What is ear wax?
Ear wax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides protection against bacteria, fungi, insects, and water. Earwax is supposed to be there and is not unhealthy or dirty. It is a cleaning mechanism for your ear and is produced by little glands deep inside the ear canal. In theory, when these glands produce wax, the natural outward skin migration should push the wax along the ear canal and it should pop out the entrance to your ear.
The most common cause of earwax blockage is attempted at-home removals using cotton swabs, hair pins, and other objects in your ear canal which can all push wax deeper, creating a blockage. Ear wax is the most common cause of both tinnitus and hearing loss.
Ear wax removal Treatments
Generally, ear wax removal treatments are safe to an extent, but some are safer than others and none are safe in the hands of an unqualified person.
Microsuction
Micro-suction is the safest and most-effective method of wax removal. Unlike the traditional methods of ‘syringing’ or ‘irrigation’ which use water; micro suction is an entirely dry procedure that uses a gentle suction to remove the wax. The procedure is completely pain-free and unlike ‘syringing’ and ‘irrigation’ does not necessarily require any pre-treatment with oil or drops. Micro suction ear wax removal is also safe for people who have had middle ear problems especially perforated ear drums and problems with vertigo.
Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation is a routine procedure used to remove excess earwax, or cerumen, and foreign materials from the ear. If for some reason we are unable to offer you the micro suction ear wax removal we will offer wax removal by irrigation. Unlike syringing which is a forced entry of lukewarm water into the ear which can't be regulated for pressure and in some instances cause damage to the ear drum or can cause extreme vertigo. Irrigation is a controlled stream of water that gently flows around the ear canal until the wax is removed. We will always try an offer you micro suction as we can say this is by far the safest form of wax removal.
can ear wax be different from others?
Ear wax can be very dry while some earwax can be wet and sticky. Some earwax can be flaky and stuck to the skin and others can fall into little sticky peace’s as you remove it from the ear.
EAR WAX & Reasons For it Having Removed Frequently
• Different people produce different amounts of wax so some people just have to have their ear wax removed more often.
• Wearing things in your ears so ear wax cant get out such as hearing aids, noise protection and ear phones.
• If you have lots of hair in your ears then the earwax can get stuck and tangled in the hair.
• Narrow ear canals or ear canals that have a very sharp bend in them may accumulate wax more easily
• If you keep putting your finger in your ear and wiggling it to scratch it this can push the wax back in and possible give you an infection.
• Using cotton buds can introduce/ aggravate infections and will push the wax further into the ear canal (don’t do it).
• Dry skin conditions can mean that the wax can sometimes set very hard and are usually more difficult to remove.
• Working environments that have lots of dust or require noise protection.
can using different types of ear drops make your hearing feel worse?
This is one of the most common complaints we hear about ear wax and its problems. Very simply while using drops you are actually adding more content to the ear. Therefore, by using ear drops you are expanding the ear wax in the ear canal which in turn can increase the feeling of a blocked ear. If you're ear wax becomes smooth and runny it may run down your ear onto your ear drum instead of running out your ear like you hoped it would. Ear wax lying on the ear drum will restrict its movement which may cause sudden hearing loss.
Ear drop solutions available
Earol Spray
Earol Spray has a simple yet unique delivery system capable of dispensing a small dose of olive oil into the outer ear. This eliminates the need for the use of cotton wool or a dropper. It's generally applied twice a day when the ear is blocked. You can also use Earol Olive Oil spray once a week to aid ear hygiene and maintain healthy ears. The tapered actuator also ensures limited excess to the ear canal to avoid damage to the delicate mechanisms inside the ear.
Otex Ear Drops
Otex ear drops contain the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide, which helps to soften ear wax. Using Otex can have a side effect of pain in the ears as it can cause adverse skin reactions.
Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops
Sodium bicarbonate ear drops are used to soften dry and hardened earwax. This reduces the need for wax to be physically removed, but also makes ear irrigation easier when removal is necessary. This can sometimes cause dryness in your ear canal.
Micro suction is considered safer than syringing and irrigation
As mentioned, ear wax removal by micro suction involves pulling ear wax from the ear. There no force of water being generated down the ear canal. The main dangers with ear irrigation and ear syringing is the water pushing the wax down your ear drum at speed and damaging your ear drum. The ear drum is only 0.1 mm thick. Your hearing is both precious and delicate and should be taken great care of.
Other real dangers with ear syringing and ear wax irrigation is incorrect water temperature. If the water is too cold, it can create sever dizziness and nausea. Ear syringing and ear irrigation can also more commonly lead to instances cause otitis externa commonly known as an ear infection.
Blocked Ears Do's & Dont's
Don't put your ear health at risk with...
• Cotton buds - are the most dangerous form of ear wax removal as it is a self-performing attempt at ear wax removal. There is extreme risk of damage to your ear drum, ear canal, middle ear bones which
could result in permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Hopi candles- Ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, this involves one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal. There is no evidence that this technique is effective and can actually push earwax deeper into the ear canal. It can also result in burns!
Do see a professional if the drops don't work or you would prefer to have it removed quickly
• Ear syringing and ear irrigation are generally safe but should be avoided if ear microsuction can be performed. Side effects of ear irrigation may include temporary dizziness, ear canal discomfort and tinnitus. The risk of infection is increased with water methods too.
• Micro suction is the generally considered the safest way of removing the wax from the ears by professionals.
Questions Regularly Asked
• Q- What are your opening hours?
• A- We open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
• Q-Where are you based?
• A- 78 Rodney Street L1 9AR
• Q- How much is Micro Suction? (ear wax removal)
• A- One Ear - £50 Two Ears - £70
• Q- How long is the Micro Suction appointment?
• A- 30 minutes
• Q- Do you take card payments?
• A- Yes!
