Ear wax removal £60 per person
Why choose The Skipton Audiologist for your ear wax removal?
Registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council.
All methods of wax removal available.
Microsuction
Irrigation
Instrumentation
What are the different methods of wax removal?
There are 3 methods of ear wax removal:
MIcrosuction – This is a small vacuum that sucks the ear wax out. We use a magnified headset when carrying out this procedure
Irrigation – This method uses warm water under controlled pressure to flush out ear wax from the ear canal.
Manual Extraction – some wax can be removed with special tools whilst observing with the lighted headset.
What is ear wax and is it normal to have ear wax?
Earwax is a natural substance comprising dead cells, cerumen, sebum, and external particles like dirt or cosmetics.
Its functions include cleaning, lubricating, and protecting the ear canal by trapping debris, repelling water, and inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth due to its acidity.
Normally, natural jaw movements facilitate earwax elimination, but disruptions in this mechanism can lead to wax retention and possible impaction.
It’s incredible how such a simple substance plays such an important role in ear health!
Why do some people need ear wax removal?
Some people need earwax removal because their natural elimination mechanism—through jaw movement—may not be effective. Here are a few common reasons:
Impacted wax: Wax can accumulate and become impacted, causing discomfort, hearing loss, or even pain. This is more common if you push things like cotton buds into your ears regularly.
Excessive production: Some individuals produce more earwax than average, leading to blockage.
Narrow ear canals: If the ear canals are naturally smaller or shaped differently, wax may have difficulty exiting.
Use of devices: Wearing hearing aids, earbuds, or other in-ear devices can push wax deeper into the canal.
Age: Older adults may have harder or drier wax, making it less likely to exit naturally.
Are there any risks associated with ear wax removal?
Yes.
The British Society of Audiology Guidance on Aural Care published in 2021 states:
Your Aural Care Practitioner has undertaken training in wax removal and will use best-practice
procedures to minimise any risk of harm. However, even when performed with the utmost care, there
are risks involved in wax removal.
These risks include:
• damage to skin of the ear canal or the ear-drum during the procedure
• infection of the ear canal or other ear structures following the procedure
• temporary reduction in hearing
• permanent reduction in hearing
• temporary dizziness and (rarely) possible sickness or fainting
• triggering of new tinnitus or temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus
• temporary irritation to the throat, especially if already dry, tickly or sensitive.
You will be asked to sign a consent form during your appointment that asks you if you understand these risks and are happy to go ahead with the procedure. You can ask your Audiologists to clarify any information at your appointment before you go ahead.
You can view the full consent and history form we use here: 24 wax history and consent
How do you choose the best method for my ear wax removal?
The method we choose often relates to questions in your history form, which is why we like to go through this with you.
For example we would not use water if you have had a hole in your ear drum. We may choose to use irrigation if you are on a blood thinner as this can be gentler than microsuction procedures.
We often say it depends on the position of the wax and the type of wax, is it soft or hard for example, but we will tell you why we are choosing a method and try to accommodate any preferences you have whilst undertaking the safest procedure for your ears.
Should I use ear drops before I attend?
Although not always needed pre-treatment wax softeners, for up to 5 days beforehand can be used. We recommend a simple olive oil spray like Earol or olive oil drops. These drops can expand the wax and may make your ear feel more blocked. It is important that you instil the drops or spray correctly if you are going to use them.
It is advisable to buy a bottle of olive oil and ‘dropper’ or Earol from your local pharmacist, you can also purchase Earol from our clinic.
Most patients find that applying 1-2 drops at night, for 3-4 nights prior to an appointment, is helpful for wax removal.
If you have continued problems with excessive wax it may be beneficial to use 1-2 drops of olive oil each week. This will not stop wax collecting, but will make removal easier.
Procedure.
1) Lie down on your side with the affected ear upwards.
2) Gently pull the outer ear backwards and upwards.
3) Using room temperature olive oil and the dropper or spray, drop 1-2 drops in the ear canal and gently massage the area in front of the ear.
4) Remain lying down for 10 minutes and then wipe away
any excess oil.
DO NOT put any cotton wool in your ear canal as this will absorb the oil.
5) Repeat the procedure with the opposite ear if necessary.