Here you can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions. If you have a question which is not covered on this page please do not hesitate to get touch via the contact page and I will be happy to help with your query.
What is earwax?
Earwax is a normal physiological substance that is a combination of dead skin cells, hair, foreign substances such as cosmetics and dirt and the secretions of cerumen by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands of the outer ear canal.
In summary, earwax is normal; it cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear canal. It’s good for our ears to have a small amount of wax but it can sometimes build up and cause discomfort or other ear problems.
Why do I have so much earwax?
Earwax build-up can affect anyone, although people who have narrow ear canals or wear hearing aids may be more likely to have frequent earwax build up. In fact, the most common cause of earwax blockage is utilising cotton swabs or other objects in your ear canal which pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal, thereby creating a blockage.
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
Earwax build-up is a leading cause of hearing loss. However, it is also easily reversed. You may need earwax removing if you have or are experiencing any of the following signs/symptoms;
- Hearing loss
- Earache
- Tinnitus
- Itchiness
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
If you are a hearing aid user, you may also need earwax removing regularly as the hearing aid stimulates the production of earwax which blocks the hearing aid and can also damage the hearing aid components due to the acid within the cerumen (earwax).
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is a safe and effective treatment where earwax is removed using a compact suction device. A microscopic camera is used to get a clear view inside the patient’s ear to identify the extent of the problem. The low pressure suction device is then used in conjunction with the camera to gradually and carefully remove earwax from the canal. The device used reduces the risk of damage being caused to the patient’s ear canal or ear drum as a result of the procedure.
What are the risks?
As with any clinical procedure, there are potential risks and/or side effects, although these are extremely rare. Please click on the following link to read the full Clear Ear Healthcare Patient Information sheet;
A patient consent form is to be completed prior to any appointment to ensure the patient is clinically suitable and to establish how best to provide treatment based on the patients individual medical history.
When should earwax be removed?
Earwax is produced as part of a natural process for cleaning and protecting the ear ; in the majority of cases, it does not need to be removed.
Normally earwax is naturally removed from the ear canal spontaneously through natural jaw movement. If this natural mechanism is disrupted or inadequate, wax may then become retained and compacted in the ear canal which is likely to need intervention.
Generally earwax removal should only be offered to patients when earwax is contributing to hearing loss or other symptoms such as earache, tinnitus, itchiness or vertigo (spinning sensation).
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the term for the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of any actual external sounds. You may hear different types of sound, for example ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming. These can be continuous or they can be sporadic.
For more specific information on tinnitus, please visit the following link;
https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/all-about-tinnitus
Are cotton buds safe to use ?
The use of cotton buds can be dangerous for our ear health and hearing for a number of reasons. If cotton buds are inserted too deep into the ear canal, it can cause the perforation of the ear drum, causing pain, tinnitus, or even long-term hearing loss.
Repeated use of cotton buds can also increase the risk of an ear infection as the stick can damage the delicate structures within the ear, causing redness and/or bleeding which is then susceptible to infection.
Cotton buds can cause the opposite of the desired effect, namely an ear plug, by pushing earwax to the bottom of the ear canal as shown in the video below.
Clear Ear Healthcare 