You will be seen in a clean clinical environment
Before any treatment we will examine your ears.
At our clinic we have video otoscopy, with this technology we can see a live image of your ear canal, and can show you if you would like.
We then ask you a series of medical questions to determine the safest and best procedure for you.
Before wax removal we advise sterile olive oil drops (such as Earol) two times a day for 2-3 days, before your appointment. The best way is to lie on the opposite ear for a few minutes, after applying the oil, to allow it to soak down fully into the wax.
We use the Vorotek O Scope which gives us fantastic vision of the ear and combine this with state of the art equipment.
Click here to find out more about the O Scope.
Unlike other clinics we specialise in all three methods of earwax removal:
Microsuction - which is using a small tip to gently hoover out earwax and debris from the ear canal.
Irrigation (not to be confused with ear syringing) – this is using a low-pressure water flow, warmed to body temperature, to encourage wax from the ear canal.
Dry Removal – this is using instruments to carefully remove any wax or debris at the entrance of the ear canal.
We charge £60 for wax removal if it is one ear or both.
If there is no wax, there is a consultation fee of £30. In this case we can offer a simple hearing check on the day and use our video otoscopy to look for evidence of other conditions.
On occasions it may take another session to remove stubborn wax – this follow up will be free.
Watch as a local musician trusts us with his hearing. Here, Steve is having ear wax removal using gentle microsuction.
What is Earwax?
Most people think that earwax is a sign of poor personal hygiene but that’s not the case. A small amount is healthy, it helps to protect the ear.
Earwax is a mixture of secretions of ceruminous (wax) and sebaceous (oil) glands combined with keratinocytes – dead skin cells. Often foreign substances will also contribute to the composition of wax, such as:
Hairspray
Shower gel
Dirt
Shaving Foam
Shampoo
Beauty products
What does earwax build up feel like?
Signs associated with wax build up include:
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (usually a buzzing or ringing sound)
Dizziness
A feeling of fullness / pressure
Itchiness or irritation
Pain
Blocked or whistling hearing aids
Information about wax removal
Wax removal by syringing was once provided by GP practices but many have now withdrawn this service. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) suggests that there is evidence showing that the original syringing technique of removing wax, which was commonly used, is unsafe and should not be practiced.
You will be treated by a fully qualified (RCCP, HCPC and BSHAA registered) audiologist with over 20 years clinical experience. It is a case of combining this experience with top of the range technology and equipment, to provide the safest care for you.
We have been trained in wax and debris removal. There is always a small risk of damage to or infection of the skin of the ear canal or eardrum. In addition the microsuction and irrigation techniques can be noisy and this has the potential to cause a temporary shift in your hearing thresholds or cause / increase any existing tinnitus. There is also the risk of temporary dizziness or discomfort. We reduce these risks by using best-practice and taking the utmost care with your treatment.
How do I care for my ears after wax has been removed?
We will give you ear care advice that is appropriate to you, following wax removal.
The ear is self-cleaning so do not use cotton buds or other objects to clean it. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence advises to never insert objects into your ear to remove wax due to the risk of injury and permanent damage.
Despite this the Royal National Institute for Deaf People found that of those surveyed, many resorted to dangerous methods such as cotton buds, hair clips, toothpicks, paper clips, and Hopi ear candles to remove wax.
We have seen evidence in clinical practice of the results of trying to self-remove wax such as ear drum perforation, damage to the lining of the ear canal, foreign objects being left in the canal (which untreated bring their own problems).
Shampoo, shower gel and cosmetics can irritate or result in dry skin so keep your ears dry when you wash.
After wax removal we recommend keeping your ears dry by waterproofing them when bathing or showering.
The safest way to remove wax is to have your ears examined by a professional.