Ear Wax Microsuction

​Ear wax microsuction is only offered on the NHS under the following circumstances: ​ • If you have an episode of acute otitis externa (infection of the outer ear) you will be given up to a maximum of three microsuction procedures per year. • If your ear drum is obscured by wax but needs to be viewed, to establish a diagnosis; and this is the only appropriate procedure. • If you have a history of one-sided hearing loss and there is a need for wax removal from that or the less affected ear. OR You are suffering with significant symptoms due to ear wax build-up, including hearing loss or pain, and ear drops failed to improve your symptoms. AND you met one or more of the following criteria: • You have previously undergone ear surgery, apart from grommet surgery (if they have been in your ear for less than 18 months). • You have a history of ear pain and/or middle ear infection in the last 6 weeks. • You have a retraction pocket (a localised area of the ear drum folded back on itself to form a cavity into the middle ear) or a cholesteatoma (an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear). • You have a current perforation (hole in your ear drum) or a history of ear discharge in the past 12 months. • You have had previous complications including perforation of the ear drum, severe pain, deafness, or vertigo. If the above criteria are met, you will receive a maximum of two microsuction appointments per year, at no less than 6 monthly intervals. The requirement for these appointments will be reviewed on a regular basis. If you meet the above criteria you can contact your GP surgery. Your GP surgery will have to apply for funding approval before a referral can be sent to the hospital clinic and then usually be a on a waiting list for treatment. We appreciate this can take a long time.