Microsuction earwax removal is a procedure to which uses a microscopic camera to get a clear view within a patient’s ear to identify the extent of the problem. A low-pressure suction device is then used in conjunction with the camera to gradually and carefully remove earwax from the patient’s ear canal (external auditory meatus). Microsuction earwax removal is considered safer than other methods of earwax removal such as irrigation.
Clear Ear Healthcare’s trained and accredited clinical ear care practitioner, Martyn Ainsworth, will carry out the earwax removal procedure working to the practice guidance for aural care set by British Society of Audiology (BSA).
Incidents during earwax removal are extremely uncommon, especially with microsuction. However, possible minor risks which can occur, and are deemed to be acceptable, include small breaks in the skin within the ear canal which may result in minor bleeding and/or soreness, dizziness and/or fainting and mild discomfort. For patients who suffer with existing tinnitus, symptoms can be exacerbated for a short period. To ensure the risk of complications is minimal, it is essential that accurate past medical history is disclosed and supplied to Clear Ear Healthcare’s clinical ear care practitioners. More serious risks to the ear or eardrum can occur if the patient does not remain adequately still during the procedure. Patients should immediately inform the clinician of any likely movements to avoid serious risk to the ear or the eardrum.
Further possible complications, side-effects and material risks inherent in the microsuction procedure include but are not limited to the incomplete removal of earwax requiring a return visit (for severely impacted wax), perforation of the eardrum, hearing loss and infection. To keep the risk of infection to a minimum, all equipment used in the ear is sterilised or single-use. However, there is always a risk that infection may occur once out of the clinical ear care practitioner’s care. Please contact Clear Ear Healthcare for a follow-up visit should you experience any discomfort or worrying symptoms.
Clinical images and video recordings are captured during the consultation and the procedure itself. All clinical images and video recordings that are captured are only used for patient monitoring and/or treatment. All clinical images and video recordings captured by Clear Ear Healthcare are stored in a secure electronic image database; only authorised personnel have access to the images and/or data. The completion of the Patient Consent Form gives consent for Clear Ear Healthcare to capture clinical images and video recordings for the purpose of patient monitoring and/or treatment.
The CE marked suction unit is designed to work remove fluids from the airway, remove fluids from the respiratory support system and remove infectious materials from wounds. Therefore, it has been adapted for the use of aural microsuction. Legally, if there is no effective alternative, a device can be used ‘off label’ following government guidelines issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). A risk assessment has been completed for the use of a non-CE approved aural care microsuction device. Clear Ear Healthcare will always comply with the requirements of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Patients should immediately inform the clinical ear care practitioner if the noise created by the aural suction device is too loud within the ear or if is causing discomfort in the ear during the procedure.
Clear Ear Healthcare is unable to carry out aural microsuction earwax removal procedures on children or young adults under the age of 18. Children may be more nervous and have less of an understanding of what their pain and noise thresholds are to which vastly increases the risk of complications during the microsuction procedure. A child’s eardrum (tympanic membrane) will be smaller and therefore more fragile and if there is any concern regarding the ears and/or hearing of a child or a young adult that is under 18 years of age, a GP referral is advised who may then refer you to ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) for further assessment.
Consent to treatment means a person must give permission (verbally or written) before they receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination. The principle of consent is an important part of medical ethics and international human rights law. For consent to be valid, it must be voluntary and informed and the person consenting must have the capacity to make the decision.
By agreeing to Clear Ear Healthcare’s Terms of Service you accept that you have read and understood the possible complications which may occur and agree that the Clear Ear Healthcare clinical ear care practitioner or any of Clear Ear Healthcare’s employees cannot be held responsible for them. I also understand that the author of the Terms of Service, Patient Consent Form and Risk Assessment is in no way responsible for the clinical ear care practitioners practice.
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