FAQ ON EAR WAX REMOVAL │ with karen
Karen, our Hearing Care Assistant and Wax Removal Specialist here at the centre, sat down with Colin to answer some frequently asked questions on ear wax removal. Find out why the body produces ear wax, signs of excess build up to look out for, what to expect when visiting the centre for an appointment and more, below.
Question 1: How long have you been removing ear wax and what made you start your career?
“I have been removing earwax at Honiton Hearing Centre for 2 years now, and previous to this I was a qualified nurse for 25 years. I saw this position advertised and I thought I could bring my patient care and clinical knowledge to the wax removal specialist role.
Honiton Hearing Centre then further enhanced my earwax removal qualifications to an advanced level. I then took another course to give me more understanding of ears and I graduated as a Hearing Care Assistant in 2022.”
Question 2: Why does the body produce ear wax?
“Healthy ears contain wax, which is produced by the sebaceous and ceruminous glands in the ear, the skin of the ear canal is migrating from the ear drum towards the outside world all the time, and it carries the wax with it.
Wax is antibacterial, antifungal, sticky and doesn’t taste very nice! These properties help to prevent infection, collecting dirt and repelling fungal spores and other irritants. As these irritants are collected, they are moved towards the outside and it drops off as it hits the open air.
Earwax is a helpful and natural part of our body’s defences, it cleans, protects and lubricates the ear canal and keeps it healthy.”
Question 3: What are some indicators of excessive wax build up that requires its removal?
“Symptoms of ear wax build up include:
Hearing loss
Earache
Feeling that you are blocked up
Internalization of your own voice
Enhanced buzzing or ringing in your ears (Tinnitus)
Vertigo - feeling sick or dizzy
Crackling or popping sounds in the ear
Sometimes a need to cough
Occasional discharge or odour from the ear”
Question 4: How can someone be affected if they ignore these indicators?
“Untreated earwax can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ears and other issues. In most cases the earwax occlusion is not dangerous, and the symptoms can be relieved with treatment and removal.
We usually advise 7 days olive oil to soften the wax which may ease the symptoms, and then our removal usually will resolve the issues.”
Question 5: What can a client expect when they visit the centre to have their wax removed?
“Your wax removal appointment is usually about 30 minutes. We normally look in the ears using a video otoscope – that presents the ear canal on our flat screen TV and store a before and after photograph (and sometimes in-between as we progress to explain what we are doing).
We then take a medical history to make sure it is safe to proceed, explain how the machinery works, then once you are happy to go ahead our clinicians here will use either micro suction, irrigation or instruments to gently remove the wax that is in the ear.
Once the wax has been removed, they will check the health of your ear (with the video otoscope) and record the result. If we are unsuccessful in removing any wax, we will advise you on the next steps.”
Question 6: Have you ever had wax removed yourself and what does it feel like?
“I have had some wax removed before with micro suction and irrigation. This was also part of my training both in the NHS and more recently when I undertook the advanced course and hearing care assistant training. I found the procedure pain free and quite relaxing; it was also amazing being able to see inside my ears on a TV screen.”
Question 7: How do professional ear wax removal methods compare to some at-home treatments e.g. candles and removal tools purchased online?
“I really feel the at-home treatments should be treated with utmost caution. You should not attempt to remove ear wax if you have perforated eardrums, ear infections, ear surgery, tinnitus, or any other issue which may cause you problems going forwards.
I would always advocate speaking to your G.P. or your Hearing Care Professional. In my experience I have seen a few home remedies that have caused issues:
Small objects – avoid using small objects to try and “fish” the wax out, like Pen caps or hair grips.
Cotton buds – although they may look safe and perfect for your ears, cotton buds are too small to be used safely inside the ear. They can cause damage to the ear canal (bruising, puncture wounds) and usually push all the wax down and adhere it to the ear drum, occasionally perforating the ear drum.
Ear candles – have a look at Colin’s (our audiologist) YouTube video where he explains in some detail his thoughts (which I echo) about these candles. Hot wax dripping down inside can cause burns, damaged ear drums and to be honest, we have seen people here who have had the treatment elsewhere and still have to have the wax removed by us.
Q-Grips – these have been advertised on the internet lately, it has a spiral head (like a screw) and you use a gentle turning motion to remove the wax from your ear. I have seen these used and although the front part of the wax is usually removed, it pushes the wax further into the ear, usually screwing it up against the ear drum. I have seen 2 perforated ear drums from people using this method and it became very difficult to remove, resulting in a trip to the ENT department.
Bulb syringe – these are also available online at the pharmacy, you fill the syringe with warm water, place the tip near the ear canal opening and carefully squeeze the bulb. The warm water will flood the canal and supposedly break up the wax. You need to be very careful of the amount of pressure you use when you squeeze the bulb to irrigate the ear, as too much pressure could burst the ear drum or cause you pain. You also cannot see what you are doing so that for me is always suspect.
Personally, I would always advocate using safe, proven methods of wax removal, carried out by a trained, qualified and insured clinician working to a recognised code of practice.”
“I hope the information is of use to you all and if you need us, give us a call on 01404 47070 or book in online here.”
If you have any more questions, please use the enquiry form on our booking page and Karen, or a member of the team will be happy to answer.