The different types
of wax removal available
Norfolk Earwax Nurse offers safe and clinically effective earwax removal treatments. Read on to discover more about the treatments I offer.
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is a method of removing earwax using a gentle low-suction device. The practitioner has full view of your ear at all times using loupe magnification to view the ear canal and drum.
The microsuction machine used is an A Speed 2 3A Professional Double Pump Aspirator with 1000 ml bottle. This is a non CE marked machine for aural microsuction as currently there are no CE marked machines for aural microsuction. If there is no effective alternative, a machine can be used ‘off label’, following the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidelines which can be found here
Microsuction is considered to be the gold standard of ear wax removal and is the preferred method used by Ear, Nose and Throat consultants and recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Microsuction is a safe and effective method of ear wax removal.
It is advised to soften the wax by using olive oil or Earol twice a day for 5 days (unless you have a known perforation). Sometimes the oiling can make the ear feel full due to the earwax expanding, however this is temporary and should resolve once the wax has been removed.
Microsuction often provides instant relief.
Microsuction is appropriate for:
- Perforated ear drum
- Impacted wax
- Urgent removal due to poor hearing or prior to flying
- When irrigation is not suitable due to previous surgery or problems in the ear canal
- Hearing aid user.
What is Ear Irrigation?
Ear irrigation is carried out by using an electronic ear irrigation machine. The machine has a storage reservoir unit for warm water and a hand held nozzle from which the water gently flows into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate . The previously softened wax is broken down by the warm flow of water and this dislodges the build up allowing it to flush out of the ear canal.
Prior to ear irrigation, you must be prepared to soften the wax by using olive oil or Earol twice a day for 5 days. Sometimes the oiling can make the ear feel full due to the earwax expanding, however this is temporary and should resolve once the wax has been removed.
Ear irrigation is generally considered to be a safe procedure, however it is not suitable for everyone.
It is not appropriate for you to have ear irrigation if:
- You have ever had a perforated ear drum
- You have previously had problems with irrigation such as pain or vertigo
- You have discharge of mucus from your ear or you have had an ear infection in the last 2 months
- You have had ear surgery (apart from grommets which have come out at least 18 months beforehand)
- You have recurring or persistent infections of the ear canal
- You have had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the past 6 weeks
- You have a foreign object inside the ear canal
PLEASE NOTE :It is important to be aware that no treatment of ear wax removal is completely “risk-free”.
What to expect during your appointment
We will have an initial discussion at the start of your appointment regarding your health, hearing and what the main problem is with your ear/s. Consent will be required prior to any examination of your ears and also if treatment is advised.
I will then examine both of your ears and will also use a small HD camera. The camera allows you to see your ear canal and any wax build up that may be causing you issues. If the canal is clear you will be able to see your ear drum on the screen. Photos will be taken of both ears prior to wax removal and these photos will be kept on your electronic records.
If following the examination wax removal is indicated this will be discussed with you. Microsuction will be offered as a first line treatment. Once completed the HD camera will be used again to show you your ear canals, only this time the wax blockage will be gone! The "after" photos will be taken of both ears and stored on your electronic records.
How long is my appointment?
This will depend on the treatment required. Your appointment could take between 10 – 30 minutes. A follow up visit may be needed if there has been an ear infection or trauma to the ear canal.
Pricing
£60 – one or both ears wax removal
If no wax is found a fee of £30 applies for attending the appointment.
Your appointment will include:
Review of both ears with photos of the ear canal taken before and after earwax removal.
Microsuction of one or both ears
Aftercare and prevention advice
If, after examination, I decide that another method is more appropriate (for example, gentle irrigation or manual extraction), the fee remains £60 – you don’t pay extra because I use a different technique.
Follow-Up and Repeat Wax Removal
Most people need only one visit. Occasionally, very hard or deep wax may require:
A period of softening drops, followed by
A short follow-up appointment
If a follow-up is recommended, this will be offered within 2 weeks of your initial appointment at no additional cost to yourself.
Areas covered
I currently offer home visits within a 15 mile radius of postcode NR9 5AB.
Click "open in maps" and then select "Directions" on the map below and enter your postcode.
You will then be able to check that you live within the area that I cover.
Please contact me before booking if you are unsure, or have difficulty using the map provided.
I may be able to travel beyond my usual catchment area on occasion. Please contact me to discuss further.
