Nexus Pharmacy
A blocked ear that simply will not clear on its own is one of those problems that starts as a minor irritation and quickly becomes genuinely disruptive. Muffled hearing, a sensation of pressure, or a persistent feeling of fullness in the ear can affect your concentration, sleep, and day-to-day comfort. If you have already tried home remedies without success, it may be time to consider a clinical solution.
At Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham, we offer professional ear wax removal using microsuction. If your blocked ear is not shifting, contact us or book an appointment with our team today.
Why Home Remedies Sometimes Do Not Work
Before reaching out for professional help, most people try a combination of the following at home:
- Olive oil or ear drops to soften wax
- Over-the-counter ear sprays
- Steam inhalation
- The Valsalva manoeuvre (holding your nose and gently blowing)
- Warm compress against the ear
These approaches can work for mild blockages, but they have limitations. If the wax is particularly compacted, sitting deep in the ear canal, or if the blockage is caused by something other than wax, home remedies are unlikely to resolve the problem fully.
Common reasons a blocked ear does not clear at home include:
- Impacted wax that has hardened over time
- Wax pushed deeper by cotton buds or in-ear headphones
- A narrow or unusually shaped ear canal
- A skin condition such as eczema in the ear canal causing build-up
- Fluid behind the eardrum rather than wax in the canal
If your symptoms have lasted more than a few days despite treatment, or if you are experiencing pain, discharge, or significant hearing loss, it is worth seeking professional advice.
What Is Microsuction?
Microsuction is widely regarded by clinical practitioners as one of the safest methods of ear wax removal, though all procedures carry a small degree of risk which your practitioner will discuss with you. It uses gentle suction to remove wax directly from the ear canal under direct visualisation, meaning the practitioner can see exactly what they are doing throughout the procedure.
Unlike ear syringing or irrigation, which uses water, microsuction is a dry procedure. This makes it suitable for patients with a history of perforated eardrums, previous ear surgery, or those who have not found irrigation effective in the past.
According to NHS guidance, ear wax build-up is common and can cause hearing loss, earache, and tinnitus. Professional removal is recommended when symptoms do not resolve with softening drops alone.
Step-By-Step: What Happens During Microsuction at Nexus Pharmacy
Many patients feel reassured knowing exactly what to expect before their appointment. Here is how the process typically works:
- Book your appointment
Contact us or book online. We will ask a few brief questions about your symptoms and ear history to ensure microsuction is appropriate for you. - Prepare with softening drops (recommended)
We recommend using olive oil drops or a pharmacist-approved ear spray for three to five days, or ideally up to seven days for heavily compacted wax, before your appointment. This softens the wax and makes removal more comfortable and effective. If your blockage is sudden or severe, come in without waiting. - Arrive for your consultation
When you arrive, your practitioner will take a brief health history and ask about any previous ear problems, procedures, or relevant medical conditions. - Initial ear examination
Using a specialist otoscope, your practitioner will examine the ear canal to assess the position, type, and volume of wax present, and confirm that microsuction is suitable. - Microsuction procedure
A fine, low-pressure suction device is gently inserted into the ear canal. The procedure is performed under direct vision at all times. Most patients describe a loud suction noise and mild sensation of movement, but no pain. Each ear typically takes between five and fifteen minutes. - Post-procedure check
Once complete, your practitioner will re-examine the ear to confirm the canal is clear and that the eardrum appears healthy. - Aftercare advice
You will be given guidance on how to keep your ears healthy going forward, including whether regular maintenance or follow-up appointments are likely to be beneficial for you.
What To Expect After Microsuction
Most patients notice an immediate improvement in hearing and a reduction in the sensation of fullness or pressure. Some people experience mild, temporary effects including:
- Slight dizziness lasting a few minutes – this is caused by the change in temperature within the ear canal and typically resolves within a few minutes of the procedure ending
- Temporary sensitivity to sound as the ear adjusts
- Minor residual soreness if the wax was significantly compacted
These effects are short-lived. If you experience ongoing pain, discharge, or worsening hearing after the procedure, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
When To Seek Help Rather Than Wait
Some symptoms alongside a blocked ear should prompt you to seek professional advice sooner rather than later. Do not delay if you notice:
- Pain or significant discomfort in or around the ear
- Discharge from the ear
- Sudden or significant hearing loss
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) that has recently started or worsened
- Dizziness or balance problems
- A history of ear surgery or perforated eardrum
These symptoms may indicate a condition beyond wax build-up and require further assessment.
FAQs: Blocked Ears and Microsuction
Still looking for answers? Click each block below to reveal the answers:
Is microsuction painful?
Most patients do not find microsuction painful. The most common sensation is the noise of the suction device, which can sound quite loud inside the ear canal. Some patients feel a mild tickling or movement sensation. If you have particularly sensitive ears or heavily compacted wax, there may be minor discomfort, but this is short-lived.
How long does the appointment take?
A typical microsuction appointment lasts between 20 and 30 minutes in total, including the initial assessment and aftercare advice. The suction itself usually takes five to fifteen minutes per ear depending on how much wax is present.
Do I need to use olive oil drops before my appointment?
It is strongly recommended. Using olive oil drops or a pharmacist-approved ear spray for three to five days before your appointment helps soften the wax, making the procedure more comfortable and often more effective. If your blockage is sudden or your symptoms are severe, do not wait and come in as soon as possible.
Is microsuction safe if I have had a perforated eardrum?
Microsuction is generally considered safer than irrigation for patients with a history of perforated eardrums or previous ear surgery, as it does not involve water. However, you should always inform your practitioner of your full ear history before the procedure so they can assess suitability.
How often will I need ear wax removal?
This varies from person to person. Some patients produce wax more rapidly than others, particularly those who wear hearing aids or in-ear headphones regularly. Your practitioner will advise you after your appointment whether routine maintenance is likely to be beneficial.
Can children have microsuction?
Microsuction can be appropriate for older children, but suitability depends on the child’s age and ability to remain still during the procedure. Please contact us to discuss your child’s individual situation before booking.
What if my blocked ear is not caused by wax?
If the examination reveals that your blockage is not related to wax, for example if fluid behind the eardrum is suspected, your practitioner will advise you on the most appropriate next steps, which may include referral to your GP or a specialist.
Clear Your Ears With Confidence in Nottingham
If you have been trying to work out how to get rid of a blocked ear that will not clear on its own, microsuction is likely to be the most straightforward and effective solution available to you.
Our team in Nottingham is ready to help. Contact us or book your ear wax removal appointment at Nexus Pharmacy today.