what we do
What is Ear Wax
Ear wax or Cerumen is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It can be many colours and can be runny, tacky or hard. Ear Wax protects the skin of the ear canal, assists cleaning and lubrication, while also providing protection against bacteria, fungi and particulate matter. Ear wax will usually make its way to the opening of the ear where it will drop out, but sometimes the ear produces too much wax and the ear does not effectively remove it. This wax can build up, harden and block the ear canal. Symptoms of blocked ears include earache, a sensation that the ear is full, noises in the ear (tinnitus) and partial hearing loss. It's at this point that you may need some help with removing the wax.
Endoscopic Microsuction
If after consultation, microsuction is indicated, A small camera will be placed in the ear canal alongside a small suction tube. The suction tube will be gently placed onto the wax and the wax will be sucked into the tube and into a sealed canister.
Microsuction ear wax removal is widely accepted as the safest, most effective method of resolving ear blockages and is superior to other water-based methods such as syringing.
Ear irrigation
If the ear wax is very soft irrigation is sometimes a better option to remove the wax as very soft wax can block the suction tube and make removal more difficult. if Irrigation is indicated, an electronic ear irrigator is used, it involves a controlled pressurised flow of warm water being squirted into the ear to remove the wax. Irrigation is much safer than syringing as the pressure is controlled, the wax will be removed using the lowest pressure possible so as to avoid causing damage to the ear drum. Ear wax must be softened using oil drops for at least 3 days prior to having irrigation. Occasionally we will find that ear irrigation is not appropriate, in this case we will fully explain what we've seen in your ears and why we are not able to carry out the irrigation.
Why home visits?
We understand that it can be difficult to get to a clinic due to work or family commitments. We also know that although impacted ear wax can affect anyone, older people are more likely to be affected and will often find it more difficult to travel to an ear clinic, which is why we provide our service through home visits. We are based in Whitley Bay but cover the whole of the north east of England.