Micro-suction ear wax removal

We can accept self-referrals, or referrals direct from your GP or from Ear, Nose and Throat specialists across the UK.

Micro-suction is the safest way to remove debris from the ear canal for two main reasons;

The Clinician can visualise the canal and the debris at all times using microscopic vision. This is unlike syringing or irrigation where the nurse has to switch between visualisation of the canal with a handheld otoscope and then use an irrigation instrument.

There is no use of water. Irrigation flushes the canal using water under controlled pressure. Any water hitting the drum during the treatment can cause pain. Micro-suction removes wax using a gentle vacuum device. The end of the suction tube is visible and controlled at all times and so the risk of trauma or perforation is greatly reduced when using this method.

Blocked Ears
The canal can become blocked with wax, a foreign body (often the end of a cotton bud) or dry skin secondary to a skin condition. Micro suction will gently remove any of this debris leaving the canal clear and comfortable.

Infection
You may have been informed by your Gp that you have otitis exerna (an infection of the canal) and in all likelihood been prescribed eardrops. Microsuction will remove infective debris enabling the treatment to successfully reach the canal lining enabling more effective recovery

Cannot Tolerate Syringing/Irrigation
Over the years many of my patients have undergone both microsuction and syringing. The vast majority prefer microsuction as it is quicker, more effective and thorough. It is a safer and a less messy process and easier to tolerate as there is no risk of water touching the drum.

Home Visits
We also offer home visits to patients within nursing and residential homes.There is an additional call-out fee for this service which is a one-off charge (no matter how many patients are treated on the day). Within a 10 mile radius, £20.00.

The areas we cover for home visits are:

Stoke-On-Trent, Newcastle Under Lyme, Leek, Macclesfield, Congleton, Market Drayton, Uttoxeter, Stone, Stafford, Crewe, Alsager, Nantwch, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Haslington,

If you consider your need to be urgent.
Out of hours treatment is available after 6.30pm and at any time over the weekends (a 50% surcharge is applicable).

Ear Care Clinic for Children

We understand that special attention towards your child’s ears is essential, If you think your child may have an ear infection, we can assess your child with a quick appointment for treatment.

Micro-suction is a safe, gentle, and effective technique for a child, you will need to administer softening drops into the ear before your visit.

Compounded wax in the ear makes it hard for children to sit through the Micro-suction treatment, although we assure you it is painless. Softening before the session will make it more comfortable, effortless, and efficient all around.

Ear swab culture for ear infections

An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is when your outer ear canal becomes inflamed, painful and itchy. Outer ear infection (otitis externa) is usually caused by bacteria. But it may be caused by a fungal infection, especially if you’ve already had antibiotics for a bacterial infection.

Outer ear infections can be classified depending on how long they last and how much of your ear canal is infected.

Acute outer ear infections come on suddenly and usually go away within three weeks. They can come back (recur) after they’ve cleared up.
Chronic outer ear infections cause ongoing symptoms that last for at least three months or more. This may lead to some hearing loss.
Localised otitis externa is when just a hair follicle at the entrance to your ear has become infected. It might cause a boil.
Diffuse otitis externa is when the infection affects more of your ear canal, sometimes reaching as far as your eardrum. This type of outer ear infection is sometimes called swimmer’s ear because it often occurs after you’ve spent time in water.

The most common symptoms of an outer ear infection include:

Pain in your ear – this can be severe, and may get worse when you push or pull your ear
Itching
Discharge from your ear
Reduced hearing – if the swelling is enough to block your ear canal
A full feeling in your ears
A red or swollen ear canal
Dry skin or eczema in or around your ear canal

If your symptoms are particularly severe or they don’t get better after treatment or they come back, a ear swab is useful, this will be sent to a laboratory for testing to find out whether the cause of your ear infection is bacterial or a fungus.

To book an appointment or for more information on any of our ear care services, please contact us.