Happy Ears · Woodthorpe, Nottingham

Ear Microsuction Nottingham

Microsuction is generally regarded as the safest way to remove ear wax that cannot be reached by hand. Michele does it at her clinic in Woodthorpe, shows you your ears on screen before and after, and charges £35 for one ear or £50 for both.

For adults who know they have wax and have used olive oil spray for a few days first.

Microsuction ear wax removal at the Happy Ears clinic in Woodthorpe, with the fine suction tube in the ear
230+ reviews on Google
£35 one ear £50 for both
Two methods Microsuction and irrigation
No referral Book online yourself

Among the lowest prices in Nottingham

£35 One ear
£50 Both ears

You only pay for what you need

Michele shows you inside your ears on a camera screen first, and you pay only for the ears that need treatment.

Microsuction and irrigation

Not every clinic offers both. Michele uses whichever suits your wax, or both, for the same price.

What is ear microsuction?

Microsuction uses a miniature vacuum with a controlled, low-level suction. Michele guides a fine tube into the ear canal and lifts the wax out, watching closely under good light and magnification the whole time.

It is generally regarded as the safest method when the wax cannot be reached by hand. Many people find it more comfortable than irrigation, although that often comes down to personal preference, and some people enjoy irrigation.

Microsuction in progress: a small speculum holds the canal open while the suction tube lifts the wax out.
Close-up of microsuction ear wax removal through a speculum at Happy Ears
The fine suction tube passing through a small speculum.
Ear microsuction in progress at Happy Ears in Woodthorpe
Michele working through magnifying loupes.

When microsuction is the right choice

  • Wax deep in the ear canal, beyond what can be reached by hand.
  • A perforated eardrum, where irrigation would not be suitable.
  • Previous ear surgery or grommets, where irrigation should also be avoided.
  • Personal preference. Some people simply prefer it. Michele will always try to accommodate that if it is safe and practical.

Because Michele also offers warm water irrigation and manual removal, she can switch or combine methods if that will give a better result, at no extra cost.

Your microsuction appointment

  1. A look first Michele examines your ears to see exactly where the wax is, how hard it is, and whether there is any sign of infection or another reason not to go ahead.
  2. A plan in plain English She tells you what she has found and which method she will use.
  3. Sometimes a little preparation Very hard wax may need some manual work, or a little irrigation, before the suction can clear it.
  4. The suction itself On average around 12 minutes per ear. Michele starts slowly and gently, so you can tell her if anything bothers you.
  5. See the result She shows you your ear on screen again so you can see it is clear.

What to expect during and after

During

It should not be painful. The suction is a little noisy, and a few people find the sound slightly uncomfortable. Keeping as still as you can helps.

Afterwards

You should notice the difference straight away. Some people hear a few internal sounds for a day or two. Very occasionally someone feels briefly dizzy as the pressure changes; sitting for a few extra minutes with some water settles it.

Soften the wax first

Microsuction works best on soft wax. Hard wax is more uncomfortable to remove and, if it is too hard, may not all come out in one session. Use olive oil spray twice a day for three to five days before your appointment, and for at least two.

How to use olive oil spray: a spray at the entrance of the ear canal, then gentle massage in front of the ear.

Michele does not recommend sodium bicarbonate drops.

How to prepare your ears

Wax removed by microsuction

Two pieces of ear wax removed by microsuction next to the suction tube and a ruler
Two compacted pieces, beside the suction tube.
Small pieces of dark ear wax removed by microsuction, next to a ruler
The darker the wax, the older it usually is.
Pieces of ear wax from both ears removed by microsuction, next to the suction tube
Wax from both ears of one patient.

What patients say about microsuction

From Michele's Google reviews.

"She's a lovely lady, spent time explaining what she was doing and showing a camera view of the wax build up in my ear before and then after she removed it."
Graham M., Google review
"The process is completely painless, and I leave being able to hear so much better every single time."
Team Taylor, Google review
"It feels great now my ears have been cleaned and the experience was absolutely painless."
Martin C., Google review
Read all 230+ reviews on Google
Michele, ear wax removal specialist and owner of Happy Ears in Nottingham

Who you will see

Michele owns and runs Happy Ears. She has more than 20 years of NHS experience and is a certified ear wax removal specialist, trained by Microsuction UK. More about Happy Ears

Ear microsuction questions

Is microsuction the best way to remove ear wax?

Generally, yes. Sometimes another method, or microsuction combined with another method, works better. Michele looks first and recommends what suits your ears.

Is ear microsuction safe?

Yes, when it is done by a trained professional. Trying to remove wax yourself can be dangerous.

How long does microsuction take?

On average around 12 minutes per ear, depending on how much wax there is, where it sits and how soft it is.

Does microsuction hurt?

It should not. The wax is removed bit by bit, especially easily when it has been softened with olive oil. Some people find the noise a little uncomfortable.

Can I have microsuction with a perforated eardrum?

Irrigation would not be suitable, but microsuction can be. Tell Michele about any eardrum problems or ear surgery when you arrive.

Can I fly after microsuction?

Yes, unless you have been advised not to for another medical reason.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. If Michele finds a problem that is not wax, she will tell you and will not go ahead.

How much does it cost?

£35 for one ear and £50 for both. If very stubborn wax will not all come out and you prepared with olive oil, the return visit is free.

Related

Book your appointment

Choose a time in the online diary, or call if you have a question. If Michele is with a patient, leave a message and she will call you back.