If you’ve ever experienced a blocked ear, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be—especially when simple remedies like olive oil drops don’t seem to help. That’s where ear microsuction comes in: a quick, safe, and effective procedure that clears stubborn earwax without the need for syringing or water.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we offer a dedicated ear microsuction service, and we often receive similar questions from people considering the treatment for the first time. To help you feel informed and at ease, we have answered the most common questions about accessing microsuction procedures in our clinic.

1. What exactly is ear microsuction, and how does it work?

Answer: Ear microsuction is a technique we use to safely remove excess earwax. It involves using a small, medical-grade suction device—essentially like a mini vacuum—to gently lift wax out of the ear canal. Unlike traditional ear syringing, which uses water to flush out wax, microsuction is a dry method, so there’s less risk of infection or discomfort.

The procedure is done under direct visualisation, using either a microscope or magnifying loupe, which allows us to see exactly what we’re doing throughout. This makes it very precise and particularly suitable for people with narrow ear canals, perforated eardrums, or hearing aids.

2. Does it hurt? I’m a bit nervous about anything involving my ears.

Answer: That’s completely understandable—many patients feel nervous before their first appointment. But I always reassure them: ear microsuction is typically painless. Most people describe the sensation as a little unusual, maybe ticklish or mildly loud due to the suction, but it’s rarely uncomfortable.

That said, if your ear canal is already irritated or inflamed—perhaps from previous blockage or attempts to remove wax—it might feel slightly sensitive during the procedure. But we always go slowly and check in with you as we go. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how quick and straightforward it is.

3. How should I prepare for the appointment?

Answer: Ideally, you should use softening drops—such as olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops—twice a day for 3 to 5 days before your appointment. This helps to break down the wax and makes the removal much easier and more comfortable.

However, don’t worry if you’ve not had a chance to do that. We can often still carry out microsuction, and sometimes we’ll advise coming back after a few days of softening if the wax is particularly hard or impacted.

If you’re unsure, you can always pop in for an initial assessment and we’ll guide you through the best steps for your ears.

4. How long does it take, and will I be able to hear better straight away?

Answer: The actual procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes per ear, depending on how much wax is present and whether both ears are affected. Some people experience instant improvement in hearing, especially if the wax was causing significant blockage.

For others, especially if the ear has been blocked for a while, it might take a few hours or even a day for hearing to fully normalise as your ear adjusts. If you’ve had tinnitus or pressure, many of those symptoms improve quite quickly after the wax is removed.

Aftercare is very minimal—just avoid poking or cleaning the ear and try to keep it dry for 24 hours. We’ll always provide personalised advice based on what we find during the appointment.

5. How often should I get ear microsuction done?

Answer: That depends on the individual. Some people only need it once every few years, while others—especially hearing aid users or people who naturally produce more wax—might benefit from treatment every 6 to 12 months.

If you often feel blocked, get frequent ear infections, or wear in-ear devices, you may want to consider regular checks. We can advise on this during your consultation.

It’s also worth noting that using cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears can push wax deeper and make it worse—so we always advise against that. Instead, let your ears clean themselves naturally or use drops occasionally if you’re prone to build-up.

Ready to Book?

We hope this Q&A has answered some of your questions about ear microsuction and what to expect. At Vivo Pharmacy, we’re committed to offering safe, professional, and accessible ear care services—without the need for long GP waiting times. Reach out today if you have any questions or to get started on your journey to clearer hearing.

If you’re experiencing muffled hearing, blocked ears, or think you might need a wax check, book your appointment with our ear health team today. We’re here to help you hear clearly and comfortably again.

Visit Vivo Pharmacy for professional ear microsuction—done with care, precision, and a friendly face.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.