WAX REMOVAL
Do you have concerns about your hearing? It could just be wax. Wax is the most common form of hearing problem, and all ages suffer from it. For most people wax will, by design, naturally leave the ear without the need for intervention. However, this can be hampered by a variety of factors such as ear shape and size, tragal hair, hearing aid use, ear plug usage, infection, over production of dead skin, skin conditions, excessive oil and sometimes a foreign body (such as insects and debris), resulting in more viscous and troublesome wax which instead needs professional removal to ensure healthy and clear ears.
While it might seem like a trivial problem, removing it should be conducted by a qualified hearing healthcare professional or ENT. This is because of the invasive nature of the procedure. Not only does removal require skill and expertise owing to the extremely delicate nature of the ear anatomy and limited but possible side effects. In addition to complications from poor removal techniques and substandard equipment used by unsuitably qualified individuals; there is also the danger of missing other significant and important ear pathologies, such as cholesteatoma, cancer, infection and hearing loss from other causes.
This is why at Cox Lewis Hearing you can rest assured that we have the optimal premium equipment, using ENT microscopes rather than basic head loupes or ‘gimmicky’ iPhone mounted camera devices, both of which have come under scrutiny in recent times. Our Clinicians have also been on several training courses and attend refresher courses periodically to ensure we are experts in our field.
It is natural to have wax in the ear being important as it has many protective properties. However, having regular ear assessments is essential to maintain good hearing health.
SAME DAY EAR WAX REMOVAL APPOINTMENTS
Typically, NHS provision is patchy and waiting lists for ear wax removal at more economy end providers on the high street can be long. At Cox Lewis Hearing, we can offer same day appointments (subject to availability), however in most cases we can accommodate appointments the same week.
Our one-stop service costs £75 for examination and Microsuction Wax Removal in one or both ears. (please click here to learn more about our fees).
You can learn more about our wax removal service below.
MICROSUCTION EAR WAX REMOVAL
There are several methods for removing ear wax, but the most common method is Microsuction. Microsuction is a technique of removing wax using an illuminating ENT microscope and a medical suction tube. The procedure is generally quick and with minimal sensation, albeit a little noisy. Owing to the noise we aim to complete the process in the shortest and most efficient time possible, affording it the care and delicacy it deserves.
We specialise in providing this method of wax removal, which can only be performed by a trained professional, accredited in clinical ear care. We do however sometimes have to substitute or incorporate the irrigation method on certain canals or very running wax, but your audiologist will advise you appropriately upon assessment.
The cost of the appointment for ages 15+ is £75. Microsuction with our Senior Audiologist is £125. Paediatric Microsuction (Ages 7-14) is only performed with our Lead Audiologist, and the £125 charge also applies. This charge covers the clinic time. The charge is applicable whether there is wax removed (one or two ears) or no wax present. Where necessary, we will refer your case to your GP for further attention, the cost of the admin associated with a referral is also included in the above cost. We no longer provide a free inspection due to capacity. If there is no wax, foreign object or blockage, otoscopy and a hearing test will be conducted instead to investigate the issue. If you are unsure whether you have wax please ask your GP or use your judgement before booking.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A WAX REMOVAL APPOINTMENT
During your appointment, your ears will be fully examined - if it transpires wax isn’t the issue, we will offer to carry out a hearing test to investigate the problem, as there could be something more significant wrong with the hearing that requires attention. If you have any concerns about your ears or would like confirmation that the ears are clear we also have a video otoscope connected to a large screen to show you your ear, we do appreciate however not everyone wants to see this, so please ask your audiologist for this if you are curious. But its more than just wax removal, our experienced Audiologists are also trained to look for other more serious hearing health problems that may be go unseen. Although rare, we will notify both you and your GP if we suspect something that requires further investigation.
To learn more about Ear Wax Removal, please click here.
TALK TO AN EXPERT
Contact us today and see how we can help you take charge of your hearing.