What is ear wax?
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is made by the body to protect the ears. The ear wax has both lubricating and antibacterial properties.
Ear wax is produced in the outer part of the ear canal, not deep inside the ear.
Most of the time our ears self clean. The old ear wax is moved through the ear canal by motions from chewing and other jaw movements and the skin of the ear canal migrates outwards from the inside. However, a number of conditions can cause this system to fail and you can end up with a blocked ear.
What are the symptoms?
Ear wax is impacted when it has built up in the ear canal to such a point that there are signs that something is not quite right.
Frequent symptoms are a reduction in hearing, popping noises in the ear, dizziness, tinnitus, a blocked feeling and, less frequently, discomfort.
It is important to note that, for most people, ears might never need cleaning — they are designed to clean themselves. Ear wax build-up and blockages often happen when people use items like cotton swabs to clean their ears.
This frequently pushes the ear wax further into the ears (and can also cause injury to the ear).
When should I seek professional help?
Ear wax usually isn’t a problem, except when it causes one of the following issues;
Earache
Reduced Hearing
Tinnitus
Dizziness
Hearing aids stop working or whistle
Trapped water
Infection
Same-Day Ear Wax Removal
The 2County Hearing Team will usually be able to remove your ear wax the same day. You do not have to put oil in for weeks in advance. However, we do advise using an olive oil spray for at least 4 days prior to your appointment.
At our Verwood clinic, we offer a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of time to remove your ear wax in a safe and gentle way. We also offer an on-screen image of the wax in the ear and the cleared ear after your treatment.
This service can also be provided at your home if you are not able to access our Verwood clinic.
What happens during an earwax removal appointment?
Case history
Otoscopy examination of the ear canals and eardrums
Removal of the earwax
Otoscopy for re-examination and to show you the cleared ear canal
Advice on ear care
Water Irrigation Method
This is a safer, gentler and more effective technology than the old syringing method.
The water is carefully warmed to body temperature for comfort and is used to flush debris out of the ear canal at a low pressure.
It is ideal for removing larger quantities of wax.
Microsuction Method
This is a safe, clean way to remove earwax from moderately blocked ears. It is a gentle, vacuum procedure to remove excess wax from the ear canal.
Manual Removal Method
If you only have a small amount of earwax in the entrance of your ear canal, manual removal is often the best way to remove it. A variety of tools may be used to safely remove wax from the ear canal.
If we are unable to clear the ear completely at the first appointment then you can come back for a free second appointment.
Book an Appointment
Apart from a reduction in hearing, an ear wax blockage can cause a number of issues including balance problems. Book your ear wax removal appointment today.
