Ear Wax Removal
We offer expert ear wax removal at our Daventry clinic, with appointments available most days for quick relief. With our 5-star Google rating you can trust that our staff are highly trained in the safe and effective care of your ears.
What are the symptoms of blocked ears?
Hearing loss
When ear wax builds up your hearing can become muffled. This often starts for just a few minutes at a time but can get worse if the wax is not cleared promptly.
Itchy ears
When wax builds up it can trap moisture, dry skin or allergens in your ear canal, irritating the skin.
Tinnitus
Many people experience a rining, buzzing or rushing noise when their ears are blocked, which often disappears completely once the wax is cleared.
Dizziness
When your ear is fully blocked with wax the pressure of this blockage can cause vertigo or a feeling of genearal unsteadiness.
Earache
If you leave a wax blockage for too long, or try to clear it yourself at home, the wax may shift and touch your eardrum, which is very sensitive.
Pressure
A feeling of pressure or fullness in your ear is a common symptom of ear wax build up.
How is ear wax removed?
At Zest Hearing Care we offer wax removal by microsuction, irrigation and manual removal. Our clinicians are fully trained and will work with you to select the safest and most comfortable method. This will depend on any relevant medical history you may have, as well as the type and position of your ear wax.
There are three possible methods of ear wax removal that may be used:
Microsuction
Microsuction wax removal is a comfortable, effective method of wax removal that involves using a small tube to “vacuum” the wax or debris out of your ears.
For most people this method is better for your ears than the more traditional method of irrigation, particularly if you are prone to ear infections or have had perforated ear-drums in the past.
Irrigation
Wax removal by irrigation is often called “syringing”. However, it is a much safer method than the older version and no syringes are used!
During this procedure, a thin stream of body temperature water is directed into the ear canal. This flushes the ear wax out of the ear canal.
Manual removal
Manual ear wax removal is most suitable for loose ear wax that is close to the entrance to your ear canal. During manual ear wax removal, a tool is used to gently hook the wax out of your ear.
Common questions about wax removal
Most people never need to have their ears cleaned becuase their ears are self-cleaning. However if you produce a lot of wax, or have narrow ear canals, you may need to have your ears cleaned every few months. At your first appointment with us your audiologist will take a full history and examine your ears to give you advice for your specific needs.
Once your ear is blocked with wax there is no safe method of removing this wax yourself. Because you can’t see into your own ears it’s much more likely that you will end up pushing the wax deeper into your ear, or even accidentally doing some damage.
The symptoms of ear wax blockage can also be caused by other more serious conditions such as ear infections, or sudden hearing loss. For this reason it’s important that you see a professional to examine your ears when you experience problems, to make sure that you receive safe and effective treatment for your specific situation.
For most people ear wax removal is possible without the use of drops beforehand.
If you feel that you would like to use drops before your appointment we would recommend an olive-oil spray, such as Earol, which has been designed for use in your ears. Using this daily for 2-3 days before your appointment can loosen the wax to make the procedure easier and more comfortable.
If you are experiencing any pain in your ears, or have ever been told that you have had a perforated eardrum, please do not use any drops since these can increase the risk of developing an ear infection.
Pricing
Ear Wax Removal for Both Ears
£80A hearing health check and second appointment if required are included at no extra chargeEar Wax Removal for One Ear
£60A hearing health check and second appointment if required are included at no extra chargeNo Ear Wax Found
£40If no wax is found in your ears your audiologist will instead perform a hearing screen to assess the underlying health of your ears and hearing.Paediatric Ear Wax Removal
£80Wax removal appointments for children aged 16 and under are charged at a flat fee