Recent changes within the NHS mean that GP’s are not obliged to remove ear wax and referrals to ENT services mean a long wait and heavy reliance on NHS services.
Excessive ear wax build up can cause symptoms such as reduced hearing, a “blocked” sensation, itching, discomfort or tinnitus. It can also cause hearing aids to whistle and work less effectively.
Darren Jones, our earwax removal specialist, has a 30 year background in healthcare settings. Darren has received recognised training from UK Audiology and Rotherham Ear Care and Audiology. Indemnity and public liability insurances are in place.
We can offer a local, quick, safe service with a minimal waiting time. The treatment is usually completed within 30 minutes and does not always require any preparation.
We use microsuction alongside an endoscope to visualize and safely remove earwax, dry skin and foreign bodies. This treatment is recommended by NICE guidelines. We can also use specialist instruments and a safe variation of traditional ear irrigation (syringing) as required.
Microsuction can be used even in the event of most previous ear conditions including grommets and long term perforated eardrums.
Prices
If you are unsure if you need earwax removal, we offer a visual inspection to check whether earwax is a problem for £25, which is included in any treatment. Wax removal is £55 for one ear, £75 for both ears. If we are unable to remove wax on the first visit, advice and follow up is included.
Evening and weekend appointments are available on request and home visits are available.
Attendance Information
We suggest two nights of olive oil insertion before your appointment. This can be any type of olive oil applied in any way, spoon, pipet etc. We recommend a product called Earol, available at the clinic or in most chemists, which is a fine grade of olive oil in an easy-to-use dispenser. It is best used whilst laying down and applying in each ear separately and allowing it to pool and rest in the ear for 10 minutes. We do not recommend any cotton wool or other type of plug and the oil can be room temperature.
Microsuction is considered a safe procedure, however like all interventions it does have some risk:-
. It can be noisy. It may leave you with a temporary ‘ringing’ ear, similar to having been in a noisy venue. There have been claims that patients have developed tinnitus following the procedure, but this has never been proven.
. It is possible to catch dry skin in the ear, which may cause a small bleed. This is unlikely to be problematic though we treat patients on anticoagulant medication with caution. If bleeding does occur, there is a small chance of infection to the ear, which would require GP intervention.
. Occasionally the treatment may require more than one visit. If this is the case, we will discuss a treatment plan for you and follow up. We only charge once for your treatment though.
The usual clinic room is up three short flights of stairs, however we can easily arrange treatment in a ground floor clinic room on request.