Show Me Where Ear, nose and throat Ear wax removal

Ear wax and microsuction explorer

A 3D picture to support a conversation with your nurse, audiologist or doctor. It does not diagnose or recommend treatment.

All topics Guide

For the clinician

Set up from what you see

The model starts with a healthy, clear ear. Add what you found on examination, then show the procedure if you are going to do one.

Ear

Which ear

Ear wax

How much wax

What it is like

Where it is

Changing any wax setting adds wax if there is none.

Other findings

Inflamed, swollen ear canal (otitis externa) Something stuck in the ear canal Hole in the ear drum (perforation) Grommet in the ear drum Fluid behind the ear drum

Procedure

Microsuction

“During” shows the speculum and suction tube in the ear canal. “After” shows the canal once the wax is out.

Tip

Use Through the microscope to show the patient what you see. Use Show / hide to turn labels and parts on or off, and Snapshot to collect views for a picture sheet.

Drag to turn · scroll or pinch to zoom

In plain words

Microsuction

What happens

What it is: The clinician looks into your ear through a microscope while a thin suction tube gently removes the wax. Nothing is put into your ear that you can’t see on the screen of the microscope.
How long it takes: Usually a few minutes for each ear, sometimes longer if the wax is hard.
What it can feel like: It is noisy, like a small vacuum, and can feel cool. Some people feel briefly dizzy or have a tickly cough. Tell the clinician straight away if anything hurts, and they will stop.
Before: You may be asked to use ear drops for a few days beforehand to soften the wax. Follow the advice you are given.
Afterwards: Sounds can seem louder for a while. Ask your clinician what to do, and who to contact if you get pain, discharge or your hearing gets worse.

About the ear

Typical adult sizes. Everyone’s ear is a little different.

Share with the patient

Make a picture sheet to send

Set up each view you want, then press Snapshot above the model. You can add up to 4. If you add none, the current view is used.

Prepared for (optional)

Clinic or contact (optional)

Note for the patient (optional)

Include the plain-words summary Include what happens in microsuction Include where to get help and information Add a page explaining the labels in plain English Add a QR code that reopens this picture (holds the model settings only, never the name or notes)

Names and notes typed here never leave this device and are forgotten when you close the page. Check the sheet before sending, and use your organisation's approved secure route.

For the patient and family

Help and information

If you suddenly lose hearing in one ear, have severe ear pain, or discharge with a high temperature, contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111.

The QR code lets the patient open this site on their own phone. Nothing about this appointment goes with it.

This is a simplified teaching model. Shapes and sizes are approximate and will differ from any one person. It does not replace the examination or the advice of the person treating you. Not a medical device · Nothing is saved.