MICROSUCTION EAR WAX REMOVAL
TOP 10 QUESTIONS I HEAR FROM PATIENTS
FAQ
Will it hurt?
For the majority of customers, Ear wax removal doesn't cause any pain and can actually be quite a satisfying experience. However I always want to ensure my patients do feel at ease.
Isn't ear wax good for you?
You can have too much of a good thing! An Ear canal blocked up with ear wax can cause infections, earaches, deafness, a sensation of fullness in the ear, tinnitus and other problems. It's important to get your ears checked regularly by a trained and experienced professional to perform an ear health check.
How does it work?
Microsuction ear wax removal is a very small but gentle vacuum that is used to remove the wax from your ear. It can often take up to 30 minutes to remove the wax as the suction method is very gentle to ensure you're kept in comfortable and safe hands.
Who is this for?
Anyone aged 5+ can benefit from my ear wax removal service - patients below the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children will need to be individually assessed on a case by case basis.
Is it safe for people who are deaf and have hearing impediments, people living with dementia or living with an autism spectrum disorder?
This service is ideal for those who are housebound or bed bound. It is also ideal for busy individuals who require out of hours services and would like to skip the NHS waiting list.
Do I pay for follow-up if the wax isn't fully removed?
To give your treatment the best chance of being completed in one visit, it is important to use olive oil 2-3 times a day for at least 3 days (5-7 days is even better for hard or impacted wax) before your appointment (unless you have been advised not to). If a follow-up appointment is required, any follow-up charge will depend on the circumstances outlined below.
Scenario 1. You have prepared your ears as advised
If you have used olive oil as recommended before your appointment (rather than only for a day or two beforehand) and, despite my best efforts, I am unable to completely remove the wax, your follow-up appointment will be FREE.
Using olive oil as recommended significantly improves the chances of successful wax removal. Occasionally, despite good preparation, some wax is simply too stubborn or deeply impacted to be removed safely in a single visit.
Follow-up charge: FREE
Scenario 2. You haven't used olive oil for the recommended length of time
If you have only used olive oil for a short period (for example, 1 or 2 days), or have not prepared your ears as advised, the wax may remain too hard or impacted to remove safely in one appointment.
If a further appointment is required because the wax was not sufficiently softened beforehand, a follow-up appointment will be charged at 50% of the normal treatment fee.
Follow-up charge: 50% of the standard treatment fee
Scenario 3. You are unable to use olive oil
If you have been advised not to use olive oil or similar because of previous ear surgery or another medical reason, please let me know before your appointment.
Without the benefit of olive oil to soften the wax, it may not be possible to safely remove all of the wax in one visit. If a second or third appointment is required, each follow-up appointment will be charged at 50% of the normal treatment fee.
Follow-up charge: 50% of the standard treatment fee
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my treatment?
It is advisable to use olive-oil based ear drops or sprays twice a day for 3 days before my visit. This will help soften any build-up of ear wax and make removal easier and more comfortable for you.
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is produced by the ear to clean and protect itself. It's secreted by glands in the skin that line the outer half of your ear canals. The wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures such as your eardrum.
Are there any risks?
As with any procedure, ear micro suctioning and gentle irrigation carries a small amount of risk and potential side effects, most of which are very rare, but they are made clear prior to your appointment.
How long does the procedure take?
On average wax removal can take between 10-30 minutes per ear. This is dependent upon the amount of, the positioning of and the consistency of the earwax but what I will say is patience is a virtue and due to the delicate nature of this procedure, can take up to 1.5 hours to treat both ears.
In the event we exceed 1.5 hours, it may be necessary to schedule a second appointment. As previously mentioned for second/third appointments a fee of 50% of my standard fees will apply.