Key Takeaways:
- Keep ears dry for 24 hours after the procedure and avoid inserting anything (cotton buds, earphones, hearing aids) during that time
- Sounds may seem louder after wax removal — this is normal and shows the procedure worked
- Use olive oil drops once or twice a week as ongoing maintenance to prevent future wax buildup
- Contact your clinic if you experience worsening pain, discharge, persistent tinnitus beyond 24 hours, or signs of infection
Aftercare Following Microsuction
Microsuction is a straightforward procedure with minimal recovery time. Most people return to their normal activities immediately. However, following these aftercare guidelines helps ensure proper healing and reduces the chance of complications.
Immediately After the Procedure
What’s Normal
- Sounds may seem louder or clearer than before
- A slight sensation of openness or spaciousness in the ear
- Mild tenderness in the ear canal
- Brief dizziness that passes within minutes
What to Do
- Sit quietly for a few minutes before leaving the clinic
- Take a moment to adjust to any changes in hearing
- Ask your clinician any questions about what they found
The First 24 Hours
Keep Your Ears Dry
Water entering a freshly cleaned ear canal can cause irritation or infection. For the first 24 hours:
- Avoid getting water in your ears during bathing or showering
- Use cotton wool with a thin layer of Vaseline as an ear plug if needed
- Skip swimming and water sports
Avoid Inserting Anything
- No cotton buds — ever, but especially after microsuction
- No earphones or earbuds for 24 hours
- No hearing aids for a few hours (unless medically necessary)
- No ear drops unless specifically recommended by your clinician
Rest Your Ears
- Avoid very loud environments for 24 hours
- Be gentle when sleeping — avoid pressing the treated ear into the pillow
The First Week
Gradual Return to Normal
After 24 hours, you can resume most activities normally:
- Swimming can resume after 2–3 days
- Earphones and hearing aids can be used after 24 hours
- Flying is generally fine immediately, but check with your clinician if you have concerns
Olive Oil Maintenance
Your clinician may recommend using olive oil drops once or twice a week to help prevent future wax buildup:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up
- Place 2–3 drops of medical-grade olive oil into the ear canal
- Stay lying down for 5–10 minutes
- Wipe away any excess with a tissue
Preventing Future Wax Buildup
While some people are naturally prone to producing more ear wax, these habits can help:
- Don’t use cotton buds — They push wax deeper and stimulate more production
- Use olive oil drops weekly — Helps keep wax soft and naturally migrating outward
- Keep ears dry — Dry your outer ears after bathing
- Consider regular check-ups — If you’re prone to buildup, schedule check-ups every 6–12 months
When to Contact Your Clinic
Seek advice if you experience any of the following side effects after your procedure:
- Pain that worsens rather than improves
- Discharge from the ear (especially if coloured or smelly)
- Persistent hearing loss
- Dizziness lasting more than a few hours
- Tinnitus that doesn’t resolve within 24 hours
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever)