Ear Wax Removal Aftercare: What's Normal (and What Isn't) After Microsuction

What to expect immediately afterwards

Microsuction is a gentle, water-free way of removing ear wax under direct vision using a fine suction device. Most people leave the clinic with a clear, comfortable ear and noticeably better hearing. It's still normal for the ear to feel slightly:

• Sensitive to sound for the first day — everything can seem a little louder.
• Warm or tingly as the ear canal settles.
• Mildly full or "echoey" for a few hours, especially if the wax build-up was significant.

Looking after your ears in the days ahead

• Avoid pushing cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal.
• You can shower, wash your hair and swim as normal — microsuction doesn't use water, so there's no waiting period.
• If you're prone to wax build-up, using a few drops of olive oil once a week can help keep things moving naturally.
• If you wear hearing aids, put them back in as usual — you should notice a clearer, brighter sound.

When to get back in touch

Most people feel great straight away. Please contact the clinic — or your GP if we're closed — if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent blocked feeling or muffled hearing after 24–48 hours.
• Pain that doesn't settle within a day.
• Any discharge, bleeding or a bad smell from the ear.
• Ongoing dizziness or ringing (tinnitus) that's new or worse than usual.

These are uncommon after microsuction, but they're all worth checking so we can make sure everything's healing well.

How often should I have my ears checked?

There's no fixed schedule — it depends on how quickly you produce wax. Some patients we see every six months, others once every couple of years. If you notice your hearing gradually dulling, a feeling of fullness, or your hearing aids sounding quiet, that's usually a good sign it's time.

Frequently asked questions

Can you shower after ear wax removal?

Yes — microsuction is water-free, so there's no waiting period. You can shower, wash your hair and swim as normal the same day. Just avoid pushing cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal.

My ear still feels blocked after microsuction — is that normal?

A mild blocked or 'echoey' feeling for a few hours is common as the ear canal settles. If it's still there after 24–48 hours, or hearing hasn't fully returned, please get in touch.

Is ear pain after microsuction normal?

Mild sensitivity for a day is common, especially if the wax was hard or deeply impacted. Pain that doesn't settle within a day, or any discharge, bleeding or bad smell, isn't normal and should be checked.

When will my hearing return to normal?

Most people notice an immediate improvement. Occasionally the ear can feel a little sensitive to sound for the first day — this settles quickly.

Is a little dizziness normal?

A brief moment of dizziness during the appointment can happen and settles on its own. Persistent dizziness, pain, discharge or bleeding aren't normal — please contact the clinic.