Microsuction under direct vision to remove earwax
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is preferred by ENT doctors as a method of earwax removal. It is therefore the core of the training we offer to the audiologist and general practitioner and family physician assistant.
Microsuction is the process of using a small suction tube to gently remove excess ear wax in from the ear canal. This suction device works like a vacuum cleaner and helps loosen and remove earwax blockages.
Still the use of an ear syringe or irrigation with water is the usual way of the general practitioner to get rid of earwax. However, this method is relatively time-consuming, messy and potentially causes more complications.
Microsuction is a faster and much safer method commonly used by ENT doctors.
Earwax removal with microsuction vs irrigation
With microsuction earwax removal is generally considered the most effective and safest way to remove compacted earwax or cerumen.
These are some of the advantages of microsuction vs irrigation:
Earwax removal with microsuction vs irrigation
- You work with a small suction device to gently remove earwax from the ear canal without water and associated mess.
- You work with direct view of the ear canal and see what you are doing which reduces the risk of damaging the ear canal.
- There is hardly any risk of infection with microorganisms, which can be caused by squirting water into the ear.
- There is none of the pain that many patients say they experience when water is injected into their ear under pressure.
- It is much faster. With half an hour, you're done. And that includes the time to inform, reassure and get the client's consent.
- The suction used to remove earwax is gentle on the ears and the chance of damaging the delicate wall of the ear canal is minimal.
- The suction effect reduces the risk of side effects such as tinnitus, dizziness and earwax coming out hours after the procedure.
- Microsuction works virtually with all types of wax, so no preparation with lubricants days before treatment is required
What are the possible complications of microsuction?
Microsuction offers targeted removal of earwax under direct vision, meaning the procedure is comfortable and the risk of damage is minimal.
As with any procedure, however, there are some very unusual risks.
These risks include:
- Minor trauma to the ear canal
- Perforation of the eardrum
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Infection
With microsuction, these risks are very small if applied by a trained and certified professional and if the patient remains calm and still.
Damage to the ear canal or eardrum usually happens if and when the patient moves or shakes unexpectedly.
The microsuction technique performed by the trained professional uses direct binocular vision through a head-borne microscope such as the Vorotek O Scope.
This allows the audiologist or physician to see exactly what they are doing, reducing the risk of accidental trauma to the canal or eardrum.
Can microsuction remove all types of earwax?
Microsuction can remove most if not all types of earwax or cerumen, even hard wax or cerumen.
In some rare cases, microsuction may not be appropriate, and in these cases you should properly advise your client on what options are available.
Our training takes you through all possible scenarios and helps you decide in which cases you can act yourself and when you need to refer.
Is microsuction safe for children?
Microsuction takes only a few minutes to perform, which means it is very suitable for young children who do not like to sit still for long periods of time.
Although the procedure is quick and painless, the suction tube can be fairly noisy, but this should not be a problem if you create a quiet, relaxed environment.
With children, the Vorotek O Scope head-borne microscope gives you the advantage of being able to move with your young client and always maintain your direct view of what you are doing.
What are the characteristics of a good microscopy unit?
Our microsuction units are specially selected for the effective, easy, quick and safe removal of earwax.
The main criteria on which we selected our units:
- The height of the vacuum pressure determines the suction force (min. 600mm Hg)
- The suction volume (15-20 l/min). Suction force and suction volume in combination determine whether earwax can be removed properly and with minimal discomfort
- The speed at which vacuum pressure is reached determines how quickly work can be done after unit startup
- The sound of the unit helps determine the comfort and experience of treatment
- The weight of the unit determines the ease with which the unit can be moved
- Unit reliability
Frequently asked questions about earwax removal by microsuction
Can I use microsuction to remove earwax if my client has a cold or sore throat?
Yes, but it can be more uncomfortable, so we don’t recommend doing it if your client is uncomfortable.
How often can I use microsuction to remove earwax from a client?
There is no limit. If your client produces a lot of wax, you should remove wax every four to six months.
Can I use microsuction to remove earwax if my client has a perforated eardrum?
Yes, with perforated eardrum is microsuction actually the recommended method to remove earwax.
Is microsuction ear wax removal safe with tubes?
Yes, it is safe after most types of ear surgery, including tubes.
Is microsuction ear wax removal available on health insurance when performed by me as an audiologist?
This depends on the country, check locally.