Safe and comfortable Ear Wax Removal in West Wales & South Wales. With in-clinic appointments in Swansea. By experienced and caring Audiologists.

When thinking of ear wax, think of it as our bodies natural ear protector.

Earwax, also referred to as cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted by the glands in the skin of the ear canal known as the sebaceous and ceruminous glands. It is a natural protector of our ears, trapping dirt and debris, and stopping them from reaching further into the ear and harming structures such as the ear drum. Earwax is essential to our ears' health; it is a natural defence mechanism that prevents infections and keeps our hearing sharp.

Earwax is mainly composed of dead skin cells and other substances that are produced in the ear canal. The body continually produces earwax, which tends to dry up and flake away on its own. However, in some people, the wax accumulates in the ear and causes blockages or discomfort. In such situations, professional earwax removal is necessary.

What is the significance of earwax?

Earwax is incredibly important in keeping our ears healthy by protecting them from foreign objects like dust, sand, dirt and small organisms like spiders, worms and cockroaches. It is essential to our hearing health as it prevents the accumulation of water and moisture in the ear canal, reducing the risk of infections.

Moreover, earwax is known to be slightly acidic and have antimicrobial properties that protect the delicate skin of the ear canal from exposure to harmful fungi and bacteria.

Symptoms of excessive earwax

While earwax is crucial to our ear health, excessive earwax can lead to various earwax blockage symptoms. This can include:

- Earache
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Partial hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Itching or drainage around the ear
- Bad odour from the ear
- Coughing
- Fever (if the blockage has not been tended to, it can lead to an infection, resulting in fever)
- Vertigo (a sense of being unbalanced that can lead to dizziness and nausea)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to see a Hearing Care Specialist (Audiologist) or an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT Specialist) as soon as possible. We can identify the symptoms of excessive earwax build-up and recommend a suitable treatment plan. Click Here to get in touch or to book an appointment.

Who has a higher chance of developing an ear wax blockage?

Earwax blockage can happen to anyone and at any age. However if you have the following you are more prone to ear wax blockages:

• Those who use hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds.
• Have a lot of hair in their outer ear or ear canals
• Have certain skin conditions like dermatitis (eczema).
• People who push cotton buds or other items into their ears.
• People who are over the age of 50.
• Have mental or physical health issues or developmental disabilities.
• Have narrow, protruding or irregularly-shaped ear canals that interfere with the natural movement of ear wax.

Different Earwax Removal Procedures

Earwax is designed to move to the outer part of our ear canal and fall off on its own naturally. However, if earwax accumulates and blocks the ear canal, it may be necessary to remove it.

Cotton buds or other sharp objects are not recommended, as they can push the wax deeper into the ear or even damage the ear canal.

Audiologists and ENT Doctors use many different methods of ear wax removal, such as:

• Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal
• Microsuction
• Syringing/Irrigation
• Manual Removal

Please see the section ‘More Treatments for Ear Wax Removal - Microsuction, Irrigation & Manual Ear Wax Removal’ to learn more about these procedures.

While these methods of earwax treatment are safe, it's essential to make sure you don't have any underlying ear conditions like a ruptured eardrum or ear infection that may require a different approach or a combination of treatments.

It’s important to remember that earwax plays a crucial role in keeping our ears healthy and free from infection. If you have symptoms of excessive earwax, please book an appointment by calling us or clicking here

ENDOSCOPIC EAR WAX REMOVAL IS PERFORMED IN A CLINICAL SETTING BY A TRAINED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, SUCH AS A HEARING CARE SPECIALIST (AUDIOLOGIST) OR AN ENT SPECIALIST.

If you would like, as we conduct the procedure; we are able to record the treatment from beginning to end so that you can watch what has been performed in your ears. Most patients find this helpful as it allows them to see the condition of their own ear canals, the blockage, and the ear drum pre and post-treatment.

Here is the typical procedure for Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal performed at your Home:

1. Preparation:

Your Audiologist will first review your patient medical history and conduct a physical examination of your ears to ensure there are no contra-indications to the procedure. If the ear wax requires, then we may use an ear drop solution to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. You will be typically seated in a chair or on an examination table.

2. Endoscopy:

A small, firm, endoscope will then be inserted into the ear canal to provide a clear view of the ear wax. The endoscope has a torch and tiny camera attached to it that provides real-time images of the ear canal, which allows your hearing care specialist to identify and locate the ear wax precisely. Also, if you would like, once we’ve entered your ear; we will begin recording the procedure for you to watch post treatment.

3. Microsuction:

A Microsuction probe is then used to remove the blockage, which is gently dislodged and suctioned out of the ear canal. The process is repeated as necessary to ensure that all earwax or blockages have been removed.

4. Evaluation:

Once the blockage has been removed, the hearing care professional will examine the ear canal again using the endoscope to ensure the ear canal is clear. We will also stop recording the video and play it back for you at this point.

5. Post treatment care:

You may be given aftercare instructions to follow, such as to avoid water from entering the ear for a few hours.

More advice will be given on how to take care of your ears and how to reduce excess ear wax build up again.

Prices

Mobile Home Visit Ear Wax Removal £120

In-Clinic Ear Wax Removal (weekdays) £60

Mobile Home Visit Ear Wax Removal (more than one hour drive/two hours round trip from the clinic)

– please call us on 01792 981742 or fill in our contact us form and we’ll come back to you.

We do not charge extra for removing ear wax from both ears.

Depending on the appointment type and distance, we can usually see you on the same day, next day or within the week.

ENDOSCOPIC EAR WAX REMOVAL (ENDOSCOPIC MICROSUCTION) IS PROVEN TO BE THE SAFEST, GENTLEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE METHOD OF EAR WAX REMOVAL

Most patients experience minimal discomfort or pain during the procedure, and there is no need for local anaesthesia or sedation.

Benefits of Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal include:

1. Safe and minimally invasive:

Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve any incisions or cutting.

2. High accuracy:

The endoscope provides an accurate view, making it easier for the specialist to remove earwax buildup or other obstructions with precision. 3. High success rate: Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal is highly effective in removing earwax compared to other earwax removal methods.

3.Improved hearing:

As the blockage is removed, sound waves can flow better in your ear canals to your eardrum and the rest of the hearing system, resulting in improved hearing.

4. Reduction of ear pain or discomfort:

The presence of excess ear wax puts pressure on our sensitive ear canals resulting in ear pain and discomfort, having had this removed, it takes away the accompanying pain and discomfort.

5. Risk of ear trauma are significantly reduced:

Using the endoscopes camera, the structures of the ear canal are kept ‘in-sight’ and the ear wax is removed under direct supervision at all times, which is not the case with ear syringing or ear irrigation as they are performed ‘blindly’.

6.Removal of ear wax blockage that can lead to ear infections:

If the ear wax blockage remains in the ear canal for too long, it can become a breeding ground for infections. By removing the blockage, the chances of ear infection is reduced.

Risks of the procedure are minimal, but they include:

1. Discomfort:

In a small number of cases and as with other forms of ear wax removal, the patient may experience some mild discomfort, temporary hearing loss, as well as temporary tinnitus or some temporary balance issues due to the caloric effect. But, this is typically resolved within a few hours.

2. Bleeding:

There is a slight risk of bleeding, especially in the case of patients who take anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin and Apixaban or anti-platelet drugs such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel. This is a risk with all ear wax removal procedures, especially manual removal.

3. Infection:

Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection resulting from the procedure. To reduce the risk, we utilise clean tools and equipment throughout the treatment and advise patients to take good care of their ears after the procedure. This is a must with all ear wax removal techniques.

It is advisable to discuss any concerns or questions about any procedures with your Audiologist before the treatment.

We can perform these procedures as and when required. However due to the safety and superiority of Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal, that is always the first point of call.

Depending on the type and consistency of your ear wax, we may need to utilise a combination of one of these procedures along with Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal to extract the blockage out of the ear.

Below we will discuss:

• Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
• Irrigation/Syringing Ear Wax Removal
• Manual Ear Wax Removal

Microsuction:

Microsuction (without Endoscopy) involves the use of a small, low-pressure suction device to gently and safely remove the wax without the need for water or any other liquid. This method is commonly used by ear specialists whilst wearing loupes, and it's typically preferred over other methods like ear syringing, irrigation or manual removal, which can be more invasive and carry a higher risk of complications. Microsuction is a quick, painless, and highly effective way to free the ears of blockage.

Irrigation/Syringing:

Of the water based ear wax removal procedures, Irrigation is safer than syringing. You will need to use ear drops for 10-14 days prior to the procedure to soften the wax before treatment. Using a safe and effective irrigator, we provide a gentle treatment to remove ear wax build-up, delivering just the right amount of water at the right temperature and pressure through an angled probe. The ear wax will then be flushed out and collected in a basin. Although it is an effective treatment, we do not recommend this if you’ve had ear surgery, an ear infection or a perforated ear drum.

Manual Removal:

If you have narrow, protruding or irregularly-shaped ear canals or very dry or very moist wax, we will suggest undergoing manual hooking removal, a tender process that incorporates the use of endoscopes, operating loupes and lit curettes to help us see into your ear canal. Using manual hooks, tools and forceps, our experts carefully and quietly remove the blockages to give you relief.

Conveniently located in Swansea, our independent clinic serves clients throughout South Wales.

In addition to our clinic appointments, we offer mobile home visits across a wide area, including Cardiff, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Maesteg, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Barry, Penarth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Pontypool, Newport Gwent, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Vale of Glamorgan, Cwmbran, Blackwood, and Abergavenny.

We cover all SA, CF & NP postcodes, ensuring that quality hearing care is easily accessible to all.