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Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Earwax removal (microsuction)

Wax removed under direct vision using gentle suction. No recovery period.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Microsuction removes earwax using gentle suction while the clinician views the ear canal directly.

It is used for blocked ears, reduced hearing, discomfort or before hearing assessments. The appointment takes around 20 minutes.

Before your procedure

  • Softening drops for a few days beforehand often make removal easier and more comfortable. Follow the advice you are given.
  • Tell the team if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, previous ear surgery, or any ear infection or discharge.
  • Tell the team if you have a single hearing ear.
  • Do not use cotton buds, ear candles or attempt to remove wax yourself beforehand.

Aftercare

Hearing

Hearing usually improves immediately. Sounds may seem unusually loud for a short while.

Noise during the procedure

The suction is noisy. Any brief noise sensitivity afterwards normally settles quickly.

Dizziness

Brief dizziness during or just after the procedure can occur and usually settles within minutes.

Ear canal

Mild tenderness or itching in the canal for a day is common. Do not insert anything into the ear.

Water

Keep the ear dry for 24 hours if the canal is sore. Otherwise no restriction.

Prevention

Do not use cotton buds. Ask about softening drops if you are prone to wax build-up.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • Ear pain that develops or worsens after the appointment
  • Discharge or bleeding from the ear
  • Sudden hearing loss, or hearing that worsens after the procedure
  • Persistent dizziness, or ringing in the ear that does not settle

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Does microsuction hurt?

It is not usually painful, though it is noisy and can feel odd. Tell the clinician if it becomes uncomfortable.

Will all the wax be removed in one visit?

Usually, but hard, impacted wax sometimes needs softening drops and a second appointment.

Can I use cotton buds afterwards?

No. They push wax deeper and risk damaging the canal or eardrum.

How often can this be done?

As needed. Some people with recurrent build-up have it periodically. Ask about prevention.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
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