Microsuction Ear Wax Removal in Ealing – A Complete Guide to Your Appointment

Aarti Raicha • September 22, 2025

Ear wax isn’t a bad thing; in fact, it protects your ears. But when it builds up too much, it can cause problems. People often notice muffled hearing, dizziness, or even a full “blocked” sensation that doesn’t go away. 

A 2020 study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that dizziness and reduced hearing were the most common complaints in patients with impacted ear wax. The study also noted that community clinics (such as local hearing centres) play a vital role in making ear care accessible, avoiding long waits for hospital treatment.

So, if you’re in Ealing and struggling with blocked ears, microsuction is one of the safest and quickest ways to get relief. But what actually happens when you book? Let’s walk through it step by step.


What Exactly Is Microsuction?


Microsuction is a method of clearing wax from the ear canal using a tiny suction device. It’s done under direct vision with a microscope, so the specialist can see exactly what’s happening inside your ear.

If you’ve ever had syringing before (where water is pushed into the ear), you’ll know it can feel a bit messy. Microsuction is different: no water, no flushing — just careful, precise removal. That’s why many hearing-care professionals now recommend it over older methods.


Why So Many People Choose Microsuction in Ealing


More people in Ealing are choosing microsuction because it works — and quickly. A study of 159 patients found that microsuction successfully cleared wax in 91% of cases.

There can be mild side effects. Around 55% of patients reported dizziness, temporary reduced hearing, or that sounds were unusually loud during the procedure; however, most of these effects were short-lived. Importantly, using softening drops before treatment made the experience more comfortable for many people.

What makes it appealing for people in Ealing is the balance of safety and convenience. Because no water is used, the risk of infection is lower, and appointments are usually completed in under 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a lunch break or busy schedule.


Getting Ready for Your Appointment


The great thing about microsuction is that it doesn’t need much preparation. In most cases, you can simply book and attend your appointment. Sometimes, your audiologist might suggest using olive oil drops for a few days to soften the wax, but it isn’t always necessary.


A couple of tips before you go:


  • Bring along any details about past ear problems or surgery.
  • Take your hearing aids with you if you use them so they can be checked once the wax is removed.
  • And most importantly, don’t worry. The process is very easy, and most people are surprised at how quick it feels. Your audiologist won’t just dive in; they’ll explain each step so you’re comfortable.


What Happens During the Appointment


Audiologist performing safe microsuction ear wax removal in Ealing clinic.

First, they’ll take a look inside your ear with a small light or microscope to see where the wax is. Then they’ll talk you through what will happen so there are no surprises. Finally, you’ll sit back while the clinician uses a tiny suction device to clear the wax.

It may sound odd at first, kind of like a hoover, but most people say it feels more like a tickle than pain. The whole thing is quick, and many people are surprised at how easy it feels.

Afterwards, your hearing often feels instantly clearer.


Aftercare and What to Expect


Straight after your appointment, it’s common to notice a big improvement in hearing. Some describe it as though their ears “pop” open. Your ears might feel a little sensitive for a short while, but this usually settles down quickly.

To keep things comfortable:

  • Avoid poking your ears with cotton buds (they tend to push wax further in).
  • Try to keep your ears dry for the rest of the day.
  • If you often get blocked ears, ask your audiologist how often you should come back.  For some it’s once a year; for others, it’s more frequent.


Booking an Appointment in Ealing


Living with blocked ears is frustrating. It can make conversations harder, affect your balance, and even interfere with hearing aids. Thankfully, relief is usually just one appointment away.

If your ears feel blocked, or sounds seem muffled, or you have noticed that ‘full’ feeling on one side it could be caused by wax. At Ealing Hearing Centre, the team carries out microsuction every day in a calm, friendly setting. They’ll explain each step, make sure you’re comfortable, and help you walk away hearing clearly again.

Wax in Ears Symptoms: How They Present and Why They’re Often Misread

By Aarti Raicha • December 29, 2025
For many adults, wax-related ear problems show up quietly. Speech may start to sound less clear, one ear may feel slightly fuller than the other, or listening may feel more tiring than usual, without any obvious pain to point to the ear as the cause. When symptoms develop this way, wax is rarely what people think of first. Changes in hearing or comfort are more often blamed on tiredness, sinus pressure, or simply getting older, and the ear canal is not always considered until the problem has been there for a while. Changes in Hearing Clarity Hearing often feels different before it feels reduced. Voices can start to sound flatter or harder to pick out, especially in places with background noise, even when nothing feels obviously quieter. It also tends to vary. Some days, one ear feels more affected than the other, or things seem clearer at one point in the day and less so later on, which makes it easy to assume the problem is temporary rather than ear-related. Because these changes build gradually, many people adapt without realising how much extra effort listening has begun to require. A Feeling of Fullness or Pressure Another change people commonly notice is a sense of fullness in the ear. This is often described as pressure or blockage, similar to the feeling some experience after swimming or during changes in air pressure. The sensation can become more noticeable when chewing, yawning, or lying on one side, and it may shift slightly depending on how the wax sits within the ear canal. As it is rarely painful, it is easy to tolerate for longer than expected. Over time, this constant awareness of the ear can become distracting, even if it never develops into sharp discomfort. Ringing or Internal Sounds

How to Unblock Wax in Ears: What Actually Helps and What Often Makes It Worse

By Aarti Raicha • December 20, 2025
Blocked ears are rarely dramatic at first, and for many adults the sensation builds gradually, with a feeling of fullness, mild muffling, or pressure that comes and goes, often becoming more noticeable in quiet rooms or during conversations where speech suddenly feels less clear than it used to. When this happens, the natural instinct is to “unblock” the ear as quickly as possible. People search for ways to clear wax, assuming it is a simple obstruction that needs to be removed. In practice, ear wax blockage is more complex than it appears, and many attempts to unblock it at home end up making the problem harder to resolve. Why Ear Wax Builds Up in Adults Ear wax is a normal and necessary part of ear health. It protects the ear canal, traps dust and debris, and helps prevent infection. In most people, wax gradually moves out of the ear on its own as the jaw moves during talking and chewing. In adults, however, this process does not always work as smoothly. Wax can become drier with age, ear canals can narrow slightly, and the natural movement that helps wax migrate outward may slow. Hearing aid use, earbud use, and repeated attempts to clean the ears can also interfere with this self-cleaning process. Over time, wax that would normally exit the ear can compact deeper inside the canal, leading to blockage. Misunderstanding Blocked Ears Many people think of blocked ears as similar to a blocked nose, something that can be cleared quickly with the right technique. This comparison is misleading. Ear wax does not dissolve easily, and once it has compacted, it often behaves more like a plug than a soft build-up. Attempts to flush it out, soften it too aggressively, or remove it manually can push it further in rather than clearing it. This is why people often report that their ears feel worse after trying to unblock them themselves, even though they intended to fix the problem. Common Home Methods

What's the Safest Way to Remove Hard Ear Wax?

By Aarti Raicha • November 28, 2025
People, you probably just see earwax as something to remove. But its role is crucial: it’s your ear’s natural defence system against foreign particles and bacteria. The problem only happens when this protective barrier eventually dries up and turns into a blockage. Understanding Hardened Earwax Hardened earwax develops when it dries up and becomes firmly lodged, or impacted, inside the ear canal. This impaction isn't just a physical blockage; it can trigger a range of symptoms that severely impact your well-being: A persistent feeling of blocked ears or fullness Tinnitus (a distracting ringing or buzzing) Occasional dizziness or balance issues Noticeable reduction in hearing or muffled hearing . The hardening is often due to factors outside your control, such as age, genetic predisposition, the unique anatomy of your ear canals, or certain past medical events. Gentle Ways to Soften Wax at Home (Exercise Caution) Before seeking professional intervention, you may try softening the wax yourself. However, we must stress that safety and caution are paramount. 1. Medical-Grade Olive Oil Drops Gently warm some medical-grade olive oil (it should feel lukewarm, never hot) and place a few drops in the affected ear. Leave the oil to work for 10–15 minutes, then tilt your head to drain the excess. Repeating this 3–4 times daily for several days can significantly soften the blockage. 2. Over-the-Counter Drops Ask your local chemist for non-prescription drops designed to help break down earwax. If you prefer a ready-made solution, the pharmacist can guide you. The Absolute Rule of Ear Care This is vital: Never insert objects like cotton swabs, hairpins, or rolled-up tissue into your ear canal. These objects do not remove wax; they inevitably push the wax deeper against the eardrum, worsening the impaction and risking serious injury to the delicate inner ear structures. The Experts' Choice: Professional Ear Wax Removal in Ealing When home remedies prove insufficient, or if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms like pain, persistent ringing, or sudden hearing loss, consulting an expert is the safest course of action. Our professional services guarantee safe, accurate, and hygienic removal.