Why is this the recommended method?

Micro-suction is the preferable option  because it is the safest, most effective way to clean the wax build up and any obstruction down the ear canal. It is tolerated incredibly well as it is a very gentle and quick procedure. No chemicals or substances are introduced to the ear canal (although it is recommended that you put a drop of olive oil in your ears the night before you appointment in order to soften the wax).

Unsuccessful Methods

THE USE OF COTTON BUDS

The rubbing action of cotton buds often damages the vital skin cells and scratches the lining of the ear canal. This can cause itchiness, inflammation, infection and variety of other issues. They also push the wax further into the boney ear canal - making the situation worse causing deep wax impaction, rather than eradicating it. Another danger that the use of cotton buds present, is direct damage to the eardrum.

EAR CANDLING

This method is where a hollow candle is burned while one end is being inserted in the ear canal. The intention is to create a vacuum of sorts that will draw the ear wax out of the ear canal. Multiple scientific studies have proven that this method is ineffective and has the potential to cause damage to the ear. Reported injuries from Ear Candling include burns to the ear, candle wax entering the canal, and perforation of the ear drum.

You might be thinking, well what was all that debris that I saw at the end of the ear candling procedure? It's been proven that this is actually the residue from the candle wax itself. As a result of these findings, some governments have introduced laws that ban the sale and import of ear candles for medical purposes.

The American Otalaryngology, Head & Neck Surgical Association warned against the Ear Candling procedure in 2008.A study in the UK found that no pressure vacuum was created at any time during the procedure - and that no ear wax was removed from the canals of the ears with wax.