Does ear wax removal hurt?

While ear wax naturally occurs in the body to serve a practical purpose, excess build-up of ear wax can cause problems. In serious cases, this can lead to hearing loss. If you’ve experienced this before and tried to clear your ear at home, the ear wax removal might have caused you pain. However, medical professionals go about removing ear wax in a specialised way which shouldn’t be recreated at home. Find out more about the process of ear wax removal and any risks here.

What is microsuction ear wax removal?

Microsuction is a method used by healthcare professionals to remove ear wax from the ear canal. This is done using a thin sterile suction device that extracts the wax using low pressure applied to the right areas. It gently lifts the ear wax out of the ear with guidance from a special microscope called an otoscope.

The first step in this process is to conduct a thorough assessment of the inner ear to check for excess ear wax. Note that this is different to private gp consultations and other appointments we offer. At VIDA Clinics, the Tympa healthcare platform is used to capture high-resolution images and videos of the inner ear. This gives our specialists some clear visual information on the nature and cause of the ear problems. Learn more about our microsuction ear wax removal services.

Does ear wax removal cause pain?

The removal of ear wax by microsuction is considered amongst the safest and most gentle techniques on offer. Guests are advised that they might experience a slightly unusual sensation, which is completely normal. You may also hear sucking sounds from the suction probe. While there cannot be a guarantee the procedure will be painless, it is very unlikely to be painful.

The ear wax removal process is overseen by a trained healthcare professional. As such, every effort is made to make sure you have a positive experience. This, coupled with the lack of pressure exerted on the ear, makes microsuction more comfortable than other techniques such as irrigation, also known as syringing. This involves squirting warm water into the ear to dislodge the wax and wash it out. Along with being messy in comparison, this process can take a long time and cause discomfort depending on the nature of the build-up.