Key Takeaways:
- Most patients experience no significant side effects; when they occur, they are usually mild and temporary
- Common effects include brief dizziness, a pulling or tickling sensation, and sounds seeming louder after wax removal
- Noise exposure is the most notable side effect with traditional equipment (up to 140 dB), but modern devices reduce this to 75 dB or below
- Seek help if you experience persistent dizziness, tinnitus beyond 24 hours, discharge, or severe pain after the procedure
Common Side Effects of Microsuction
Most patients experience no significant side effects from microsuction. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and temporary.
Temporary Dizziness
Some patients feel briefly dizzy during or immediately after the procedure. This happens because the suction can create a slight caloric effect on the vestibular system (the balance organs near the inner ear).
What to do: Sit still for a few minutes after the procedure. The dizziness typically passes within seconds to minutes. If it persists, inform your clinician.
Noise Sensation
Microsuction creates a suction noise within the ear canal. With traditional equipment, this can be quite loud — some devices generate noise levels up to 140 dB, which is above the threshold of pain.
What to do: Modern devices have dramatically reduced noise levels. Ask your clinic about their equipment. Devices like Zephyr operate at ≤75 dB, making the procedure much more comfortable. See our microsuction device noise comparison for detailed decibel data across different devices.
Mild Discomfort
The sensation of suction in the ear canal can feel unusual. Most patients describe it as a “pulling” or “tickling” feeling rather than pain.
What to do: This is normal and passes as soon as the procedure ends. If you experience actual pain, tell your clinician immediately — they will stop and assess.
Temporary Hearing Changes
After wax removal, sounds may seem louder or sharper than usual. This is because the wax that was dampening sound has been removed, and your ear is adjusting.
What to do: This is actually a good sign — it means the procedure worked. Your hearing should normalise within a few hours.
Uncommon Side Effects
Temporary Tinnitus
Some patients report a brief ringing or buzzing in the ear after microsuction. This is more common when loud equipment is used.
Duration: Usually resolves within hours. If tinnitus persists beyond 24 hours, contact your clinic.
Minor Bleeding
Very occasionally, the suction probe may scratch the thin skin of the ear canal, causing minor bleeding.
What to do: A tiny amount of blood is not cause for alarm. Your clinician will assess and apply appropriate care. The ear canal heals quickly.
Ear Canal Sensitivity
The ear canal may feel slightly tender or sensitive after the procedure, especially if a large amount of wax was removed.
Duration: Usually resolves within 24–48 hours.
Rare Side Effects
In very rare cases, microsuction can cause:
- Eardrum perforation — Exceedingly rare with proper technique
- Persistent tinnitus — Usually associated with high-noise equipment
- Ear infection — Very uncommon as no water is used
- Vertigo — Prolonged dizziness is rare but possible
Aftercare Tips
To promote healing and prevent complications after microsuction:
- Keep your ears dry for 24 hours
- Avoid inserting anything into your ears (including cotton buds)
- Don’t use earphones for at least 24 hours
- Avoid swimming for 2–3 days
- Use olive oil drops if recommended by your clinician
When to Seek Help
Contact your clinic or GP if you experience:
- Persistent dizziness lasting more than a few hours
- Significant hearing loss after the procedure
- Persistent tinnitus beyond 24 hours
- Discharge from the ear
- Severe pain
- Fever
These symptoms are rare but should be assessed promptly.