LOOKING AFTER YOUR EARS
It is not always necessary to have your ears irrigated if they are blocked with a build-up of wax. Please read the following self-help guide as you may not need an appointment. Ear irrigation is not without risks.
Why do I have ear wax?
Ear wax is normal and is produced to form a protective coating over the skin in the ear canal. Ears are normally self-cleaning – the movement of your jaw whilst eating and talking helps to move the wax along the canal where it will usually fall out naturally without you noticing.
Why is my ear blocked with wax?
The amount of ear wax produced varies from person to person; some people produce excessive amounts which can lead to a blockage in the ear canal.
You are more likely to develop a blockage of wax in the canal if you:
- use cotton ear buds to clean the ear as this pushes the wax deeper into the canal
- wear a hearing aid, ear plugs or use in-ear speakers for i-pods or similar – as these can all interfere with the natural process of wax expulsion
- have abnormally narrow ear canals
- have a particularly hairy ear canal
- are elderly – because the ear wax you produce is drier and harder
- have a dry skin problem such as eczema or psoriasis
Advice to help you manage and prevent ear wax blockage
Ear wax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, discomfort or if your Health professional requires a clear view of your ear drum.
If you experience any of the following, you should seek advice from your GP or Nurse Practitioner at the Surgery:
- pain
- discharge or bleeding from the ear
- sudden deafness or buzzing
- foreign bodies in the ear
- dizziness
If you are not experiencing any of the above, we recommend that you follow the advice below
Olive Oil Drops
The following needs to be done 3-4 times daily for at least 2-3 weeks
– Lie on your side with the affected ear uppermost
– Pull the outer ear gently backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal
– Put 2-3 drops of olive oil into the affected ear(s) and gently massage just in front of the ear
– Stay laying on your side to allow the wax to soak in for around 10 mins
– Afterwards, wipe away any excess oil but do not plug your ear with cotton wool as this simply absorbs the oil
Your hearing problem may initially worsen after first starting to use the olive oil drops; therefore, we advise you to concentrate on treating one ear at a time if both ears are blocked with wax.
In most cases, the wax will have softened sufficiently to encourage the wax to come out without further intervention. If this is unsuccessful an Ear-bulb syringe can be used
Self-treatment of Ear wax with an Ear- Bulb syringe
Ear Bulbs can be purchased for approximately £4-£5 from Pharmacies or on-line.
DO NOT USE THE EAR BULB IF YOU HAVE –
- a painful ear
- a history of a perforation in the affected ear
- had a recent ear infection in the affected ear
- discharge
- only one hearing ear which is the affected ear
- had previous ear surgery in the affected ear – including grommets
How do I use the Ear Bulb?
- Soften the earwax with olive oil as above for at least 2-3 weeks
- Prepare the syringe by squirting water in and out of it a few times, water should be at body temperature (37C / 98F)
- Gently pull your ear upwards, backwards and outwards to help straighten the ear canal.
- Tilt your head to one side and gently squirt one or more bulb syringes of water into your ear
- Allow the water to remain in your ear for 60 Seconds. Gently tilt your head the opposite way and wiggle your outer ear. The water coming out may be discoloured and / or has pieces of wax / debris in it.
- You may find that more than one flushing is required.
- Rarely this may cause headache & dizziness –this usually if the water is too cool.
Ear Syringing
Ear syringing is NOT provided at the practice due to risk of injury to the ear canal and ear drum.
Ear Microsuction
Ear microsuctioning clinics are available on the NHS at Northwick Park Hospital and Central Middlesex – the current wait times are over 6months
There are a number of private microsuction clinics locally. We recommend you “google search” for these. The closest is www.clearearwax.co.uk/#locations – please note we do not endorse this service but highlighted it as the closest private clinic.