booking by phone, email or text so that the appointment may be offered to another patient. You can also follow the cancellation link at the bottom of you confirmation email.

Question 7

Why should I not use a cotton bud to clean my ears?

Accepted Answer

Using tools such as cotton buds to ‘clean’ the ears of wax can actually result in the wax being pushed further into the ear canal, it increases the risk of perforating the ear drum, damaging the ear canal, or can even cause dizziness.  Furthermore, fine fibres from the cotton bud can be left behind in the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.

Question 8

Is microsuction painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedure should not cause any pain or discomfort however if you do experience any such symptoms whilst microsuction is taking place, it is important that you notify the clinician immediately.

Question 9

What are the risks?

Accepted Answer

As with every medical procedure there are certain risks to be considered.  The practitioner will outline these in detail on a consent form and will answer any queries you may have before or during the consultation.
Some of the risks are:
Infection
Triggering or exacerbating vertigo
Abrasion of the ear canal
Triggering or exacerbating a dry/irritable cough 
Elevation of existing tinnitus
Onset of new tinnitus

If you have any queries at all regarding the risks, please call Amy to discuss these in further detail.

Should a patient experience discomfort, pain, swelling, discharge, a change in balance or hearing thresholds in days following the procedure, it is advised that they consult their GP as soon as possible so necessary treatment and advice can be given. We also ask that they notify Bath Hearing Services.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions