EarWaxRemoval
Microsuction & water irrigation. Immediate relief. No referral needed.
Book an appointment
Ear wax blockage is one of the most common and most easily resolved causes of sudden hearing loss. Our clinicians offer both microsuction and water irrigation, selecting the most appropriate technique for each patient to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable wax removal.
20–30
minutes, often instant relief
Microsuction: the gold standard
Microsuction uses a fine low-pressure suction device under direct microscopic or loupe magnification. This allows the clinician to see exactly what they are doing throughout the procedure — making it significantly safer, especially for patients with perforated eardrums, mastoid cavities, or a history of ear surgery.
The procedure is typically comfortable and takes between 20 and 30 minutes per appointment. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in hearing, with the sensation of pressure or fullness resolving as the wax is cleared.
Water irrigation
Water irrigation — sometimes called ear syringing — uses a controlled, gentle flow of warm water to flush softened wax from the ear canal. Modern electronic irrigators deliver water at a regulated pressure and temperature, making the procedure safe and comfortable for most patients.
Irrigation is a well-established technique and is particularly effective where the wax has been adequately softened in advance with olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops. It is not suitable for patients with a perforated eardrum, a history of ear surgery, or active ear infection — in these cases microsuction is the preferred approach.
Before your appointment
To soften the wax and make removal easier — whether by microsuction or irrigation — we recommend using olive oil drops or sodium bicarbonate drops (available from any pharmacy) twice daily for three to five days before your appointment. Do not use cotton buds — these push wax deeper into the canal and can compact it against the eardrum.
If you are experiencing sudden complete loss of hearing, severe pain, or discharge, please contact your GP in the first instance as these may indicate an infection rather than a wax blockage.
What to expect
- 1
Ear canal inspection
An otoscope examination confirms the nature and location of the wax blockage before any procedure begins.
- 2
Technique selection
Your clinician selects the most appropriate method — microsuction or water irrigation — based on your ear health history and the nature of the blockage.
- 3
Wax removal
The chosen technique is carried out carefully and precisely. The procedure is typically painless and takes 10–20 minutes.
- 4
Post-procedure check
A second otoscope examination confirms the canal is clear and the eardrum is healthy.
- 5
Aftercare advice
Guidance on preventing future build-up and when to return if symptoms recur.
What's included
- Two techniques available — microsuction and water irrigation
- Clinician selects the safest method for your ear type
- Microsuction safe for perforated eardrums and post-surgical ears
- No GP referral required
- Immediate results in most cases
- Both ears treated in one appointment
Common questions
What is the difference between microsuction and water irrigation?
Microsuction uses gentle suction under direct magnification to remove wax precisely and safely. Water irrigation uses a controlled flow of warm water to flush softened wax from the canal. Both are effective; your clinician will recommend the most suitable technique based on your ear history and the nature of the blockage.
Is microsuction safe?
Microsuction is the technique of choice recommended by ENT consultants and is widely regarded as the safest method of ear wax removal. Because it uses suction rather than water, and is performed under direct vision, the risk of complications is very low. It is suitable even for patients with perforated eardrums or a history of ear surgery.
Is water irrigation safe?
Modern electronic irrigation is safe for most patients when performed by a trained clinician. It is not suitable if you have a perforated eardrum, have had ear surgery, or have an active ear infection — your clinician will check for these before proceeding.
Do I need to prepare before my appointment?
We recommend using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops twice a day for three to five days before your appointment. This softens the wax and makes removal faster and more comfortable regardless of the technique used. If you cannot prepare in advance, please still attend — we will do our best to help.
Will my hearing improve immediately?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in hearing immediately after the procedure. In some cases where the wax was impacted over a long period, there can be a short adjustment period as the brain readjusts to clearer sound.
Ready to take the next step?
Book an appointment at our Skerries or Malahide clinic — or ask us about a home visit.