Ear Wax Removal

Ear Wax Treatment

It can take a long time to get an appointment with a GP or practice nurse to have wax removed and many GP practices no longer offer the service.

We offer ear wax removal using either microsuction or electronic irrigation (sometimes known as ear syringing), employing the safest methods using single use sterile hygienic equipment.

There is no need to apply oil for weeks before your appointment, but a few drops in the nights before your appointment are helpful to slightly soften the wax and lubricate the ear. Typically, both ears can be treated in one visit. Occasionally, some people may need a second appointment, which will be done with no extra charge.

Throughout the process your Audiologist will explain to you step by step what is happening and provide support throughout the procedure.

Ear Wax Removal – Microsuction or Irrigation

£40 one ear

£70 both ears

Half price for our hearing aid customers

Appointment duration is approximately 30 minutes

If you are experiencing pain, infection or discharge from your ears please contact your GP

All patients must be 18 or over

Microsuction

At Orchard Hearing, our practitioners use a gentle microsuction technique developed by ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs) to remove wax and debris. Ear wax removal by micro-suction is a gentle process using a low-pressure suction machine with a fine sterile probe to safely and gently remove the wax from the ear canal.

Irrigation

Ear irrigation has replaced the method of ear syringing. Irrigation uses an electronic machine, which contains a water reservoir unit and a hand held nozzle or ear irrigation syringe. This method pulsates water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate in order to dislodge and flush out the ear wax.

What is ear wax?

Your ears are very efficient at cleaning themselves. Your body will normally produce and maintain a healthy amount of ear wax on its own.

Ear wax helps to protect the ear canal from things like bacteria and debris that can cause infections. Ear wax is produced naturally by glands in the ear canal, and can vary in colour from yellow, to bright orange, to dark brown.

Sometimes this wax can become hard and impacted, which can lead to problems like hearing loss, or discomfort.

How often should I remove ear wax?

Everyone develops different amounts of wax, and at different speeds. Some people need regular appointments to manage this, others only need occasional ones. Your audiologist at Orchard Hearing will assess and recommend what’s best for you.

When to have ear wax removed?

Our ears are self-cleaning, so generally speaking they shouldn’t require any cleaning on a regular basis. It’s best to leave them to do what they do best.

Earwax plays an important part in your ear health – it’s naturally anti-bacterial and helps to protect the delicate skin in the ear – so it’s only necessary to remove it when it’s causing you problems.

The only time it may be necessary to clean your ears is if you have issues with excessive earwax that is affecting your hearing, or you’re experiencing the associated symptoms such as:

Difficulty hearing
Itchy ears
Feeling of fullness in the ear
Tinnitus (ringing)
Dizziness

If you naturally produce a lot of earwax that makes you more susceptible to build-ups, your audiologist at Orchard Hearing will recommend what’s most suitable ensuring your ears are kept healthy.

Causes of Compacted Wax

You might have earwax build-up because:

You just produce more wax in your ears – some people do naturally
You have hairy or narrow canals
Age – earwax becomes drier, harder and more difficult to fall out as we age
Wearing hearing aids, earplugs and other things you put in your ear – these can push the wax further in

Your ears can become impacted with wax when trying to ‘clean’ your ear yourself. Using things like cotton buds to try and remove earwax can actually push it further into the ear, where it can build up and become impacted.