Wax Removal Drop-In Clinic
In the run up to the big C-Word (!), our wax removal service always gets busier. In previous years, we’ve had to turn people away due to high demand. We want to avoid that this year so have opened up a wax removal drop-in clinic.
The wax removal drop-in clinic currently runs on Tuesdays only from 7:30am until 12pm. There’s no need to book, just turn up!
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is a natural mix of oil, fats, sweat and dead skin found in the ear canal. It isn’t really a bad thing because it helps to protect your eardrum and ear canal ear against dust, dirt and bacteria. The secretions lubricate the ear canal and prevent the skin from becoming too dry. What’s really interesting though is that contents of ear wax changes from person to person based on diet, age and race.
What can cause it?
Unfortunately, some people just suffer from regularly blocked ears. This can simply be an over production of ear wax, narrow ear canals or dry skin. Some causes of earwax are:
Overproduction of ear wax
Narrow ear canals
Hairy ear canals
Dry earwax, (not much moisture in the secretion as you get older)
Bony growths in the ear canal can block the progress of ear wax
An awkward ear canal bend
Using cotton buds in the ear
Wearing hearing aids (pushing the wax back in)
Wearing in-ear headphones (same as above)
Do I need ear wax removal?
The most symptom of excess ear wax is dull hearing but other symptoms can include:
Earache (as the wax builds up and hardens, it can press against the ear canal causing pain)
Itchiness in the ear canal
Dizziness (ear wax blockage can occasionally cause dizziness and a feeling of unbalance)
Tinnitus (excess ear wax can give a sense of buzzing or ringing in the affected ear)
I think I need to visit the wax removal drop-in clinic. What should I do now?
Just turn up! The drop n clinic is open on Tuesdays from 7:30am until 12pm with no appointment needed.
On arrival, you will be greeted by one of our reception staff and asked to fill in a brief ear medical history and consent form.
An audiologist will take you through to one of our treatment rooms and begin the consultation. Using video-otoscopy your ears will be assessed first which you can watch on screen if you’re not too squeamish! The audiologist will explain the process throughout and advise whether wax removal is needed for one ear or both ears. Methods of wax removal that we offer are microsuction and water irrigation, the method used will depend on the amount and type of wax that you have. You’ll be in and out in less than thirty minutes!
