LN AESTHETICS
Ear Wax Removal
Ear Wax Removal
Patient Information – Self Treatment Of Ear Wax
Please do not attempt to self-treat if any of the following apply to you:
- Pain in the ear
- A history of ear drum perforation in the affected ear
- A recent history of an ear infection in the affected ear
- Symptoms of infection in the ear – usually pain or a smelly discharge
- If you have an offensive discharge or bleeding from the ear (this may mean you have an ear infection)
- If you only have one hearing ear which is the affected ear
- Previous ear surgery on the affected ear
- Sudden deafness or buzzing
- Foreign bodies in the ear
- Dizziness
*If you experience any of the above, you should seek advice from your GP or your Practice Nurse.*
Ear Syringing/Ear Care
If there is a build-up of wax in your ear(s) please read the following self-help guide as you may not need an appointment.
What is ear wax?
Ear wax is normal and is produced to form a protective coating over the skin in the ear canal. Ears are normally self-cleaning – the movement of your jaw whilst eating and talking helps to move the wax along the canal where it will usually fall out naturally without you noticing.
Why is my ear blocked with wax?
The amount of ear wax produced varies from person to person; some people produce excessive amounts which can lead to a blockage in the ear canal.
You are more likely to develop a blockage of wax in the ear canal if you:
- Use cotton ear buds to clean the ear as this pushes the wax deeper into the canal
- Wear a hearing aid, ear plugs or use in-ear speakers for i-pods or similar – as these can all interfere with the natural process of wax expulsion
- Have abnormally narrow ear canals
- Have a particularly hairy ear canal
- Are elderly – because the ear wax you produce is drier and harder
- Have a dry skin problem such as eczema or psoriasis
Advice to help you manage and precent ear wax blockage:
Ear wax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, discomfort or if your Health professional requires a clear view of your ear drum.
Olive oil drops
The following needs to be done 2 – 3 times daily for 14 days:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear uppermost
- Pull the outer ear gently backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal
- Put 2-3 drops of olive oil into the affected ear(s) and gently massage just in front of the ear
- Stay laying on your side to allow the wax to soak in for around 10 mins
- Afterwards, wipe away any excess oil but do not plug your ear with cotton wool as this simply absorbs the oil.
Your hearing problem may initially worsen after first starting to use the olive oil drops; this is why we advise you to concentrate on treating one ear at a time if both ears are blocked with wax.
In most cases, after 14 days, the wax will have softened sufficiently to encourage the wax to come out without further intervention. However, if you feel your hearing is impaired, please make an appointment with your GP or Practice Nurse for further advice and management.
Sodium bicarbonate eardrops can be used as an alternative to olive oil, but may be slightly more expensive.
Should I use cotton buds in my ears?
Never use cotton buds in your ears! This pushes the wax further into the ear making it worse. It can also cause ear infections and damage the ear drum.
Ear Syringing
Ear syringing is only usually considered if the above recommendations have proved to be unsuccessful. Ear wax needs to be softened as above for 5-7 days before attempting to syringe. Although the risks are low and our nurses are specially trained to perform this procedure, there is still a small change (thought to be around 1 in 1000) of complications occurring – such as a perforated ear drum, middle ear infection, external canal infection or causing ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
If your ears are regularly becoming blocked with wax, after clearing the blockage we will usually suggest you use olive oil drops as above around once per week to keep the wax soft and encourage the natural process of wax expulsion.
What is the treatment?
ELECTRONIC WATER BASED IRRIGATION
Warm water is used to flush the earwax from the ear canal. This dislodges the softened plug which then falls out with the water into a receiver.
How much does it cost?
Clinic appointment- £45. If no wax is present a £15 consultation fee will be charged.
PRICES
Ear Wax Removal
Clinic appointment- £45 for consultation and 1 ear.
* If no wax is present a £15 consultation fee will be charged.
*No extra charge if the additional ear needs doing
Book An Appointment
Or call 07825 059006