Ear Health Care

Note:
Check directly with your practitioner or with your GP.

Why have an ear health assessment?
An ear health assessment is important to ascertain the health of the ears, and advises on precautionary and preventative measures to take against ear related health issues.

An ear health practitioner will complete a detailed consultation and assessment to establish your personal ear health needs. The assessment will include a detailed view of inside the ear canal with the aid of a microscope, and will establish the current health of the ears.

What is earwax?
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals.

Earwax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against external environmental invaders.

Earwax varies in colour, consistency, and smell from person to person.  There really is no ‘normal’, so you shouldn’t be too worried about minor differences. However, if you experience any changes to your individual earwax, it could be an indication of an ear infection, injury, or wider health problems.

What causes clogged ears?
Clogged ears can be caused by various factors, including excessive earwax.  This can accumulate and block the ear canal, leading to a feeling of clogged up ears.  This occurs when earwax is not naturally expelled, or if there is an overproduction of wax. 

If earwax is not the issue to clogged ears, our medical practitioner can help you identify and eliminate this possibility.

What is tinnitus?
Click this link to learn more about Tinnitus: Tinnitus and ear wax – Tinnitus UK

What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition in itself. It’s the feeling that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning. Peripheral vertigo, the most common type, is often caused by a problem with the balance mechanisms of the inner ear. This can be caused by excess ear wax building up in the ear canal.

What is earache?
An earache is pain or discomfort inside the ear, often caused by infection, ear injury from pressure changes (from high altitudes and other causes), an object stuck in the ear, or buildup of ear wax.

What will an earwax procedure involve?
Your ear health practitioner will complete a detailed consultation and assessment to establish your personal ear health needs. The assessment will include a view inside the ear canal with the aid of a microscope, which will establish the scale of the earwax build up in the ears. All of which will determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Earwax removal treatment uses the latest technology and equipment, providing a safe and effective way of cleaning the inside of the ears.

What are the ear wax removal methods?

Ear Micro-suction
Ear micro-suction is a safe and gentle procedure, using a fine tube connected to a suction device. An individual sterile suction wand is for every client, ensuring no risk of infection.

This procedure requires the application of an olive oil spray inside the ears for 3-5 days prior to your appointment to help soften the ear wax for a more effective treatment result. 

Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation is a traditional method of earwax removal, using warm water. A syringe is used to insert a pressurised flow of warm water, or a water and saline mixture, into the ear. The gentle pressure of warm water allows tissue saturation, whilst the vortex deep cleansing action lifts unwanted earwax to create an overall inside out cleaning action. The procedure may need to be repeated for affective results.  Once the earwax has been successfully removed, a special mopping apparatus is then used to dry the ear canal.

Dual Method
On occasions it may be necessary to use both the ‘Ear Micro-suction’ and the ‘Ear Irrigation’ method to successfully complete the ear wax removal procedure.

Your ear health practitioner will advise you on the most suitable method during the consultation and assessment.

Why have the earwax removal procedure?
Earwax removal procedure may be required where earwax has become impacted. This is also known as cerumen impaction and occurs when earwax accumulates in the ear canal and becomes difficult to expel naturally.

Several factors can contribute to the development of impacted earwax:

• Excessive earwax production
• Inadequate earwax removal
• Ear canal anatomy
• Earwax consistency
• Use of hearing aids or earplugs
• Ageing

If your ears are producing normal amounts of earwax, nothing is likely to happen if it isn’t removed.  However, if you have an excess or buildup of earwax and it’s not removed, ear performance can become affected.  This may result in several symptoms, such as irritation or hearing loss.

Can children have the procedure?
Earwax removal treatments are suitable for all ages.  Under 16’s will require a parent to consent and be present at the appointment.

Does it hurt?
Earwax removal using appropriate techniques should not be painful.  Individuals may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the procedure.  This can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s sensitivity, together with the amount and consistency of the wax.  An existing ear infection, injury, or any other ear condition, may increase the potential for discomfort during the removal process.

How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments required for earwax removal can vary, depending upon individual circumstances.  Most clients find one treatment sufficient to complete the procedure. However, if the earwax is stubborn, deeply impacted or there are underlying ear conditions, a follow up treatment is advised to achieve optimum results.  This is advised to be taken 1 month after the first treatment. In some cases several treatments may be necessary to successfully complete the procedure.

How quickly notice the results?
The hearing and ear related issues will improve immediately after a single treatment.

How long will the results last?
Following treatment, the hearing ear related issues will appear improved for several months, even years. However, this depends on many factors, such as how one cares for the ears post treatment, diet, and lifestyle.

Earwax procedure is best taken on average every 6 months as a preventative measure.

How to book?
You can book over the phone by calling our staff at 0800 1 337 987 or online at www.hearingfirst.co.uk/book. Online bookings currently have a promo that will automatically apply £10 off the price.

Do Not swim, hair wash or wear ear plugs for 3 to 4 days post treatment.

If any irritation is experienced post treatment contact your medical practitioner immediately, as the application of specific ear drops may be required.

How do I properly clean my ears?
Clean the outer part of your ears, the ‘auricle’, with a clean damp washcloth.  Gently wipe the external ear, avoiding inserting the cloth into the ear canal.

If you have excessive or impacted earwax, you can use a few drops of olive oil or spray.  This can help soften the wax and facilitate its natural removal.

Avoid any practices which may cause damage or push earwax further into the ear canal.

Don’t use cotton swabs or objects.  They can push the earwax deeper, potentially leading to impaction or injury to the ear canal or eardrum. 

It is not necessary to clean the ear canal regularly, as it will naturally expel excess earwax.

General Ear Health Assessment 5 – 10 mins – £35
Earwax Removal Procedures 25 mins – £80

Independant Practitioner:

True Hearing Ltd

How to book?
You can book over the phone by calling our staff at 0800 1 337 987 or online at www.hearingfirst.co.uk/book. Online bookings currently have a promo that will automatically apply £10 off the price.