We see adults and children of all ages even those with pre-existing ear conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Please send us a message if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a completely normal bodily product. It is produced in the sebaceous and cerminous glands in the skin of outer one third of the ear canal and helps keep the ear clean by creating a waterproof layer that traps debris. The wax is a combination of the secretions and skin debris, and is slightly acidic to provide natural protection from infection. The ear should be self-cleaning and there is a natural wax “escalator”, pushing it out of the ear so that it should fall out of its own accord.
There can be many reasons including:
- The volume production of wax overcoming the “escalator” mechanism, or the wax becomes too hard or bulky to move. This can be particularly troublesome if the wax is very dry, hence we recommend using olive oil to soften the wax prior to your appointment.
- Some people have very hairy ears that can block the transit if the wax.
- Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis might also affect the ear canal skin leading to a larger debris build up
- You have to wear in-the ear plugs/devices/hearing aids, which may obstruct he natural excretion of the wax
- If you have tried to clear your ear with a Q-tip – this can actually push the wax deeper in the ear, further than the natural cleaning mechanism can manage.
These may include:
- Hearing loss
- Sensation of blockage in the ear
- Experiencing a noise in the ear such as ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Pain in the ear
If your symptoms come on suddenly, particularly one-sided hearing loss or pain, then it is important to see a medical professional urgently. It could simply be wax moving in to a position that blocks the canal, or that some water has got in, swelling the wax that is there.
It could however mean that there is a problem with your inner ear hearing organ, and in the absence of wax you need to be referred to an ENT specialist and have an urgent hearing test and possible treatment.
There’s no easy answer to this other than everyone is different. Factors such as diet, environment, age can affect the wax composition. Sometimes the anatomy of the ear, for example if very narrow, can lead to easier wax build up. Sometime the “escalator” doesn’t function properly and wax can become trapped. This can sometimes be because of previous ear problems or infection.
Yes! We have lots of experience with children as NHS practitioners. We are all fully DBS checked and have up-to-date safeguarding training.
We are the only private provider locally catering to children with ear wax problems.
This is a hard question, every child is different. In our experience it requires lots of reassurance, and a calm and patient approach. Even then, due to the noise and tickling in the ear, some children will not tolerate it. Ensuring their ear wax is soft, by using olive oil prior to the appointment, can help.
Children younger than 4-5 years old generally find it most challenging, and tend to get more tolerant as they get older. We will check the ears first and ensure that microsuction is advised We will provide lots of reassurance, but it helps to have a calm and sensible adult to accompany the patient. If you have a question about microsuction and your child please do contact us.
Acknowledged to be the safest technique, using a microscope or endoscope to visualise the ear is the best way to assess the ear. Suctioning uses air to draw the wax out of your ear, and in our experience has fewer drawbacks than syringing.
Syringing usually does not involve direct visualisation of the ear canal and drum during the procedure, and can also not be used in certain circumstances, for example if you have a hole in the ear drum. It also has a higher rate of incomplete clearance and associated post-procedural infection.
Usually ear microscution is not painful. The light of the microscope can feel warm on the ear. You may feel a pressure in the ear canal as we introduce the instruments, and we may gently pull on the outer ear to improve the view.
You may hear quite a lot of noise and feel a tickling in your ear. Please let us know if you experience any discomfort. Rarely the cooling of the ear canal by suction of the air can make you feel dizzy (caused by a process called the caloric effect).
Ear examination/microsuction may also cause you to cough as a small nerve in the ear is stimulated by the process. This small nerve is connected to a major nerve to your cough mechanism - one of the many reasons we ask you to continue to wear masks and request our clients do also.
Tinnitus: caused by "acoustic trauma" of a loud noise in the ear.olerate it very well. As well as the issues described in the previous question (pain or discomfort, dizziness, coughing) some more rare complications exist:
- Infection: if the canal skin is damaged it can introduce infection.
- Hearing loss: this may be due to a "temporary shift" in the cochlear action potential.
- Tinnitus: caused by "accoustic trauma" of a loud noise in the ear.
- Perforation of the ear drum.
Ear wax can be very dry in some people, and impacted wax tends to be more of this nature. Olive oil softens the wax and makes it generally easier and more comfortable to remove. We would suggest using it daily for 1-2 weeks prior to the appointment. We would recommend using Earol, an olive oil spray, as it is easy to use. Alternatively medical grade olive oil is available in small bottles from pharmacies.
Please note that when using olive oil preparations, they can leak out on to pillows and clothes/bedding. Clarity Ear Care takes no responsibility for any damages to property due to oil staining.
If we find any other issues with your ears we can give you written documentation to take to your GP to instigate treatment, or suggest a referral to the hospital for further investigation or care. We are not in a position to offer this in the community as it stands.
Absolutely not. Putting anything in your ear can push the wax deeper, or scratch the delicate skin lining of the ear. This can lead to worsening symptoms such as pain and potentially infection.
There is no robust scientific evidence to suggest this works, and it carries a risk of burns.
This can happen on occasion and is more likely with hard, dry wax. We recommend using olive oil drops or spray (such as Earol) in the days prior to your appointment to minimise any chance of difficulty. If we are unable to clear your ears completely during your appointment we will arrange a further appointment at no extra cost in the following weeks. We will however take full payment (£80) at the initial appointment.
If we examine your ears and wax is not a problem, we will not charge you the full consultation fee. We charge a minimum fee of £50 per appointment to cover staff and rooming costs.
Clarity Ear Care
The Self Centre, Kempson Way, Moreton Hall, Bury St.Edmunds, IP32 7AR
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