Coping With Ear Wax During The Coronavirus Lockdown
How to cope with ear wax during the CoVid-19 Lockdown
Now more than ever, it is imperative that we follow government guidelines to stay 2 metres (around 6 feet) apart to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (CoVid-19), and save lives by protecting the NHS.
However, if you have a blocked ear sensation and can’t hear, it can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and can make you feel even more isolated at this time when we are being told to have no social contact with people that do not live in the same household. But what can you do?
Self-Help For Blocked Ears
Having the sensation of blocked ears does not necessarily mean you have an ear wax blockage. Here are the symptoms of an ear wax blockage:
Symptoms of an ear wax blockage
earache
difficulty hearing
itchiness
dizziness
an ear infection
sounds such as high-pitched tones coming from inside the ear
Having one or more symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have an ear wax blockage. For instance, itchiness without any other symptom is most likely a symptom of dry skin in the ear canal or entrance to the ear. While earache and difficulty hearing could be symptoms of an ear wax blockage, but could equally be symptoms of a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction or a middle ear infection.
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How To Distinguish Between An Ear Wax Blockage and Other Ear Problems
The only way to definitivelydiagnose an ear wax blockage is to have a history taken and a physical examination of the outer ear, canal entrance, ear canal and ear drum using an otoscope or ENT microscope performed by a Doctor, Audiologist or ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist. Only a professional with the necessary training and experience can properly distinguish between the many ear conditions that have the same or similar symptoms to an ear wax blockage. For instance:
Earache, difficulty hearing, itching in and around the ear and a feeling of fullness in the ear can be symptoms of an ear wax blockage, but if there is also a temperature of 38C or above, discharge running out of the ear and feeling sick and lethargic, it is more likely to be an ear infection (see more at NHS.uk).
Diziness, hearing loss in one or both ears, earache in one or both ears, tinnitus (ringing, hissing or whooshing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in one or both ears can be symptoms of an ear wax blockage, but is there is a clicking or popping sound when you swallow, it could possibly be a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (see more at Ear Wax Removal Network)
Dizziness, tinnitus, a one sided hearing loss, and possibly a feeling of fullness in the same ear can be symptoms of an ear wax blockage, but if the hearing loss fluctuates they are more likely to be symptoms of an ear problem called Ménière’s disease (see more about Ménière’s at The Ménière’s Society and NHS.uk). What makes it more complicated is that Ménière’s can sometimes show only one or two symptoms, or it can display all of the symptoms.
The main distinguishing factor between ear wax and the three ear problems listed above (as well as other ear problems) is the presence of ear wax! Bear in mind that sometimes, after ear wax is confirmed to be present, one or more symptoms may still persist following its removal: this is an indicator that ear wax wasn’t the only problem initially. So, how can you check that ear wax is present when you can’t see inside your own ears?
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Self-Diagnosing Ear Wax Blockages
It should be stressed at this point that the best way to diagnose an ear wax blockage is to see a Doctor, Audiologist or ENT Specialist. However, you can comply with the government’s directive on social distancing by checking your own ears. Now, you may have images of using two mirrors and a torch, and twisting your neck at an odd angle to get a look in your ears, but in this age of modern technology that is no longer necessary. You can get a Wireless Otoscope Camera from Amazon and along with an app on your iPhone or Android phone, you can see if you have ear wax or not. This is available at a fraction of the price of professional video otoscopes or video endoscopes, but one of the biggest differences is that it is not designed to be used by more than one person. In a professional Audiology practice, disposable specula, or a high-level disinfectant like Tristel Duo would be used to prevent cross infection between patients. At the moment it is difficult, if not impossible, to source the appropriate disinfectant products to enable you to share one of these consumer-grade video otoscopes, and we would strongly advise against using a video otoscope if you have a discharging ear (liquid running out of your ear). Tristel Duo is difficult to get hold of, unless you are a healthcare professional. However, once supplies of disinfectant products are restored, you can use something like Clinell Sporicidal Wipes if you are planning to share the video otoscope, or if you want to save money and will only be using the instrument yourself, you could use Clinell Universal Wipes, which are designed for the cleaning and disinfection of non-invasive medical devices .
We found this Wireless Video Otoscope on Amazon. There are a number of video otoscopes available on Amazon, but many of them have a wide tip (over 5mm), connect using a wire, which tends to get in the way, and are difficult to orient, so you can’t tell which way is up, down, left or right. This one has a narrower (4.3mm) tip, so it’s easier to get it in the ear, but bear in mind that the professional ear endoscopes are just 2.8mm wide! It also has gyroscopes to keep the picture oriented. Although it may come with various attachments that purport to be designed for ear wax removal, we would warn that unless you have been trained in endoscopic ear wax removal, it’s best to leave this to a professional as you may end up exacerbating the blockage, or at worst injuring yourself. Our unequivocal advice: just use it to confirm whether you have ear wax.
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Home Ear Wax Removal Methods
So, let’s assume you have confirmed that you have an ear wax blockage, and have taken our advice not to try scooping it out yourself. What safer methods are there that, given enough tiime, might actually work?
Ear Drops / Sprays
Earol really is the king of ear wax removal products. You might think it’s like any kind of olive oil, but that would be doing it a disservice. Firstly, it is sterile - you don’t want to be putting non-sterile olive oil into your ear, as it can in some instances lead to an infection - and it is very fine, helping it to disperse in the ear canal and penetrate the ear wax blockage. It is in a spray, meaning it can easily get into all the nooks and crannies without you having to put your head on a side, so the wax won’t get pulled deeper into your ear by gravity, and it can be used for up to 6 months before you need to dispose of it - all other ear drops have to be discarded after 28 days.
The Earol spray has a safety nozzle and should always be used when spraying into the ear. To make it easier to insert the safety nozzle, you can pull back gently on the ear to help open the entrance to the canal. We recommend to wipe the nozzle after use to keep it clean.
may at first make the blockage feel worse
Sometimes, Earol may at first make the blockage feel worse - this is due to the fine olive oil spray finding gaps in the wax blockage and temporarily filling them. Don’t worry - this means that the Earol is gently softening and loosening the wax. Keep using it, and given enough time, it should eventually work. You may need to use 1 or 2 squirts of Earol twice a day.
Other Ear Drops
We generally do not recommend other ear drops, as they require you to lie down on your side, and as the wax softens there is a good chance that the ear wax can get pulled further into your ear by gravity.
with extended use can leave you open to an opportunistic ear infection
Sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda / baking soda) ear drops
Sodium bicarbonate ear drops are very effective at softening ear wax. They are generally safe to use for a few days before an ear wax removal procedure, but because they are quite alkaline, with extended use they can alter the normally acidic pH level of the skin of the ear canal leaving you open to an opportunistic outer ear infection. This can be painful and inconvenient at the best of times, and we would suggest while it is never a good time to get an ear infection, now is definitely not the time.
very aggressively soften ear wax… can cause severe pain
Hydrogen peroxide ear drops
Many proprietary ear drop formulae contain hydrogen peroxide (which may be listed as urea hydrogen peroxide). These very aggressively soften ear wax, and because you have to leave your head on a side for the drops to penetrate into the ear canal, they often worsen the blockage and leave a film of soft, jelly-like ear wax on your ear drum, and can completely seal the ear canal. Some people find that having even a dilute concentration of hydrogen peroxide against their skin, even for a short time, can cause severe pain. Sometimes, the aggressive ear wax softening action can cause the ear wax to come out by itself. However, often the mixture of ear wax and ear drops including hydrogen peroxide will not come out on its own and can cause prolonged pain and hearing loss. Again, we suggest that now is not the time to be performing chemistry experiments in your ear.
risk that the water can push the wax further in
Ear syringe / Bulb syringe
You can find ear syringes to buy online, and some branded ear drops come with a bulb syringe. The idea is that the ear drops soften the ear wax and you can then use the bulb syringe to flush out your ear, and hopefully the ear wax will come out. While undoubtedly this works for some people, there is a risk that the water can push the wax further into your ear, potentially leading to discomfort, pain and/or worsened hearing. There is also the issue of the water not being sterile, meaning that you ought to first boil and cool the water before using the syringe. Using non-sterile water can in some instances cause an outer ear infection.
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Dealing With The Hearing Loss
One of the most frustrating things about having a blocked ear is not being able to hear. Assuming that you have confirmed there is a full ear wax blockage, then the loss of hearing is most likely down to the wax blockage. However, if the ear is only partially blocked with wax, then there is likely to be another problem causing the hearing loss; or if there is no wax at all, then the hearing loss is definitely being caused by something else.
Assuming that ear wax has been confirmed as the cause of the hearing problem, we call this a temporary conductive hearing loss, and your hearing will usually return to its regular level after we remove the ear wax blockage. However, as the government’s social distancing directive means it is not possible to get your ear wax removed, in order to be able to hear you could try purchasing a Bluetooth bone conduction headset. Instead of the sound reaching your eardrum via your ear canal, the sound bypasses the ear canal and the eardrum and goes straight to your inner ear via the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The headset pairs via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, enabling to you make and receive calls. In addition, there are apps on the Google Play Store and the iPhone ® App Store that turn the microphone of your Android or iOS phone or tablet into a hearing aid and play the sound through headphones. We have recommended three headsets at different price points, and one free app each for Android and iPhone below, but unfortunately cannot provide any technical support to get them working.
Excellent video on microsuction ear wax removal in London - an earwax blockage is removed in under 60 seconds using micro suction and an ear endoscope.
You can find more information on ear wax removal and where you can find your nearest microsuction clinic at http://ift.tt/2bGjyZW
Our clinic in Marylebone offers private earwax removal in London NW1 as well as the whole of Central London. We use microsuction to remove ear wax, as this is the safest method of private earwax removal. As an alternative to microsuction, we can offer dry instrument removal to clients who have an extreme sensitivity to loud noise on a case by case basis, depending on the position of the earwax.
Convenient Location
Our private earwax removal clinic is conveniently located just a short walk from Baker Street station and is on the ground floor.
Our private Micro Suction Ear wax Removal Clinic can be found:
within InFocus Opticians 19 Melcombe St London
NW1 6AG
Private Earwax Removal in London Appointments
If you have a wax blockage and want to get rid of your earwax, please call us on 0800 1 337 987 and we’ll book you a private ear wax removal appointment.
Private Earwax Removal every Saturday in Marylebone, Central London
Private Earwax Removal every Saturday in London
We know that it can be difficult to get time off work during the week for an earwax removal clinic appointment. That’s why we hold a clinic every Saturday from 10am until 4pm at our earwax removal clinic that you can find on Melcombe Street, between Baker Street and Marylebone stations.
Parking
There is on street pay by phone parking on Melcombe Street. There is also permit holder only parking, so please double check you are in the right parking bay before leaving your vehicle. The cost of parking is £2.40 / hour. Melcombe Street is outside the congestion charge zone. If you cannot find on street parking, there is an underground car park on the opposite side of the block adjoining Marylebone Road. You can find details of the nearest underground car park here (parking here costs £5 per hour when booked in advance, or £10 all day on a Saturday).
Book A Private Earwax Removal Appointment Today!
Call us today on 0800 1 337 987 to book your private earwax removal appointment in Central London, and say goodbye to ear wax!
Private Earwax Removal Locations
Our private ear wax removal clinic in London also serves clients in Marylebone, Baker Street, Edgware Road, Paddington, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Picadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment, Maida Vale, Finchley Road, Kentish Town, Lancaster Gate, Green Park, Queensway, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Royal Oak, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Wareen Street, Euston, Euston Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Regents Park, Great Portland Street, Bond Street, Swiss Cottage, Chalk Farm, Tottenham Court Road, Waterloo, St James Park, Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, Westbourne Park, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Angel and Camden Town.
Central London Private Earwax Removal Prices
One or Both
Price
One ear
£55
Both ears
£75
Consultation only (no wax present - excluding out of hours)
£25
Out of hours microsuction appointment Thursday 5.30pm-7.00pm Saturday 10am-4.00pm (one or both ears / no wax present)
The most common method of earwax removal in the NHS is irrigation (also known as “syringing”). A practice nurse will typically recommend the application of olive oil for two weeks prior to carrying out the procedure, and it isn’t always successful on the first attempt, meaning it can take between 2 – 4 weeks before the earwax blockage is cleared. However, there is a known level of risk associated with NHS or private ear syringing – potential complications of ear irrigation include:
failure to remove the earwax on the first or subsequent attempt
With this extensive list of potential complications, many NHS surgeries are withdrawing ear wax irrigation as a service and instead are referring patients straight to the local hospital’s ENT department for microsuction, the safest method of ear wax removal. The consequence of this increased number of referrals, though, is that waiting times for NHS ear microsuction has increased to 12 weeks or more in many ENT departments.
A Safer Method of Private Earwax Removal
Microsuction is a far safer method of earwax removal compared to irrigation or syringing, and is considered the safest method of removing ear wax. In a microsuction procedure, the practitioner uses a medical suction pump with a 2mm suction wand that is specially designed to fit into the ear canal. The practitioner uses either an operating microscope, surgical loupes or a video endoscope to see inside the ear canal while performing the procedure.
Why Microsuction Is The Safest Method of Private Earwax Removal
This procedure is safer because:
The microsuction procedure uses suction instead of flushing the ear with water
The suction is directed precisely to where the earwax blockage is
The suction wands are sterile
The practitioner can see inside the ear before and more importantly during the procedure
Where To Get Private Earwax Removal
We have a network of private ear wax removal clinics, which you can find by following the link here.
Private Earwax Removal Cost
The cost of private earwax removal can vary by location, method and whether it is an out of hours appointment. Some locations run by other organisations in Central London charge £65 to £80 per ear. At the Microsuction Earwax Removal Network, we try to keep the cost of private earwax removal low, while keeping our standards high. As a result, within London you can expect to pay between £70 and £80 for both ears, or £60 for both ears outside of London. The price for one ear ranges from £40 to £55 depending on the location. The reason for higher prices in London is due to higher clinic rental charges in and around the M25.
To find the best price for private ear wax removal near your location, click here.
Micro suction is the removal of ear wax from the ear using a medical suction device under the microscope and with ilumination.
Who Can Perform Micro Suction?
A Micro Suction Practitioner must be an appropriately trained, registered and insured professional. Typically microsuction is performed by a Doctor, ENT Surgeon, Specialist Nurse or Audiologist. Our clinics are staffed by Specialist Nurses and Audiologists.
How Safe Is Micro Suction?
Micro suction introduces no water into the ear and only removes wax from the ear using gentle suction. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a pair of operating microscopes known as “loupes” and a bright light to see into your ear canal in great detail. This way, he or she can see exactly what they are doing inside your ear. The suction wands are sterile, so the risk of infection is virtually nil. For these reasons, microsuction is considered the safest method of removing wax from the ear.
Does Micro Suction Hurt?
Our Micro Suction Practitioners are highly trained, and will gently draw the wax from your ear using a CE-certified medical suction pump. We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol sterile olive oil spray, or a few drops of olive oil in either ear for a few days before your appointent, and the procedure is painless.
How Soon Can I Be Seen?
We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol in either ear for a few days prior to your appointment, but if you have already softened the wax we may be able to see you sooner, depending on how busy our clinics are.
I’ve Had Ear Surgery And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
After ear surgery, you may have been told to keep your ear dry and never have it syringed (irrigated), as there may be a risk of perforating your ear drum or causing an infection. Fortunately, micro suction doesn’t introduce any water into the ear, and providing that your surgery has healed there should be no problem. As always, please check with your surgeon that he or she is happy for the procedure to be carried out.
I Have A Perforated Ear Drum And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
The same applies as for the previous question. However, we recommend that you don’t use any ear drops or sprays prior to your appointment. Micro suction or dry instrument removal are the only two methods that are recommended if you have a perforation or have had ear surgery.
Microsuction is the removal of ear wax using suction and either the operating microscope or surgical loupes. Normally a 2mm Zoellner tube is used, but a 1.3mm fine end may be used when working close to the ear drum. Endoscopic Earwax Removal is the removal of earwax using an otoendoscope or video-otoendoscope to view the ear canal and ear drum, and various removal tools such as suction, the Jobson Horne probe, earwax hook, or crocodile forceps. Each method requires different skill sets and further training under an ENT consultant is recommended if ear wax will be removed endoscopically.
Microsuction In London: Microsuction Clinic inside In Focus Opticians, just two minutes’ walk from Baker Street underground station
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal Clinic In Central London 0800 1 337 987
If you are looking for microsuction in London, our Micro Suction Ear wax Removal Clinic in London can be found:
within InFocus Opticians 19 Melcombe St London
NW1 6AG
You will find us on Melcombe Street in between Baker Street and Marylebone Stations.
The consulting room is on the ground floor, and wheelchair access is possible.
Due to high demand, microsuction ear wax removal is strictly by appointment. You can book on 0800 1 337 987
Saturday Microsuction Appointments
From April 16th, microsuction in London is available on a Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Please try to book by 5.30pm on Friday evening, as Saturday microsuction appointments are very popular. Call our booking centre on 0800 1 337 987 to reserve your microsuction appointment on our Saturday clinic.
Parking
There is on street pay by phone parking on Melcombe Street. There is also permit holder only parking, so please double check you are in the right parking bay before leaving your vehicle. The cost of parking is £2.40 / hour. Melcombe Street is outside the congestion charge zone.
Call us today on 0800 1 337 987 to book your microsuction appointment in Central London, and say goodbye to ear wax!
Our ear wax removal clinic in London also serves clients in London, Marylebone, Baker Street, Edgware Road, Paddington, Regents Park, Great Portland Street, Bond Street, Maida Vale, Lancaster Gate, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Wareen Street, Euston, Euston Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, Chalk Farm, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, Picadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo, St James Park, Green Park, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, Knightsbridge, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Angel and Camden Town.
There are numerous methods of ear wax removal. Some can be performed at home, while others must be performed by a professional. Here we have outlined the different methods and the pros and cons of each one:
Ear Drops
Ear drops can be bought from the chemist over the counter and are the cheapest method of wax removal. Ear drops are commonly marketed as a cheap way of removing earwax at home. For an ordinary member of the public, the choice of different branded and unbranded products can be overwhelming. Here are some of the different types:
Olive oil
Olive oil ear drops are the gentlest type. The olive oil softens the edges and outer surface of the wax and is well-tolerated by most people. Some more expensive versions have added menthol to produce a cooling sensation, or eucalyptus to give a pleasant smell.
Pros: cheap; gentle; generally well-tolerated; can be used for extended periods
Cons: can take a long time to work on its own; can make the ear feel bunged up,;added ingredients may not be so well-tolerated
Other Oil Blends
Some proprietary brands contain blends of light oils that soften ear wax.
Pros: gentle; possibly faster acting than olive oil
Cons: more expensive than olive oil; wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out;
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate / bicarbonate of soda ear drops are alkaline, while ear wax is acidic. Therefore they work by chemically dissolving ear wax rather than softening it, and work much quicker than olive oil. They can be used for a day or two by most people without any problem.
Pros: also cheap; tolerable for a day or two; quick
Cons: wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out; extended use can strip the protective lining of the ear canal and lead to infection
Peroxide-Based
Some ear drops, including proprietary and chemist own-brand, are based on peroxide in some form, often urea peroxide. When compared to sodium bicarbonate drops, peroxide-based drops are similarly effective, but also effervesce.
Pros: quick
Cons: more expensive than sodium bicarbonate drops; wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out; contain peroxide (bleach), and some individuals can experience a painful reaction even immediately after one application. For this reason we don’t recommend peroxide-based drops
In general, ear drops can sometimes take weeks to work, and hearing will often get worse before it gets better. There is also the possibility that the wax will slide further down the ear canal, form one large lump, and completely block the ear. Ear drops are not recommended if you have a perforated ear drum.
Ear Sprays
Ear sprays can be water-based or oil-based. They usually incorporate a conical nozzle that is placed into the entrance of the ear canal and the spray is then applied.
Water-Based
Water-based ear wax removal sprays can be effective if the amount of wax blockage isn’t too great. They are often simple saline, or may be sterilised sea water.
Pros: gentle; salt water based; well tolerated
Cons: may push wax further into the ear by the force of water; water may get trapped behind wax and create a “head under water” feeling
Oil-Based
Oil-based ear wax removal sprays, such as Earol, are great for softening wax prior to other procedures, and are very effective at penetrating wax due to their small droplet size.
Pros: cheap; safe; penetrate wax better than drops; reach further into the ear because of spray; great preventative measure when used once a week
Cons: may not remove wax on their own
Ear Syringing / Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation is normally performed by a GP practice nurse, a disrict nurse, and by some Audiologists. Traditionally, a meal ear syringe was loaded with warm water, the metal tip placed into the ear canal. The water was then squirted into the ear canal and a kidney dish was held under the ear to catch the water and and wax that was flushed out. The syringe would have to be regularly lubricated to allow a smooth level of pressure to be applied, and the nurse would use his or her judgement as to how forcefully to syringe the water. Syringing can’t shift hard wax, so it must be softened for up to two weeks before syringing is performed. Nowadays, for safety reasons the metal ear syringe has been replaced by an ear irrigator pump with a jet tip. The pump has a variable, regulated pressure, but the process is essentially the same. Many people have had their ears syringed or irrigated many times without any issue arising. Here are the pros and cons of ear syringing:
Pros: usually free on the NHS; when it works it works well
Cons: cannot remove hard wax; can push wax further into the ear if the angle of the jet is slightly off; may cause tinnitus; may perforate the eardrum; an undiagnosed perforated ear drum may not be seen due to the amount of wax, causing water, bacteria, wax and dead skin cells to be flushed past the eardrum into the middle ear, potentially causing a painful infection; not recommended following ear surgery; should not be performed when the ear drum has previously been perforated due to the risk of re-perforation
Due to the long list of potential complications listed above, many surgeries are withdrawing their ear syringing service, and are referring all patients to the NHS ENT clinic, which may have a long waiting list.
Dry Instrument Removal
Dry instrument ear wax removal is normally performed by an ENT surgeon or an Audiologist. The pratitioner uses a selection of different shaped instruments called Jobson Horne probes or curettes. These are like miniature spoons and loops that are used to hook or scoop the wax from the ear canal. It is normally perfomed under illumination. There is a great choice for the practitioner of metal, or plastic disposable curettes, and some of them even have their own light built in. The practitioner will usually apply some Earol to loosen the wax from the ear canal wall before performing the procedure. The tip of the curette is normally pushed past the wax and the drawn back out, bringing the wax with it.
Pros: quiet – so great for those who don’t like noise; quick – often the wax can be removed in one or two big lumps
Cons: small possibility of pushing the wax deeper into the ear; hard wax may be uncomfortable to remove
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal
Microsuction is by far the most effective method of earwax removal. Tradionally only performed in ENT clinics due to the size and weight of the equipment, it can now be performed by appropriately trained individuals in smaller clinics due to portable suction pumps and operating microscopes that are now available. Micro suction is made up of two words: “Micro” refers to the operating microscopes that can either be large floor standing units, or can be incorporated into glasses, in whch case they are known as operating loupes. “Suction” refers to the medical suction pump that is attached to a tube and a 2 millimetre suction wand, which is used to suction the wax from your ear. Micro suction requires a good knowledge of the anatomy of the ear, along with training in how to safely use the equipment. For this reason, microsuction is performed by ENT surgeons and Audiologists, who both specialise in the ear, and by specialist nurses who have had further training. Micro suction only removes wax from the ear – because it doesn’t spray water into the ear it is safe to use after ear surgery, or when the eardrum is perforated. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a powerful operating microscope and a bright light source, so he or she can see exactly what is happening inside your ear, so the procedure is the safest of all.
Pros: safest method; can be used after ear surgery; can be used where the eardrum is or has been perforared; painless; virtually no risk of infection; usually quick
Cons: possible slight discomfort if wax hasn’t been pre-softened; can sometimes require a second visit (in the case of severly impacted wax); some people find it a little noisy (although clinical studies show that the noise levels are safe)
We have an entire page on endoscopic ear wax removal here.
Other Methods
Cotton Buds
Cotton buds are small buds of cotton wound around either a plastic or wooden stick. Many people use them in their ears seemingly without any ill effects. However, other people find that cotton buds push in as much wax as they get out, and over time this wax gets pushed together to form a hard lump, known as “impacted wax”. Impacted wax can be so hard that it causes pain as it pushes against the sensitive skin of the ear canal, and can even push against the very delicate eardrum, causing pain and possibly a perforation. If you look inside someone’s ears after they’ve used cotton buds, you often see tiny scratches and minor bleeding: although cotton buds feel soft to our finger tips, they are actually quite harsh on the very thin skin of the ear canal. Our advice is don’t stick cotton buds in your ears. If your ears are itchy you most likely have slightly dry skin and will benefit more from using Earol once a week. Itchy ears may be a sign of a fungal ear infection, so if you your ears are itchy, get your GP to have a look inside just in case. Pros: cheap; temporarily relieve itching; some people use them without any issues; get some wax out Cons: tend to push in as much wax as they get out; scratch and irritate the sensitive skin of the ear; stimulate more wax production; can cause pain and/or perforate the eardrum
Home Use Ear Vacuums
“Ear vacuums” can be bought online, and many people feel that they are effective. However, look into their ear after using one (you’ll need an otoscope to do that!), and you’ll see that the wax is still there, and may have been pushed a little further down the ear canal. Often the ear vacuum will have some wax on the end, but that is not due to the vacuum itself. Rather, it is merely due to mechanical contact with the wax, the same way that a cotton bud will pick up some wax, but push more in than it gets out. Anything thay is strong enough to suction wax from the ear would need to be a medical device adapted for the purpose, and be operated by a trained professional to ensure that it is done safely. You can be assured that a product that is available online for under £10 will not be strong enough, and furthermore will not be a medical device adapted for suction of wax from the ear!
Pros: makes a whirring sound; feels nice to use; fairly cheap
Cons: despite being cheap, a complete waste of money; pushes in as much wax as it gets out
Ear Candles
Ear candles are an alternative therapy that can potentially cause sever e injury to the ear. The Hopi indian tribe strongly deny ever having invented such a thing. Ear candles are made up of wax and paper that is rolled into a cone that is thinner at one end. The wide end is placed into the ear canal and the thin end is lit. A flame burns at the end of the candle. There have been incidents reported in ENT literature of hot candle wax dropping onto the ear drum, immediately destroying the ear drum and causing permanent hearing loss. Even though this is quite rare, it isn’t a risk worth taking. Investigations have been carried out into whether ear candles remove any ear wax at all. Ear candling practitioners proudly cut open ear candles to show their clients how much wax has been removed. However, when measured the amount of updraught created by the candle is insufficient to remove ear wax, especially when it is working against gravity. When filmed over a clear glass, you can actually see a stream of wax and soot coming downwards from the bottom of the candle and coating the bottom of the glass. If that was in your ear, it would be coating your eardrum. If the updraught isn’t enough to lift tiny soot particles, it certainly isn’t enough to lift lumps of ear wax. So, if the lumps in the ear candles aren’t earwax, what are they? It turns out that they are composed of burnt candle wax and paper, exactly what you would expect if you lit a candle made from wax and paper!
Pros: practitioner often plays relaxing music, and may also give a foot massage
Cons: may cause severe pain and permanent hearing loss; not worth the risk
Conclusion
There are many methods of ear wax removal. The safest ear drops are olive oil, and the best are Earol spray (also made of olive oil). The best professional method of ear wax removal is micro suction, due to its high level of safety. It may cost slightly more than other methods, but it is worth it as, after all, you only have one pair of ears!
Microsuction In London: Microsuction Clinic inside In Focus Opticians, just two minutes’ walk from Baker Street underground station
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal Clinic In Central London 0800 1 337 987
If you are looking for microsuction in London, our Micro Suction Ear wax Removal Clinic in London can be found:
within InFocus Opticians 19 Melcombe St London
NW1 6AG
You will find us on Melcombe Street in between Baker Street and Marylebone Stations.
The consulting room is on the ground floor, and wheelchair access is possible.
Due to high demand, microsuction ear wax removal is strictly by appointment. You can book on 0800 1 337 987
Saturday Microsuction Appointments
From April 16th, microsuction in London is available on a Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Please try to book by 5.30pm on Friday evening, as Saturday microsuction appointments are very popular. Call our booking centre on 0800 1 337 987 to reserve your microsuction appointment on our Saturday clinic.
Parking
There is on street pay by phone parking on Melcombe Street. There is also permit holder only parking, so please double check you are in the right parking bay before leaving your vehicle. The cost of parking is £2.40 / hour. Melcombe Street is outside the congestion charge zone.
Call us today on 0800 1 337 987 to book your microsuction appointment in Central London, and say goodbye to ear wax!
Our ear wax removal clinic in London also serves clients in London, Marylebone, Baker Street, Edgware Road, Paddington, Regents Park, Great Portland Street, Bond Street, Maida Vale, Lancaster Gate, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Wareen Street, Euston, Euston Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, Chalk Farm, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, Picadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo, St James Park, Green Park, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, Knightsbridge, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Angel and Camden Town.
Micro suction is the removal of ear wax from the ear using a medical suction device under the microscope and with ilumination.
Who Can Perform Micro Suction?
A Micro Suction Practitioner must be an appropriately trained, registered and insured professional. Typically microsuction is performed by a Doctor, ENT Surgeon, Specialist Nurse or Audiologist. Our clinics are staffed by Specialist Nurses and Audiologists.
How Safe Is Micro Suction?
Micro suction introduces no water into the ear and only removes wax from the ear using gentle suction. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a pair of operating microscopes known as “loupes” and a bright light to see into your ear canal in great detail. This way, he or she can see exactly what they are doing inside your ear. The suction wands are sterile, so the risk of infection is virtually nil. For these reasons, microsuction is considered the safest method of removing wax from the ear.
Does Micro Suction Hurt?
Our Micro Suction Practitioners are highly trained, and will gently draw the wax from your ear using a CE-certified medical suction pump. We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol sterile olive oil spray, or a few drops of olive oil in either ear for a few days before your appointent, and the procedure is painless.
How Soon Can I Be Seen?
We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol in either ear for a few days prior to your appointment, but if you have already softened the wax we may be able to see you sooner, depending on how busy our clinics are.
I’ve Had Ear Surgery And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
After ear surgery, you may have been told to keep your ear dry and never have it syringed (irrigated), as there may be a risk of perforating your ear drum or causing an infection. Fortunately, micro suction doesn’t introduce any water into the ear, and providing that your surgery has healed there should be no problem. As always, please check with your surgeon that he or she is happy for the procedure to be carried out.
I Have A Perforated Ear Drum And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
The same applies as for the previous question. However, we recommend that you don’t use any ear drops or sprays prior to your appointment. Micro suction or dry instrument removal are the only two methods that are recommended if you have a perforation or have had ear surgery.
Microsuction is the removal of ear wax using suction and either the operating microscope or surgical loupes. Normally a 2mm Zoellner tube is used, but a 1.3mm fine end may be used when working close to the ear drum. Endoscopic Earwax Removal is the removal of earwax using an otoendoscope or video-otoendoscope to view the ear canal and ear drum, and various removal tools such as suction, the Jobson Horne probe, earwax hook, or crocodile forceps. Each method requires different skill sets and further training under an ENT consultant is recommended if ear wax will be removed endoscopically.
Microsuction In London: Microsuction Clinic inside In Focus Opticians, just two minutes’ walk from Baker Street underground station
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal Clinic In Central London 0800 1 337 987
If you are looking for microsuction in London, our Micro Suction Ear wax Removal Clinic in London can be found:
within InFocus Opticians 19 Melcombe St London
NW1 6AG
You will find us on Melcombe Street in between Baker Street and Marylebone Stations.
The consulting room is on the ground floor, and wheelchair access is possible.
Due to high demand, microsuction ear wax removal is strictly by appointment. You can book on 0800 1 337 987
Saturday Microsuction Appointments
From April 16th, microsuction in London is available on a Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Please try to book by 5.30pm on Friday evening, as Saturday microsuction appointments are very popular. Call our booking centre on 0800 1 337 987 to reserve your microsuction appointment on our Saturday clinic.
Parking
There is on street pay by phone parking on Melcombe Street. There is also permit holder only parking, so please double check you are in the right parking bay before leaving your vehicle. The cost of parking is £2.40 / hour. Melcombe Street is outside the congestion charge zone.
Call us today on 0800 1 337 987 to book your microsuction appointment in Central London, and say goodbye to ear wax!
Our ear wax removal clinic in London also serves clients in London, Marylebone, Baker Street, Edgware Road, Paddington, Regents Park, Great Portland Street, Bond Street, Maida Vale, Lancaster Gate, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Wareen Street, Euston, Euston Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, Chalk Farm, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, Picadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo, St James Park, Green Park, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, Knightsbridge, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Angel and Camden Town.
Micro suction is the removal of ear wax from the ear using a medical suction device under the microscope and with ilumination.
Who Can Perform Micro Suction?
A Micro Suction Practitioner must be an appropriately trained, registered and insured professional. Typically microsuction is performed by a Doctor, ENT Surgeon, Specialist Nurse or Audiologist. Our clinics are staffed by Specialist Nurses and Audiologists.
How Safe Is Micro Suction?
Micro suction introduces no water into the ear and only removes wax from the ear using gentle suction. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a pair of operating microscopes known as “loupes” and a bright light to see into your ear canal in great detail. This way, he or she can see exactly what they are doing inside your ear. The suction wands are sterile, so the risk of infection is virtually nil. For these reasons, microsuction is considered the safest method of removing wax from the ear.
Does Micro Suction Hurt?
Our Micro Suction Practitioners are highly trained, and will gently draw the wax from your ear using a CE-certified medical suction pump. We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol sterile olive oil spray, or a few drops of olive oil in either ear for a few days before your appointent, and the procedure is painless.
How Soon Can I Be Seen?
We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol in either ear for a few days prior to your appointment, but if you have already softened the wax we may be able to see you sooner, depending on how busy our clinics are.
I’ve Had Ear Surgery And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
After ear surgery, you may have been told to keep your ear dry and never have it syringed (irrigated), as there may be a risk of perforating your ear drum or causing an infection. Fortunately, micro suction doesn’t introduce any water into the ear, and providing that your surgery has healed there should be no problem. As always, please check with your surgeon that he or she is happy for the procedure to be carried out.
I Have A Perforated Ear Drum And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
The same applies as for the previous question. However, we recommend that you don’t use any ear drops or sprays prior to your appointment. Micro suction or dry instrument removal are the only two methods that are recommended if you have a perforation or have had ear surgery.
Microsuction is the removal of ear wax using suction and either the operating microscope or surgical loupes. Normally a 2mm Zoellner tube is used, but a 1.3mm fine end may be used when working close to the ear drum. Endoscopic Earwax Removal is the removal of earwax using an otoendoscope or video-otoendoscope to view the ear canal and ear drum, and various removal tools such as suction, the Jobson Horne probe, earwax hook, or crocodile forceps. Each method requires different skill sets and further training under an ENT consultant is recommended if ear wax will be removed endoscopically.
Micro suction is the removal of ear wax from the ear using a medical suction device under the microscope and with ilumination.
Who Can Perform Micro Suction?
A Micro Suction Practitioner must be an appropriately trained, registered and insured professional. Typically microsuction is performed by a Doctor, ENT Surgeon, Specialist Nurse or Audiologist. Our clinics are staffed by Specialist Nurses and Audiologists.
How Safe Is Micro Suction?
Micro suction introduces no water into the ear and only removes wax from the ear using gentle suction. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a pair of operating microscopes known as “loupes” and a bright light to see into your ear canal in great detail. This way, he or she can see exactly what they are doing inside your ear. The suction wands are sterile, so the risk of infection is virtually nil. For these reasons, microsuction is considered the safest method of removing wax from the ear.
Does Micro Suction Hurt?
Our Micro Suction Practitioners are highly trained, and will gently draw the wax from your ear using a CE-certified medical suction pump. We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol sterile olive oil spray, or a few drops of olive oil in either ear for a few days before your appointent, and the procedure is painless.
How Soon Can I Be Seen?
We recommend that you use a couple of squirts of Earol in either ear for a few days prior to your appointment, but if you have already softened the wax we may be able to see you sooner, depending on how busy our clinics are.
I’ve Had Ear Surgery And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
After ear surgery, you may have been told to keep your ear dry and never have it syringed (irrigated), as there may be a risk of perforating your ear drum or causing an infection. Fortunately, micro suction doesn’t introduce any water into the ear, and providing that your surgery has healed there should be no problem. As always, please check with your surgeon that he or she is happy for the procedure to be carried out.
I Have A Perforated Ear Drum And Can’t Get My Ear Syringed – What About Micro Suction?
The same applies as for the previous question. However, we recommend that you don’t use any ear drops or sprays prior to your appointment. Micro suction or dry instrument removal are the only two methods that are recommended if you have a perforation or have had ear surgery.
Microsuction is the removal of ear wax using suction and either the operating microscope or surgical loupes. Normally a 2mm Zoellner tube is used, but a 1.3mm fine end may be used when working close to the ear drum. Endoscopic Earwax Removal is the removal of earwax using an otoendoscope or video-otoendoscope to view the ear canal and ear drum, and various removal tools such as suction, the Jobson Horne probe, earwax hook, or crocodile forceps. Each method requires different skill sets and further training under an ENT consultant is recommended if ear wax will be removed endoscopically.
Microsuction In London: Microsuction Clinic inside In Focus Opticians, just two minutes’ walk from Baker Street underground station
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal Clinic In Central London 0800 1 337 987
If you are looking for microsuction in London, our Micro Suction Ear wax Removal Clinic in London can be found:
within InFocus Opticians 19 Melcombe St London
NW1 6AG
You will find us on Melcombe Street in between Baker Street and Marylebone Stations.
The consulting room is on the ground floor, and wheelchair access is possible.
Due to high demand, microsuction ear wax removal is strictly by appointment. You can book on 0800 1 337 987
Saturday Microsuction Appointments
From April 16th, microsuction in London is available on a Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Please try to book by 5.30pm on Friday evening, as Saturday microsuction appointments are very popular. Call our booking centre on 0800 1 337 987 to reserve your microsuction appointment on our Saturday clinic.
Parking
There is on street pay by phone parking on Melcombe Street. There is also permit holder only parking, so please double check you are in the right parking bay before leaving your vehicle. The cost of parking is £2.40 / hour. Melcombe Street is outside the congestion charge zone.
Call us today on 0800 1 337 987 to book your microsuction appointment in Central London, and say goodbye to ear wax!
Our ear wax removal clinic in London also serves clients in London, Marylebone, Baker Street, Edgware Road, Paddington, Regents Park, Great Portland Street, Bond Street, Maida Vale, Lancaster Gate, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Wareen Street, Euston, Euston Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road, Chalk Farm, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, Picadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo, St James Park, Green Park, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater, Knightsbridge, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town, Angel and Camden Town.
There are numerous methods of ear wax removal. Some can be performed at home, while others must be performed by a professional. Here we have outlined the different methods and the pros and cons of each one:
Ear Drops
Ear drops can be bought from the chemist over the counter and are the cheapest method of wax removal. Ear drops are commonly marketed as a cheap way of removing earwax at home. For an ordinary member of the public, the choice of different branded and unbranded products can be overwhelming. Here are some of the different types:
Olive oil
Olive oil ear drops are the gentlest type. The olive oil softens the edges and outer surface of the wax and is well-tolerated by most people. Some more expensive versions have added menthol to produce a cooling sensation, or eucalyptus to give a pleasant smell.
Pros: cheap; gentle; generally well-tolerated; can be used for extended periods
Cons: can take a long time to work on its own; can make the ear feel bunged up,;added ingredients may not be so well-tolerated
Other Oil Blends
Some proprietary brands contain blends of light oils that soften ear wax.
Pros: gentle; possibly faster acting than olive oil
Cons: more expensive than olive oil; wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out;
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate / bicarbonate of soda ear drops are alkaline, while ear wax is acidic. Therefore they work by chemically dissolving ear wax rather than softening it, and work much quicker than olive oil. They can be used for a day or two by most people without any problem.
Pros: also cheap; tolerable for a day or two; quick
Cons: wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out; extended use can strip the protective lining of the ear canal and lead to infection
Peroxide-Based
Some ear drops, including proprietary and chemist own-brand, are based on peroxide in some form, often urea peroxide. When compared to sodium bicarbonate drops, peroxide-based drops are similarly effective, but also effervesce.
Pros: quick
Cons: more expensive than sodium bicarbonate drops; wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out; contain peroxide (bleach), and some individuals can experience a painful reaction even immediately after one application. For this reason we don’t recommend peroxide-based drops
In general, ear drops can sometimes take weeks to work, and hearing will often get worse before it gets better. There is also the possibility that the wax will slide further down the ear canal, form one large lump, and completely block the ear. Ear drops are not recommended if you have a perforated ear drum.
Ear Sprays
Ear sprays can be water-based or oil-based. They usually incorporate a conical nozzle that is placed into the entrance of the ear canal and the spray is then applied.
Water-Based
Water-based ear wax removal sprays can be effective if the amount of wax blockage isn’t too great. They are often simple saline, or may be sterilised sea water.
Pros: gentle; salt water based; well tolerated
Cons: may push wax further into the ear by the force of water; water may get trapped behind wax and create a “head under water” feeling
Oil-Based
Oil-based ear wax removal sprays, such as Earol, are great for softening wax prior to other procedures, and are very effective at penetrating wax due to their small droplet size.
Pros: cheap; safe; penetrate wax better than drops; reach further into the ear because of spray; great preventative measure when used once a week
Cons: may not remove wax on their own
Ear Syringing / Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation is normally performed by a GP practice nurse, a disrict nurse, and by some Audiologists. Traditionally, a meal ear syringe was loaded with warm water, the metal tip placed into the ear canal. The water was then squirted into the ear canal and a kidney dish was held under the ear to catch the water and and wax that was flushed out. The syringe would have to be regularly lubricated to allow a smooth level of pressure to be applied, and the nurse would use his or her judgement as to how forcefully to syringe the water. Syringing can’t shift hard wax, so it must be softened for up to two weeks before syringing is performed. Nowadays, for safety reasons the metal ear syringe has been replaced by an ear irrigator pump with a jet tip. The pump has a variable, regulated pressure, but the process is essentially the same. Many people have had their ears syringed or irrigated many times without any issue arising. Here are the pros and cons of ear syringing:
Pros: usually free on the NHS; when it works it works well
Cons: cannot remove hard wax; can push wax further into the ear if the angle of the jet is slightly off; may cause tinnitus; may perforate the eardrum; an undiagnosed perforated ear drum may not be seen due to the amount of wax, causing water, bacteria, wax and dead skin cells to be flushed past the eardrum into the middle ear, potentially causing a painful infection; not recommended following ear surgery; should not be performed when the ear drum has previously been perforated due to the risk of re-perforation
Due to the long list of potential complications listed above, many surgeries are withdrawing their ear syringing service, and are referring all patients to the NHS ENT clinic, which may have a long waiting list.
Dry Instrument Removal
Dry instrument ear wax removal is normally performed by an ENT surgeon or an Audiologist. The pratitioner uses a selection of different shaped instruments called Jobson Horne probes or curettes. These are like miniature spoons and loops that are used to hook or scoop the wax from the ear canal. It is normally perfomed under illumination. There is a great choice for the practitioner of metal, or plastic disposable curettes, and some of them even have their own light built in. The practitioner will usually apply some Earol to loosen the wax from the ear canal wall before performing the procedure. The tip of the curette is normally pushed past the wax and the drawn back out, bringing the wax with it.
Pros: quiet – so great for those who don’t like noise; quick – often the wax can be removed in one or two big lumps
Cons: small possibility of pushing the wax deeper into the ear; hard wax may be uncomfortable to remove
Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal
Microsuction is by far the most effective method of earwax removal. Tradionally only performed in ENT clinics due to the size and weight of the equipment, it can now be performed by appropriately trained individuals in smaller clinics due to portable suction pumps and operating microscopes that are now available. Micro suction is made up of two words: “Micro” refers to the operating microscopes that can either be large floor standing units, or can be incorporated into glasses, in whch case they are known as operating loupes. “Suction” refers to the medical suction pump that is attached to a tube and a 2 millimetre suction wand, which is used to suction the wax from your ear. Micro suction requires a good knowledge of the anatomy of the ear, along with training in how to safely use the equipment. For this reason, microsuction is performed by ENT surgeons and Audiologists, who both specialise in the ear, and by specialist nurses who have had further training. Micro suction only removes wax from the ear – because it doesn’t spray water into the ear it is safe to use after ear surgery, or when the eardrum is perforated. The Micro Suction Practitioner uses a powerful operating microscope and a bright light source, so he or she can see exactly what is happening inside your ear, so the procedure is the safest of all.
Pros: safest method; can be used after ear surgery; can be used where the eardrum is or has been perforared; painless; virtually no risk of infection; usually quick
Cons: possible slight discomfort if wax hasn’t been pre-softened; can sometimes require a second visit (in the case of severly impacted wax); some people find it a little noisy (although clinical studies show that the noise levels are safe)
We have an entire page on endoscopic ear wax removal here.
Other Methods
Cotton Buds
Cotton buds are small buds of cotton wound around either a plastic or wooden stick. Many people use them in their ears seemingly without any ill effects. However, other people find that cotton buds push in as much wax as they get out, and over time this wax gets pushed together to form a hard lump, known as “impacted wax”. Impacted wax can be so hard that it causes pain as it pushes against the sensitive skin of the ear canal, and can even push against the very delicate eardrum, causing pain and possibly a perforation. If you look inside someone’s ears after they’ve used cotton buds, you often see tiny scratches and minor bleeding: although cotton buds feel soft to our finger tips, they are actually quite harsh on the very thin skin of the ear canal. Our advice is don’t stick cotton buds in your ears. If your ears are itchy you most likely have slightly dry skin and will benefit more from using Earol once a week. Itchy ears may be a sign of a fungal ear infection, so if you your ears are itchy, get your GP to have a look inside just in case. Pros: cheap; temporarily relieve itching; some people use them without any issues; get some wax out Cons: tend to push in as much wax as they get out; scratch and irritate the sensitive skin of the ear; stimulate more wax production; can cause pain and/or perforate the eardrum
Home Use Ear Vacuums
“Ear vacuums” can be bought online, and many people feel that they are effective. However, look into their ear after using one (you’ll need an otoscope to do that!), and you’ll see that the wax is still there, and may have been pushed a little further down the ear canal. Often the ear vacuum will have some wax on the end, but that is not due to the vacuum itself. Rather, it is merely due to mechanical contact with the wax, the same way that a cotton bud will pick up some wax, but push more in than it gets out. Anything thay is strong enough to suction wax from the ear would need to be a medical device adapted for the purpose, and be operated by a trained professional to ensure that it is done safely. You can be assured that a product that is available online for under £10 will not be strong enough, and furthermore will not be a medical device adapted for suction of wax from the ear!
Pros: makes a whirring sound; feels nice to use; fairly cheap
Cons: despite being cheap, a complete waste of money; pushes in as much wax as it gets out
Ear Candles
Ear candles are an alternative therapy that can potentially cause sever e injury to the ear. The Hopi indian tribe strongly deny ever having invented such a thing. Ear candles are made up of wax and paper that is rolled into a cone that is thinner at one end. The wide end is placed into the ear canal and the thin end is lit. A flame burns at the end of the candle. There have been incidents reported in ENT literature of hot candle wax dropping onto the ear drum, immediately destroying the ear drum and causing permanent hearing loss. Even though this is quite rare, it isn’t a risk worth taking. Investigations have been carried out into whether ear candles remove any ear wax at all. Ear candling practitioners proudly cut open ear candles to show their clients how much wax has been removed. However, when measured the amount of updraught created by the candle is insufficient to remove ear wax, especially when it is working against gravity. When filmed over a clear glass, you can actually see a stream of wax and soot coming downwards from the bottom of the candle and coating the bottom of the glass. If that was in your ear, it would be coating your eardrum. If the updraught isn’t enough to lift tiny soot particles, it certainly isn’t enough to lift lumps of ear wax. So, if the lumps in the ear candles aren’t earwax, what are they? It turns out that they are composed of burnt candle wax and paper, exactly what you would expect if you lit a candle made from wax and paper!
Pros: practitioner often plays relaxing music, and may also give a foot massage
Cons: may cause severe pain and permanent hearing loss; not worth the risk
Conclusion
There are many methods of ear wax removal. The safest ear drops are olive oil, and the best are Earol spray (also made of olive oil). The best professional method of ear wax removal is micro suction, due to its high level of safety. It may cost slightly more than other methods, but it is worth it as, after all, you only have one pair of ears!
