Earwax buildup is a common problem that can cause hearing loss, ear pain, ringing, and other symptoms. Microsuction earwax removal is a safe, effective way to clear out excess earwax under microscopic guidance. During this procedure, a small suction device is gently inserted into the ear canal to suck out wax blockages.
While microsuction is quick and minimally invasive, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions from your audiologist to allow proper healing and prevent complications. The ear canal can be sensitive after having wax removed, so specific steps should be taken to keep ears healthy, clean, and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll outline a simple aftercare regimen to follow during the days after microsuction. Proper aftercare will speed healing, prevent infection and swimmer’s ear, reduce pain and discomfort, and get your ears and hearing back to normal again. Following these tips will make sure you get the most out of your earwax removal procedure.
Aftercare Tips
- Avoid getting water in your ears for 24-48 hours after the microsuction procedure. Protect ears with cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly when showering or washing your hair.
- Use any prescription ear drops as directed by your audiologist to prevent infection and help with healing. Tilt head sideways and place drops in ear canal.
- Do not insert anything into the ear canal like cotton swabs, bobby pins or tissues, as this could disturb the healing process.
- Avoid flying for 48 hours after microsuction if the procedure was done to clear blockages or pressure from your Eustachian tubes. The changes in air pressure could cause pain.
- Refrain from vigorous physical activity, exercise, swimming or strenuous activity for 1-2 days following the procedure. This helps prevent complications.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you experience any discomfort, ear pain or headaches afterwards.
- Avoid using in-ear headphones or earbuds for a few days until ears heal fully. This prevents irritation.
- A follow-up appointment may be scheduled with your audiologist to monitor healing and check for any residual earwax.
What to Expect
It’s normal to experience some temporary blocked or muffled hearing immediately after microsuction as the ear canal swells slightly from irritation. This swelling subsides within a few days as the ears heal, and hearing gradually returns to normal.
You may also experience some lightheadedness, vertigo, or a sense of imbalance after microsuction. This is common and should resolve within 24-48 hours as the inner ear regulates itself again.
Ears can remain sensitive, irritated, or itchy for several days following the procedure. Some residual redness or mild discomfort is normal. You may notice cracking or popping sounds as well. This is the ear canal recovering.
Relief comes quickly as the blockage is removed. Hearing, comfort, and ear function improve dramatically over the first few days. It is very rewarding to have your hearing restored!
See Your Doctor If:
- You experience severe pain, bleeding or drainage/pus from the ear canal after microsuction. This could indicate an infection.
- You develop a fever, nausea, swelling or worsening symptoms suggesting complication or abnormal healing.
- Hearing loss, ringing, dizziness or other new symptoms arise or persist longer than 48 hours after the procedure.
- Symptoms worsen or do not start improving within the first few days following microsuction.
- You have concerns about excessive wax remnants blocking the ear canal or impaired hearing after the procedure.
- You have a history of ear injury, surgery or other risk factors the audiologist should monitor.
It’s important to follow up promptly with your audiologist or doctor if any of the above occur, as further evaluation and treatment may be needed for proper healing. Don’t wait with worrisome ear symptoms or pain.
Takeaway
Microsuction earwax removal is a fast, non-invasive procedure to clear blockages and restore hearing. While it is generally safe, proper aftercare is crucial to allow the ears to heal, prevent problems like infections, and avoid complications. Following your audiologist’s instructions will facilitate speedy recovery.
Key aftercare tips include keeping ears dry, using antibiotic eardrops as prescribed, avoiding irritation or re-injury to the ear canal, taking oral pain relievers as needed, and avoiding air travel or strenuous activity temporarily. Stay alert for any worsening symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if they occur.
With the proper aftercare regimen, your ears should be feeling better quickly as swelling dissipates and irritation resolves. Your hearing, comfort, and ear function will be back to normal. Don’t hesitate to call your audiologist with any lingering concerns during the healing process. Proper aftercare ensures you get the most benefit from microsuction wax removal.
