Microsuction involves the use of a low pressure suction device to gently 'vacuum' ear wax out of the ear canal. It is the gold standard in ear wax removal and is considered a lot safer and more comfortable than irrigation or syringing. It is also the only method suitable for removing ear wax from an ear which has a perforated tympanic membrane (ear drum). Microsuction is most successful when the ear has been treated with olive oil-based ear drops once or twice a day for three to four days beforehand (unless a perforated tympanic membrane has been diagnosed, in which case no ear drops should be used).