Ear Wax Removal

As an Acupuncturist, I have frequently encountered patients with ear issues such as dizziness and vertigo and upon referring to a GP or for ear wax removal, I found that some patients got stuck in a cycle of appointments and further referrals.  I therefore decided to undergo a course to become an NHS medically trained ear wax removal specialist to undertake ‘routine’ ear wax removals. I am also able to check for issues ranging from obvious ear wax build up to being able to provide an ear health check.  You don’t need to have acupuncture!  You can have the ear wax removal service as a stand-alone treatment.

Treatment is available for adults and children 13 years and up.

Ear wax buildup can cause a variety of symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo, earache and the feeling of blocked ears.

Tinnitus

The perception of a sound such as ringing, whooshing, hissing, throbbing, humming or buzzing in the ears. This perception of sound comes from inside the body and does not have an outside source.

Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of the room spinning around you or that you are spinning around the room and the room is stationary.

Earache

This is a common and often temporary condition.

Blocked ears

A feeling of fullness that can make it difficult to hear and may also affect your balance.

What to expect

Please note, In some instances where the position of the ear wax is in the last third of the ear canal and therefore is not considered to be a ‘routine’ wax removal, I can use water irrigation in the procedure. Irrigation involves a constant low pressure of water that is at body temperature to gently wash the wax from the ears.  This method is generally suitable for all patients, except for the following:

• You are unable to sit still for the procedure
• Any mucoid discharge in the last year
• Ear drum perforation or recent history of ear drum perforation
• An untoward experience in the past following ear irrigation
• You have undergone any form of ear surgery
• Grommets are in place
• You have a mastoid cavity
• You have a cleft palate (repaired or not)
• Recent or recurrent middle ear infections

Unless the ear wax is not fully removed by irrigation, microsuction can be used to remove the ear wax from the ear canal once the ear wax has become accessible and within reach of the microsuction device i.e., the ear wax is within two-thirds of the latter part of the ear canal. Microsuction involves a small suction device that uses dry, low-pressure suction to remove ear wax. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I book an appointment?

The ‘book now’ option is the easiest and quickest way to make the appointment, however, if you would prefer to book via telephone / whatsapp / email, the details are as follows:

Telephone / Whatsapp: 07414 231235

Email: jwestacupuncture@yahoo.com

You will be required to complete a short medical history questionnaire prior to the appointment which will be sent to you, you can bring the completed questionnaire with you or please arrive 5 minutes prior to complete on the day.

How and when do I pay?

Payment can be taken by card or cash on the day of treatment and after the treatment has completed.

Who can be treated?

Adults and children from 13 years upwards. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the treatment room.

What is ear wax?

Ear wax (cerumen) is produced by the glands in the ear canal and acts as a protective barrier against debris or dust, it moisturises the ear canal preventing the canal from becoming cracked or dry and it also cleans the canal by moving the earwax out of the ear canal, carrying with it any trapped debris or materials out of the ear.  Excessive buildup or impacted (wedged or lodged) ear wax can cause ear ache/pain, the feeling of blocked ears, vertigo or tinnitus.

Do I need to use oil prior to removal?

To ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible, the ear wax should be made soft by using softening solutions such as Earol spray a few days prior to the appointment (please follow the manufacturer’s instructions).  However, this is not mandatory and if you haven’t used a spray or drops, you should still attend.  If you suspect you have a perforated ear drum, do not use any solution in your ears and consult your GP.

How is the ear wax removed?

I offer ‘routine removals’ that are safe, fast and pain-free to remove ear wax build-up.

Please note, in some instances where the position of the ear wax is in the last third of the ear canal and therefore is not considered to be a ‘routine’ wax removal, I can use water irrigation in the procedure. Irrigation involves a constant low pressure of water that is at body temperature to gently wash the wax from the ears.  This method is generally suitable for all patients, except for the following:

• You are unable to sit still for the procedure
• Any mucoid discharge in the last year
• Ear drum perforation or recent history of ear drum perforation
• An untoward experience in the past following ear irrigation
• You have undergone any form of ear surgery
• Grommets are in place
• You have a mastoid cavity
• You have a cleft palate (repaired or not)
• Recent or recurrent middle ear infections

Unless the ear wax is not fully removed by irrigation, microsuction can be used to remove the ear wax from the ear canal once the ear wax has become accessible and within reach of the microsuction device i.e., the ear wax is within two-thirds of the latter part of the ear canal. Microsuction involves a small suction device that uses dry, low-pressure suction to remove ear wax. 

Manual removal can be used in certain situations.

Is it painful?

Ear wax removal generally is not painful but you may experience mild, light suction or water flow.  If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, just let me know and I will make adjustments or pause the treatment.

What does it feel like afterwards?

It is normal for your ears to go through a short period of adjustment after ear wax removal. You may experience the following:

• A mild sensitivity, a light crackling, a slight ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a temporary dullness in hearing or a feeling of fullness (such as your ears feeling blocked again) all of which should resolve within 1 to 2 days. 
• You may notice a ‘whooshing’ sensation or louder or sharper sounds.  This is normal and it is your body readjusting to the lack of wax that was removed that had previously muffled your hearing.  These should resolve within 1 to 2 days.
• If you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain or prolonged discomfort, dizziness or discharge from the ear, contact your GP or ENT Specialist.

For the first day or so, it is good to keep away from noisy environments as your ears will be sensitive and to avoid swimming as this can introduce bacteria into your ear canals which could cause an infection.

What if no wax is found?

If no wax is found, a £25 consultation fee applies which covers my time and the ear health assessment.

How long does it take?

Appointments usually last 30 minutes but please allow for longer. 

Can I change or cancel my appointment?

Changes or cancellations can be made up to 24 hours prior to the appointment. Late cancellations or ‘no show’ patients will be charged £25 to cover the missed time in clinic.

Are home visits available?

Currently, home visits are not available.

If required, can you liaise with my GP or ENT specialist?

Yes, if an issue is observed that requires medical attention, I will provide this information directly.