Microsuction is the removal of wax, infection, debris and foreign bodies from your ears using gentle suction rather than water. Your audiologist looks into your ear through an otoscope or video otoscope, then uses a small suction tube with a fine suction end to remove the wax under direct vision.

It’s quieter to look at than it sounds. It can be a little noisy because of the suction machine itself, but it should not be painful. If it’s ever uncomfortable, just tell your audiologist and they will stop. Please keep as still as you can throughout, unless you’re asked to move, since sudden movement can accidentally injure the ear canal or eardrum.

How is it different to ear syringing?
Ear syringing uses a jet of water to flush wax out of the ear canal, which can be messy and isn’t suitable for everyone. Microsuction uses suction alone, so it’s cleaner, more precise, and safe for people with a perforated ear drum, a history of ear infections, or a previous bad reaction to syringing.