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.
This is a fascinating video on microsuction ear wax blockage removal. The micro suction procedure just takes around a minute, and the ear wax is removed safely and painlessly.Many people are concerned about ear micro suction side effects. The main concern is the noise level of the microsuction wand, which can reach 100dB(A) inside the ear canal. According to the Health and Safety Executive, this noise level is safe for up to 15 minutes. Considering that the microsuction procedure typically lasts less than 15 minutes per ear, and the noise is intermittent as the suction wand is frequently removed from the ear to be flushed, we would expect that the noise level of the microsuction procedure to be safe. However, some individuals have a genetic mutation, which removes the ear’s normal protection against loud noise. These individuals will normally find loud noise extremely uncomfortable, and may already have tinnitus that is made worse by loud noise (most people with tinnitus find that their tinnitus is worse when it’s quiet).For people who are concerned about the side effects of microsuction, it is possible to use a different method of earwax removal called aural toilet, where specially designed instruments are used to remove the ear wax.For more information on microsuction and other methods of ear wax removal, head over to http://ift.tt/2bxxzEZ
You should see this video about private ear wax removal in London. This clinic uses the microsuction ear wax removal technique that is safe and 100% effictive. Based in Central London, they offer saturday ear wax removal appointments and thursday evening ear wax removal appointments too.
Micro suction puts no water into the ear, removing wax from the ear using gentle suction. The Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal 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.
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. Endoscopic ear wax removal is the most advanced method of private ear wax removal. Our London clinic offers microsuction ear wax removal or endoscopic ear wax removal, depending on which method will be most appropriate.
One of their patients says “ I have been suffering with a blocked ear for about 3 weeks now. I have a perforated eardrum and my doctor suggested that I just try with ear drops. I did this and it had no effect whatsoever. As my job involves regular face to face customer meetings I have really struggled over last few weeks and think straining to hear as much as I could with my non-blocked ear started to give me earache. My friend recommended Microsuction so I thought I would give it a go. Jason was very good explaining how the procedure works and going through the instruments used. It was completely painless and quick and I could hear again. I have to say I didn’t realise what a profound sensation it would be to suffer a temporary hearing loss – shows you must never take these senses for granted. It was sheer relief to be able to hear again. I would definitely recommend this process. “
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
— Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network (@microsuction) 18 June 2016
The Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network are the first clinics in London to be able to offer endoscopic ear wax mirosuction and endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments by request at selected locations.
Endoscopic microsuction has been shown to be more comfortable than microsuction using an operating microscope or surgical loupes, and is particularly suitable for clients with narrow ear canals.
Endoscopic ear wax removal using instruments is particularly suitable for clients with severe tinnitus and/or noise sensitivity, where microsuction may not be appropriate due to the noise levels. The instruments used are the St Barts wax hook, the Jobson Horne probe, and crocodile forceps (due to the high cost of the crocodile forceps, an additional charge of £10 is applied if its use is required).
Where there is a foreign object in the ear canal, it may also be necessary to use instrumentation, especially the crocodile forceps.
Endoscopic Microsuction Demonstrated By Mr J Levy
A 2010 Health Technology Assessment by AJ Clegg et. al. concluded that endoscopic ear wax removal is superior to microscopic wax removal – microscopic wax removal uses an operating microscope or surgical loupes to get a magnified view of the ear canal and ear drum – a speculum (small funnel) must be inserted into the ear canal in order to provide a view, and the speculum takes up some of the space within the ear canal, further restricting the practitioner’s view. Furthermore, the speculum can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin of the ear canal if the ear canal is very narrow.
In contrast, endoscopic ear wax removal uses a fine 2.8mm endoscope inserted part way into the ear canal. The endoscope is a rod containing fibre optics to relay light from a light source to illuminate the canal and a solid lens (or series of lenses) to relay the view from inside the canal to the outside. The endoscope can be either viewed directly, or imaging equipment (such as what you see below) can be attached to provide better magnification.
Jason Levy Demonstrates Endoscopic Microsuction Technique
If you have an ear wax blockage, and would like to book an appointment for endoscopic ear wax removal, please call our booking office on 0800 1 337 987.
