Earwax Removal
Microsuction - Clinic: £70 (fixed price)
Microsuction - Home Visit: from £105
Ear irrigation (syringing) - Home Visit: £40 (fixed price)
EarWax Removal
Earwax is a normal part of the ear's cleaning, mositurising and protective mechanism. It traps debris and removes it from the ear canal and protects against bacteria and other germs. It normally just falls out on its own. When it's blocking your ears, you may seek advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist or audiologist.
Symptoms of Earwax build-up
Symptoms of earwax build-up include:
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hearing loss
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earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
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ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
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vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
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Earwax can also interfere with the function of hearing aids causing reduced performance or whistling. It can also prevent a full examination of the ear by blocking the view with an otoscope.
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DO NOT use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.
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Earwax Removal
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Options for earwax removal:​
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flush the wax out with water (ear irrigation - also known as syringing)
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suck the wax out (microsuction)
These treatments are usually painless.
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Prior to attending your appointment for earwax removal you should soften the wax using medical grade olive oil purchased from a pharmacy. Put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive in your ear 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for 3 to 5 days. This will increase the chances of successfully removing the wax from your ear at a single visit for irrigation or microsuction.
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What to expect at an Ear Wax Removal Appointment
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The appointment will usually take around 30 minutes
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The Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will ask you some questions and then examine your ears with an instrument called an otoscope to ensure it is appropriate to carry out the proposed treatment.
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The Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will explain the procedure, the equipment to be used and how this works.
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You will be asked to sign a consent form before having the treatment.
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If you are having microsuction the Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will use a magnifying device and a small suction tube to remove the wax from your ear. If you are having syringing the Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will use a special machine which gently flushes water into the ear canal in order to dislodge and remove the wax.
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After the treatment the Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will examine your ears again using the otoscope to check the success of the treatment and the health of the ears.
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In the rare occasion that all the wax cannot be successfully removed at the appointment the Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will advise you on what to do next.
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If any areas of concern are identified which required an onward referral to a GP or ENT specialist the Doctor, Nurse or Audiologist will refer you (an additional fee may be payable for a referral).