Ear wax is a common cause of hearing loss. Impacted wax can cause a person to go from normal to mild hearing loss. GPs are no longer offering ear wax removal as a service and waiting times have increased significantly.
Why get ear wax removed?
Reduced hearing ability, caused by a buildup of wax, has strongly been linked to social isolation, reduced independence and social isolation. There has also been a researched correlation between untreated hearing loss and accelerated Alzheimer’s disease.
Good hearing health can improve general health and quality of life.
Symptoms of wax build-up include the following:
- Hearing loss
- Aural fullness
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing in ear)
Don’t suffer in silence!
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CONSULTATION?
- One of our highly trained staff members will inspect the ear canals for signs of wax build up using the Tympa machine.
- If appropriate the wax will be removed by microsuction.
- We will show you digital pictures of your outer ear canal explaining what we see and what the problem is.
- After your procedure we will show how you ear looks once your ear wax has been removed! You can also have these pictures emailed to you.
- If you have something more complicated we will send you ear pictures to Tympa health who have a ENT doctor review these cases and offer advice.
This happens each week and so we can confidently advise on whether you need referral to ENT or not.
- If your wax is too hard and we cannot get it all out, we will see you again in 7 days at No extra charge.
- Please note if no micro suctioning is required we will charge a consultation fee of £30.
Microsuction is considered to be safer and more effective compared to ear syringing, as it avoids touching the sensitive skin of the ear canal and will have no contact with the eardrum. This means that the risk of infection is reduced, as is the small risk of eardrum perforation with ear syringing or ear irrigation.
- This treatment is suitable for anyone 16 years of age and over
- We offer a 45 minute appointment.
- You MUST use Olive Oil ear drops or Earol Spray in both ears for 7 days before your procedure.
- The olive oil softens the wax so that we can remove it easily.
- Please only use these sterile olive oil products as other ear drops may make the wax removal more difficult.
- If the ear wax is still too hard we advise using olive oil ear spray or drops and that you return after 7 days to have the remaining ear wax removed.
If no wax is present we will provide advice on what could be causing your ear pain or hearing loss, or we can refer to your GP as appropriate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What do I need to do to prepare for my private ear wax removal procedure?
- You will need to soften the ear wax before your appointment by putting some Olive oil in each ear at night for at least 7 days. This softens the ear wax so that it will glide out easily and not cause an abrasion to the ear canal.
- If the wax if hard and dry it is very difficult to remove and can be painful.
2. How long does private ear wax removal procedure take?
- We offer a 45 minute private ear wax removal appointment which includes pre-procedure consultation and post procedure after care advice.
3. I have a hearing aid fitted. Can I still get private ear wax removal?
- Microsuctioning is perfectly safe for people who have hearing aids fitted. The trained staff member will offer any advice needed.
4. How much does it cost?
- We offer a cost for one ear £50 and a discounted cost for two ears at £65. Please note that if no microsutcioning is required a consultation fee of £30 will be charged.
5. Do I pay on the day or online?
- Using our online booking system a fee of £30 will be taken, this will be used to confirm your appointment and will cover the cost of consultation should no micro-suctioning be required.
- Additional fees of £20 for one ear or £35 for two ears will be charged after completion of the ear wax removal. These can be paid by cash or card in the Pharmacy on the day of the appointment.
6. How many people can be seen per appointment?
- We can only facilitate the consultation of one patient per appointment.
