Ear Solutions' FAQs

Microsuction Ear Wax Removal FAQs

Hard Wax?

If you think you have hard impacted wax, you can put a small amount of Olive Oil drop into your ears 1 or 2 days before your appointment.

Please do not use over the counter types of drops that "dissolve" the wax. In our experience these drops tend to spread the wax around the ear canal rather than removing. This makes you feel more blocked and it is harder to remove. In some cases long term use of these drops can irritate the ears.

What happens?

To start with, your ears will be viewed using a ENT magnifying clinical microscope so we can see accurately where your wax is and to what degree.

A small tube connected to a gentle vacuum pump is placed into your ear and the wax is either sucked up the tube or moved out of your ear.

Does it hurt?

No. Most people comment that Microsuction ear wax removal is a strange sensation rather than uncomfortable. You will hear some “wind” rushing and whistling and sometimes feel some tugging in your ear as the wax moves out towards the entrance.

Depending how long the wax has been in your ears, they may feel slightly sore for a day or two, but this will soon clear.

Why Microsuction?

The Microsuction ear wax removal procedure is the safest and most efficient method of removing troublesome ear wax. No water is introduced into the ear - this means less stress is put on the ear canal and eardrum, it is a safe procedure if you have had past infections, perforations etc.

The ear canal and wax can be viewed in high magnification using a clinical ENT Microscope during the procedure for greater accuracy and safety. Unlike the irrigation procedure where you do not view the ear during the procedure.

The procedure generally leaves the ear very clear of wax, irrigation often leaves wax and water behind, so microsuction means greater gaps between treatments.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Running an insurance-based company works well for larger companies and businesses. However, as a small business running an insurance-based model comes with a lot of extra time and cost. For Ear Solutions, it would mean spending less time with clients, increased prices and visits, and more restrictions.

Medical Ear Piercing FAQs

What ages do you pierce?

We pierce babies ages 6 months to 12 months, children 4 years & up, as well as teens and adults.

What do you use to pierce ears?

We use a medical ear piercing system which is exclusively carried by medical professionals. For this type of piercing, we use medical-grade titanium or medical-grade plastic earrings. Earrings are included in the price. We only pierce with our own pre-packaged, sterile earrings but after 6 weeks you will be able to switch into your own earrings.

What if I have a nickel allergy or think I may have one?

We pierce with hypoallergenic medical-grade titanium or medical-grade plastic which are both considered safe for those with allergies. After the initial 6-8 week healing period it will be time to change out of the piercing studs and into regular, standard size earrings. For those with nickel allergies we urge our clients to only wear earrings for at least the first year so they can be assured they do not have any exposure to nickel. In our experience, even people with the most severe nickel allergy can still comfortably wear medical-grade earrings.

What is the best age to pierce my baby's ears?

For babies, the ideal age to pierce is between 6 and 9 months but we will do the piercings up to the age of 15 months. After that, we recommend piercing at around the age of 4 or 5 when the child is able to remain still during the piercing and has some understanding of the process.

Toddler piercing is not offered (ages 16 mos-3yrs).