Ear wax removal
Preparing for your appointment & aftercare
A little preparation makes microsuction quicker and more comfortable. Here's how to get ready, what happens on the day, and how to care for your ears afterwards.
Soften the wax first
For three to five days before your appointment, put a few drops of plain olive oil (or a pharmacy ear-wax softening drop) into the affected ear or ears, two to three times a day. Lie with the ear facing up for a minute or so to let the drops work in. Softened wax is much easier and faster to remove, and the appointment is more comfortable for you.
If your ear is painful, discharging, or you think you may have a perforated eardrum, please don't use drops — call us on 01270 215837 for advice first.
On the day
There's nothing special you need to do — just arrive as normal. The clinician will examine your ears, explain what they can see, and carry out the microsuction. The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes. You'll hear a noise as the suction works close to the eardrum, and some people find it slightly ticklish, but it should not be painful.
Aftercare
Most people hear more clearly straight away. Your ears may feel a little sensitive for a short while — this settles quickly. Keep your ears dry for the rest of the day and avoid pushing cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal, as this pushes wax back down and can cause damage.
To reduce future build-up, a weekly olive-oil drop can help keep wax moving naturally. We'll give you tailored advice based on what we found.
When to seek further help
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if, after the appointment, you have ongoing ear pain, discharge, bleeding, sudden hearing loss or dizziness. These are uncommon, but should always be checked.