Ear wax is a naturally occurring substance that cleans, lubricates and prevents infection in the ear canal. We are told to never use matchsticks, cotton buds, or anything smaller than an elbow to “clean” your ears, however, as we get older, ear wax can dry, putting a stop to the natural cleansing action, leading to blocked ear canals. You can book an appointment here.
We may not need to remove wax unless it is causing a problem such as muffled hearing, or occasional vertigo.
Initial Self Treatment At Home:
1. Use olive oil initially, 3 or 4 drops at a time twice a day for at least a week to soften the wax; you do not need a prescription for this. Lie down on your side for a few minutes afterwards to let it soak in, with the treated ear uppermost. Never use cotton wool as this can inhibit the effect of the olive oil.
2. Several patients have used a device (eg portia) which is available from pharmacies to purchase over the counter. This has helped to clear wax and saved patients from needing to attend surgery for ear irrigation. Ask your pharmacist for details but should not be used if there is a previous history of ear perforation or ear surgery.
3. If, after a week of olive oil use, the symptoms continue, then complete the checklist on the reverse of this sheet and if you answer NO to all questions please make an appointment for irrigation of the ear(s) with the allocated clinician as indicated.
Irrigation:
This should not be performed if there is an infection present, if there is a history of perforation or if there have been side effects when performed previously. The procedure involves gently squirting warm water into the ear canal via a nozzle. The water dislodges the wax, which will then come out of the ear. Some patients find the procedure quite soothing; other patients describe it as an odd feeling; you should not feel any pain.
Possible complications of irrigation:
There can sometimes be an infection of the ear canal or temporary tinnitus (ringing sound).
Very rarely, tinnitus that lasts a long time, vertigo (dizziness). There is a mild risk of this procedure causing a perforation/hole to the eardrum.
When Should I NOT Come For Ear Wax Removal?
If any of the following are true:
History of previous problem with irrigation (pain, perforation, severe vertigo).
History of tympanic perforation (ear drum).
Grommet in place.
History of ear surgery including mastoid surgery/grommet insertion.
Recent history of middle ear pain /infection.
Suspicion of otitis externa.
Cleft palate.
If you answer YES to any of the above you should not undertake ear irrigation.
If you have had your ears irrigated previously, then we foresee not issues.
Only book an ear irrigation appointment after one week’s use of olive oil as it is possible your symptoms may clear on their own.
You can book an appointment here.