Frequently Asked Questions

What is ear wax?

Ear wax (or cerumen) is naturally produced within our ear canals forming a protective coating. It can become troublesome if your ears produce too much wax, have narrow ear canals or wear hearing aids. This can lead to itchiness, earache, or you may experience the sensation of blocked ears or even hearing loss.

Many people try to manage excessive wax problems themselves without seeking help. Often this results in the wax being pushed further into the ear canals and causing hearing loss and pain if pressed too close to the tympanic membrane (the ear drum).

 

Who and what conditions do we treat?

We are happy to treat both children (above the age of 4 years) and adults. As Prescribing Nurse Practitioners we can privately prescribe medications for troublesome ear conditions as needed. Please contact us to discuss your individual needs.

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Methods of wax removal

At the start of the consultation, we will examine your ear canals with use of a microscope or otoscope and discuss with you the best method of wax removal.

Factors to consider:

·  Current medication

·  Previous wax removal experience

·  The presence of any healed or new ear drum perforations

·  Active ear infection?

·  Abnormalities of the ear canal

·  Previous ear surgery

·  An acute sensitivity to sound

·  Patient’s ability to keep their head still

·  A patient’s ongoing hearing

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Microsuction – this method uses air suction (a vacuum) and a continuous view of the ear canal with a microscope to gently remove ear wax from the canals.

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Irrigation – the use of a controlled jet of warm water and a light source to gently wash the wax out from the ear canal.

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Instrumentation – employing the use of specialist tools to remove the wax without the need for microsuction or irrigation.