Ear Wax Removal in Johnstone
What is ear wax:
The ear canal is lined with hair follicles and has glands which produce a waxy oil called cerumen (ear wax). The wax is protective, whereby it traps dust and small particles, preventing them to reach and potentially infecting or damaging the ear canal and ear drum. Usually, ear wax moves out of the ear canal naturally and dries up.
Ear wax is natural, the amount made by individuals is determined by genetics. Smaller or differently shaped ear canals, wearing hearing aids, using cotton buds and ear plugs make it harder for the wax to move out of the ear canal naturally and can cause a blockage. This can lead to wax impaction.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Wax Build-Up:
- Hearing loss
- Additional sounds in the ear (Tinnitus)
- Earache
- Ear infections
- Fullness in the ear.
- Itchiness
Treatments to Remove Ear Wax
There are several options to treat ear wax build up:
- Minor ear wax issues can be treated with olive or almond oil drops (purchased from a pharmacy). Using oil drops may initially worsen hearing whilst they block the ear canal, however this is temporary and will soften the ear wax to allow it to fall out naturally.
- Sodium bicarbonate drops may be useful in helping to soften and dissolve the ear wax. This is usually prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist and should not be used for more than 7 days at a time. Your healthcare provider can advise on the use of sodium bicarbonate ear drops.
- Ear irrigation is a painless procedure which pushes water into the ear canal to flush out the embedded wax within the ear canal. Ear irrigation has its own risks, such as trauma to the ear canal and ear drum and the ear canal itself should be left dry, to avoid ear infections and problems with hearing. This should be always performed by an experienced healthcare provider.
- Micro suctioning is a painless procedure which uses a small vacuum to suction out the wax. There is a small risk of ear canal and ear drum trauma, however, an experienced healthcare provider such as a doctor or audiologist will take the care to avoid this and only remove the ear wax.
We will be offering advice on ear care and ear wax removal via the micro suctioning method. This service will be carried out by our experienced Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor and audiologist. Care is taken with all our patients and our ear wax removal team will ensure that this will be a pleasant experience.
For the month of December, we will be offering ear wax removal, via the micro suctioning method for a fee of £50 for both ears. This includes a consultation, ear car advice and ear wax removal.
Register your interest below….