What is ear wax?

Ear wax (or cerumen) is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal from dust, bacteria, and debris while also keeping it moisturised.  In most cases the ear is self-cleaning; jaw movements like talking and chewing help to move the ear wax outward, where it wistill work in Milton Keynesll usually flake off naturally.  Problems can arise when wax becomes hard, impacted, or blocks the ear canal, causing muffled hearing, discomfort, or a full sensation.

What can cause ear wax?

We are all genetically unique, and some people naturally produce more ear wax than others.  Some people may have a naturally narrower ear canal which inhibits the body’s ability to naturally expel the wax, resulting in blocked ears.  External influences such as frequent use of hearing aids or ear buds can lead to excessive accumulation.  Frequent attempts to clean the ears with cotton buds can actually end up pushing wax further in and causing impaction.  Anyone can suffer with wax build up leading to blocked ears however, and it is not necessarily an indicator of a genetic predisposition to the problem. 

What are the symptoms of ear wax build up?

Symptoms can include :

• hearing loss
• earache, a sensation of fullness, or a feeling that your ears are blocked
• ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
• vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
• In some cases one or both ears can feel quite painful.

How is ear wax removed?

Two approved modern methods (both of which I offer) are irrigation or micro suction.  Irrigation uses a machine which rinses away wax with warm water.  The machine is pressure regulated and specifically designed for this task.

Micro suction again uses a specific medical grade machine.  The machine gently suctions away the wax from the ear.

Is this ear syringing?

No.  The phrase “ear syringing” remains in common use, however syringes are no longer used to remove ear wax, as the more modern methods above have replaced this.  Manufacturers of ear drops and sprays will still use phrases like “reduces the need for ear syringing”, as the phrase is so well established in common parlance.

Will the procedure hurt?

Many providers will tell you their treatment is “painless”.  This is true for the vast majority, however you may find the noise of either the irrigation or the micro suction machine a little uncomfortable.  Sometimes as wax is suctioned away it can tug at the tiny hairs inside the ears a little as it comes loose.    Most people will not find the procedure painful, but if you are finding it uncomfortable for any reason, I will always stop and offer breaks as needed.                            

How long will the procedure take?

The ear wax removal procedure  can take up to 20 minutes, but is usually far quicker.  It will depend on your particular anatomy and how readily the ear wax comes away in your case. 

Why  have I been asked to use olive oil spray before the procedure?

Olive oil spray twice daily for 5-7 days before ear wax removal is recommended to soften the wax and make it easier to remove.  This helps to ensure the wax is less likely to cause pain or discomfort during the procedure, and reduces the risk of injury to the delicate skin of the ear canal. It also prepares the ear canal for efficient ear wax removal, so even deeply embedded or stubborn impacted ear wax can be cleared away.   

Using olive oil beforehand to soften the ear wax can further reduce the risk of leaving behind any small, stubborn ear wax pieces that could later cause discomfort or lead to further ear wax build up. Overall, using olive oil spray before ear wax removal can significantly improve the experience and outcome of the procedure.

How can I prevent getting blocked ears again in the future?

To prevent ear wax building up again in the future and causing blocked ears, I recommend using Earol Olive Oil spray for ongoing maintenance.  One spray per week into each ear should be enough in most cases.  Not all providers will tell you this… they would happily have you coming to them every few months for ear wax removal instead!

I found a cheaper provider, why should I use you?

Some providers are now offering cheap ear wax removal.  Be aware that they may have completed no more than a half day course in micro suction and have no prior experience of using proper medical grade equipment for ear examination (otoscopy).  These providers may have no clue how to properly examine your ears, interpret findings, or give aftercare advice.  I have eight years of otoscopy experience in primary care and am fully trained in irrigation AND micro suction.  I am fully insured and DBS checked, for your reassurance.  Many services in this field are franchised, whereas I am a local independent business.  

Is this a mobile service?

Yes.  I provide a fully mobile ear wax removal service and have all the equipment available for ear assessment at home via proper otoscopy techniques, as well as the necessary micro suction and ear irrigation equipment to remove ear wax.  My service is ideal for busy families and professionals, housebound or elderly patients.

My charges are transparent and include the cost of call out, hence there are no hidden extras like call-out fees.  See below for prices.

What areas do you cover?

Clarion Ear Care provides ear wax removal as a mobile service in Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, and Olney.  These areas are close to my heart as I worked for almost ten years in the ambulance covering the Milton Keynes area.  

I now live in a small village in North Bedfordshire, so as well as covering the Milton Keynes area, I am pleased to also serve the various surrounding villages near Olney (Turvey, Bromham, Cranfield, North Crawley, Chicheley, Lavendon, Sherington, Milton Ernest etc etc.).  If you live near these areas and are unsure, please use the contact form below or send me a WhatsApp message.