earwax removal

About

At Yorkshire Ear Clinic we use clinical micro-suction technology to remove a build up of excess earwax from the ear canal. Earwax is a natural substance produced by the body to protect and lubricate the ear, however at times it can build up, causing discomfort, hearing loss, pain and increased risk of ear infections. When this occurs it is beneficial to safely remove the earwax. Micro-suction is the gold standard procedure for earwax removal as it avoids pushing the wax deeper into the ear, often seen when using cotton buds or ear candling, and doesn’t pose the same risk of injuring the ear as can occur in the more traditional techniques.

Earwax removal

Symptoms of Earwax build up

Difficulty hearing
Earache
Itchiness
Ear infections
Dizziness
Tinnitus (ringing or noises in the ears)

Common cause of Earwax build up

In most cases the body will naturally clear the ears of excess earwax, particularly via movement of the jaw when eating or talking.

However, sometimes this mechanism doesn’t work well enough, resulting in the earwax blocking the ear canal, causing the symptoms mentioned above. Unfortunately, some people are more prone to this than others.

Risk factors for earwax build up include:

Excessive earwax production
Having narrow ear canals (often hereditary)
Hairy ears
Dry earwax (seen more commonly as you age)
Frequent use of cotton buds in an attempt to clean the ears
Wearing hearing aids
Regular use of ear plugs or in-ear headphones

Booking an Appointment

Please book your earwax removal appointment directly at our Northallerton or Knaresborough clinics here.

To learn more about our audiologist Zanib, click here.

To learn more about the other services we offer click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my earwax removal appointment?

We usually advise that you use Earol spray 3 times per day for 3 days prior to your appointment to help soften the wax.

Can I use a cotton ear bud to remove ear wax?

Cotton buds do not reach far enough into the ear canal. In fact, cotton buds end up pushing

the ear wax blockage further into the ear, potentially making the problem worse. This is why it is recommended you consult an audiologist when you have a build up of earwax.

When should I get earwax removed?

In general you should not need to do anything about earwax as the ear is self-cleaning. The wax should just drop out naturally. However, when the wax becomes lodged, it causes a blockage, which will just build up overtime, causing dull hearing, pain, infection, tinnitus or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact an audiologist to arrange an appointment for earwax removal.

Is micro-suction earwax removal painful?

Micro-suction earwax removal is usually considered to be a comfortable and painless procedure. It is designed to be gentle, controlled and quick and is typically well tolerated by most people. Micro-suction is the gold standard procedure for earwax removal and according to NICE guidelines, it is the safest and most effective way to remove excessive earwax.

Is the micro-suction procedure the same as water irrigation, syringing or Hopi Ear candling?

No. With both water irrigation and syringing, you are unable to monitor the ear canal during the process, which means damage can inadvertently be caused to the ear canal or eardrum. Hopi Ear candling is not scientifically proven to remove the earwax and can cause damage to the lining of the skin of the ear canal or eardrum. This is why micro-suction is the method recommended by NICE and the preferred option in the vast majority of cases of earwax buildup.

How does the earwax micro-suction procedure work?

In the first instance our audiologist will look inside your ear using an otoscope to assess the amount and condition of the earwax and confirm whether micro-suction is appropriate for you. The audiologist will then use a gentle suction wand that removes the wax and debris, whilst wearing a special microscope with 12x magnification so that the whole ear canal can be seen during the procedure. The procedure is safe, comfortable and painless, but can be a little noisy. Many patients often report immediate relief from symptoms after the procedure.

How many sessions will I need?

This is dependent on the amount and consistency of the earwax as well as your own comfort. It may not be possible to remove all the earwax in one attempt. If this situation occurs, the audiologist will pause and advise you to continue to use Earol twice daily for 5 days and then return to have the remainder removed on a second session.

My ear is still blocked after the earwax removal procedure. What should I do?

There may be another reason besides earwax that is causing your ear to feel blocked. This could include a build up of fluid behind the eardrum (i.e. glue ear) or an issue with the inner ear or auditory nerve not working properly. Please contact us so that we can investigate this further.

How much does the earwax removal procedure cost?

The session costs £70 which includes an initial consultation, examination and the micro-suction procedure for both ears. The audiologist will also provide you with any relevant self-help advice and information. If a referral to GP is required, this will be taken care of as well.

Can micro-suction help with an ear infection?

Yes, it is better to remove the discharge/infected pus from the ear canal via the micro-suction

procedure before applying drops to help clear the infection. Please contact us for further advice.

Can earwax removal help tinnitus?

If you feel like your hearing quality may be affected due to earwax building up in your ears, it is a good idea to seek advice from an audiologist. Our audiologist will be able to tell you if your hearing is being affected by earwax build-up or another cause, where a different solution would be more beneficial. Micro-suction wax removal can improve a tinnitus issue if earwax build up is the cause.