FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions I get about my ear wax removal service.
Yes – Olive oil drops/sprays will help soften the wax and help with the removal. Please aim to oil twice a day for 3 days if possible.
Please note that if you have a known perforation in your ear drum you should not use oil and should aim to always keep your ears dry to avoid infections.
Wax removal should not be painful. However, if the wax is dry and adhered to the skin of the ear canal it can be a little uncomfortable. Treating the wax with Olive oil before the appointment will greatly reduce this happening.
Between 20 to 40 minutes depending on whether it is one ear or both and if you choose to do a complimentary hearing screen.
Anyone over the age of 18. Those under 18 will need to be referred by a GP as a paediatric ENT case. Only specialised clinicians in the paediatric field are allowed to perform this.
Yes – Credit or debit cards are accepted, as well as bank transfers.
If you have a known current infection then it will need to be treated and then be infection free for 6 weeks.
No – Anyone with the following should not receive irrigation for safety reasons:
- A perforated eardrum
- Ear surgery
- Cleft palate
- Grommets inserted in the last 18 months
- Pain in or around the middle ear
- Mucus discharge from the ears
- Infection from your ears or treatment for this in the last 6 weeks
- Have experienced previous problems with irrigation ie. pain or severe vertigo
It does depend on the individual, but annually for those that have recurring wax issues is wise (or if your hearing has changed). However, hearing aid users are usually in need of removals every 6 months. Wax can cause the hearing aids to not work to their full potential and often clog the domes and wax filters. If you struggle to hear your hearing aids jingle when you turn them on, you likely have wax that needs removing.