EAR WAX REMOVAL

Ear wax build up occurs typically when the natural self cleaning mechanisms of the ear fail. This can be due to many different causes and reasons but some of the most common are: repeated use of cotton buds, hearing aids, headphones or repeated wear of ear protection. Some people have narrow canals or are naturally prone to produce more ear wax, excessive hair in the canal can also prevent wax from easily moving out of the ear. There are many different factors that cause a build up, but Esslemont Ear Care is hear to help.

Impacted or blocked ear wax can cause a variety of different symptoms. Some of the most common are:

Hearing loss/muffled hearing

Earache/pressure/fullness in the ear

Sensation of blocked ears

Ringing or buzzing in the ears

Dizziness

Itching in the canal

Ear wax or Cerumen is naturally produced by the body to protect your ears and acts as a defense system. A mixture of modified swear, oils and dead skin cells produced by glands in the ear. It helps to trap dirt and stop germs/bacteria, repel water and moisturize the skin in the canal. All very important and necessary functions.

Before ear wax removal is attempted, we strongly advise the use of an oil drop for a minimum of 3 times a day for 3 days before attending your appointment into the affected ear/s. Recommend drops by Esslemont Ear Care is; Errol olive oil, Otex olive oil ear drops, Cerumol Olive oil ear drops or extra virgin olive oil.

Please avoid the use of all other ear drops especially those containing hydrogen peroxide or water based drops e.g sodium bicarbonate, docusate sodium or isotonic seawater.

If you wear hearing aids - please use the oil drops at night after you have removed your aids. If you where you hearing aids at night - please remove one hearing aid at a time to apply the oil drops to alternate ears for a minimum of 7 days.

Esslemont Ear Care advises that ear wax removal can only take place 14 days after your last dose of antibiotics ( Tablets or Spray).

CURRENT OR RECENT EAR DRUM PERFORATION (LAST 2 YEARS)

RECENT INFECTION - TREATMENT IN THE LAST 14 DAYS

TOTAL HEARING LOSS IN ONE EAR

PEOPLE WHO HAVE OR SUFFER WITH VERTIGO, DIZZINESS OR BALANCE ISSUES

PREVIOUS EAR SURGERIES OR AWAITING SURGERY TO YOUR EARS

PEOPLE WHO WILL STRUGGLE TO SIT STILL OR HAVE TREMORS

PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY UNDER ENT (EAR/NOSE/THROAT) DOCTORS FOR TREATMENTS

If you have any of the above listed reasons - please contact Esslemont Ear Care to discuss further before booking an initial consultation.

In the majority of cases, the ear wax can be cleared in a single visit. However, if the wax is extremely firm or deeply compacted - we may recommend continuing to soft the wax with olive oil for a few more days before a follow up appointments can be made.

Ear wax removal is generally considered a painless process. You may feel pressure and hear the noise from the vacuum during the procedure.

Some people may experience a brief episode of dizziness from ear wax removal or even coughing. These symptoms are usually quickly self resolving.

If you have any concerns - please contact Esslemont Ear Care to discuss further.