Do I need to use olive oil drops before my appointment?
Softening drops such as olive oil or sodium bicarbonate for 3–5 days before your appointment make removal easier and more comfortable, but they are not strictly required. If your ears are very blocked we still see you on the day and adjust the technique.
Short answer
Yes if possible, but not essential. A few days of softening drops makes the wax easier to lift out, particularly if the wax is hard or impacted.
How to use olive oil drops
- Warm a small bottle of plain olive oil to body temperature in your hand.
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- Place 2–3 drops in the ear canal.
- Stay still for 5 minutes so the drops can soak in.
- Repeat morning and evening for 3–5 days before your microsuction appointment.
Sodium bicarbonate drops (available over the counter) are an effective alternative.
If you have not had time to use drops
Still come along. The clinician will assess the wax — if it is too hard for safe removal on the day they will explain the next step, which is usually a short course of drops followed by a return visit.
When to avoid drops
- You have a perforated eardrum or known ear surgery — speak to the clinician first.
- You have current ear pain, discharge or a fever — these may indicate infection.
People who book this typically come from
- Altrincham
- Timperley
- Hale
- Sale
- Bowdon
- Wilmslow
- Brooklands
General health information only. Final clinical suitability for microsuction is confirmed by the clinician at the appointment.