Your reliable ear wax removal service in Gloucestershire
Excessive ear wax affects 1 in 15 people in the UK and can every so often be confused with hearing loss. Some common symptoms of excessive ear wax are pain, itching of the ear, ringing (Tinnitus), feeling bunged up, dizziness and hearing loss.
Ear wax is part of our body's natural defence system. It helps to prevent infections of the ear and catches foreign objects which may enter the ear such as dust or debris. Whereas small amounts of ear wax is usually fine and helps to maintain healthy ear canals, excessive build up can lead to the ear being blocked, thus reducing hearing capabilities.
To avoid long term damage to the ear, it is recommended that wax removal should not be attempted at home. Usually this leads to pushing the ear wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing further hearing loss and pain, whilst making it more difficult to remove. Avoid self-made ear wax removal methods at all costs!
Book your microsuction ear wax removal treatment in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and surrounding areas by a qualified specialist today!
How does ear wax removal work?
Your ear wax removal appointment should take around 20 minutes however, we always allow plenty of additional time for each appointment.
Having support present is certainly not necessary (unless the patient is under 18 years of age and will then need to be accompanied by their legal guardian) but we do welcome friends or family members to be present during the appointment if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Before commencing with any treatment, we will ask you some simple questions to get a better understanding of your past and present ear health followed by a thorough examination of your ear canals so that we can determine the most appropriate course of action to remove the ear wax safely and comfortably. All procedures will be fully explained to you prior to your treatment so that you understand how it works and what you as the patient can expect to hear and feel.
If, when inspecting your ears, we find that there is no wax present, we can advise on GP or ENT referral and where necessary, provide you with documentation and images of any abnormalities.
If (for peace of mind or just curiosity) you would like to see a video or image of your ear canals before and / or after wax removal, please just ask as we are able to do this.
Once you are happy to proceed, we will commence with your ear wax removal treatment but if, during your treatment you would like to ask any questions or raise any concerns, simply request that we stop so that the technician can address any issue for you.
When we have finished your treatment, a final inspection will be performed to ensure that all of the wax has been removed and the ear is healthy in appearance. We will advise on any post treatment aftercare if required.
If, for any reason we are unable to remove all of the wax safely in one session, further oiling may be required and a continuation appointment will be made at no additional cost to yourself.
Ear wax removal treatments
Microsuction
wax removal
Microsuction is a clean, efficient, safe and pain free method of wax removal. No water is used during the process which therefore, significantly reduces the risk of infection and is especially beneficial for any patient that may have perforated or previously perforated eardrums whereby water irrigation is not a viable option. Microsuction ear wax removal is undertaken using a microscope (or microscopic glasses) which allows the professional to see exactly where the wax is. A fine tube connected to a medical grade suction device is then utilised to make contact with the ear wax and gently remove it from the ear canal.
Water Irrigation
(Ear syringing)
Using a piece of equipment called an ear irrigator, the professional can gently flush a solution that has been warmed to body temperature around the ear canal to remove the ear wax. This is a particularly useful procedure if the ear wax is too soft and gooey to be extracted with microsuction or if the wax is too deep and close to the ear drum. Once the wax is completely removed, the ear canal is then dry mopped and it is strongly recommended that the patient keep their ear dry for 5-7 days following the procedure to significantly reduce the risk of any infection occurring.
Manual wax removal
(Dry removal)
Ear wax can be gently removed using microscopic glasses (Loupes), and extraction tools such as Jobson Hornes and forceps. This method is often useful to dislodge any ear wax that may be too dry for water irrigation to flush out or microsuction to latch on to. Oiling your ears 3-5 days prior to the appointment normally softens the wax enough for microsuction or water irrigation to be successful without the need for manual extraction.
"Having first discussed your hearing health and subject to a thorough examination of your ears to determine the level of wax build up, we will recommend the most appropriate method of treatment to suit your individual requirements. All treatment options will be clearly explained prior to any wax removal taking place in order for you to make your own informed decisions."
Call 01452 561043 to book your appointment today
