Why Microsuction Is Safer Than Ear Syringing – What You Need to Know

Many people are still familiar with ear syringing — the old method where water is flushed into the ear canal to dislodge wax. But there is a reason the NHS largely discontinued it and private clinics have moved on. Here is everything you need to know about why microsuction is the superior choice.

What is ear syringing?

Ear syringing (also called ear irrigation) involves squirting water into the ear canal at pressure to flush out wax. It is a blind procedure — the clinician cannot see what they are doing — and carries risks including perforated eardrums, dizziness, infection and incomplete removal.

What is microsuction?

Microsuction uses a gentle low-pressure suction device to remove ear wax under direct visualisation. The clinician uses a specialist otoscope or microscope to see inside the ear canal throughout the procedure. This makes it precise, safe and suitable for almost all patients — including those with a history of ear surgery, a perforated eardrum or previous failed syringing.

Why microsuction wins every time

Microsuction is dry, so there is no risk of water remaining in the ear canal and causing infection. It is performed under direct vision so the clinician always knows exactly what they are doing. It works on even hard, impacted wax that irrigation cannot shift. And it is faster — most appointments take just 20 to 30 minutes with immediate results.

Visit us at Enfield, Hammersmith or Epping

Clean Ears Direct uses microsuction exclusively at all our clinics. Our Enfield Town clinic is open 7 days a week. Our Hammersmith clinic opens 1st July at 150 Hammersmith Road, W6 7JP. Our Epping clinic opens in August at Cunningham, High Street, CM16 6BL. Book at cleanearsdirect.com or call 07985339115.