Aural Care Service

How Microsuction works?

At Hear for Norfolk we specialise in the microsuction technique to remove excessive or troublesome ear wax. This is generally accepted to be the safest and most effective method. It is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and a finely calibrated suction device, which is completely syringe free. The microsuction technique means that we can always see what we are doing and is considered a safe method of ear wax removal.

Prior to the procedure you will be advised to use olive oil spray or drops, such as Earol, for 2-3 days beforehand. This will make the treatment easier for you. Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your appointment with us.

What is ear wax?

Ear wax keeps our ears clean and healthy. It usually works its way out of the ears by itself, but sometimes too much wax can build up and block the ears. Ear wax is a normal substance that protects the skin of your ear canals.
It’s made up of:

• Dead skin cells
• Debris such as dust
• Cerumen, which is the natural wax produced by glands in your ears.

When does ear wax need to be removed?

Ear wax doesn’t usually cause problems, but if too much is produced, it can build up in the ear, leading to:

• Hearing loss (the most common symptom)
• Ear discomfort, earache and the feeling of having blocked ears
• Tinnitus (noises in the ear(s) or head)
• A cough, though this is rare

You may also need to have ear wax removed if:

• Ear wax is preventing a doctor or audiologist (hearing specialist) from viewing your ear canal and eardrum
• You’re getting a hearing aid and the audiologist needs to take an impression of your ear for the earmould
• You use a hearing aid and ear wax is causing it to whistle.

If you use hearing aids, it’s very important to make sure that your ears aren’t blocked with wax. This is because if the wax blocks the earmould or soft tip by going into the tubing. It can block off the sound and cause you to think that the hearing aid has stopped working. If you think that the tubing of your hearing aid is blocked, please contact us to get it cleaned or replaced.
 

Can I remove ear wax blockage myself

No. You should never insert anything into your ears to remove wax, such as a finger, cotton bud or towel, as this can:

• Damage the wall of the ear canal and cause inflammation
• Cause the wax to be compressed by pushing it further into the ear
• Tear the eardrum

Where can I get help?

See your GP

If you experience any of these problems, please see your GP. A wax blockage may give you mild temporary hearing loss. For this to happen the wax has to completely block the canal or press on the eardrum. If your GP confirms that your ears are not blocked with wax and you still feel your hearing is diminished please ask your GP to refer you for a hearing test.

If the GP confirms that your ear problems are caused by a build-up of ear wax, please get a GP referral or contact us directly and our qualified, registered and experienced ear care practitioners will remove the ear wax using microsuction.

Get a GP referral to Hear for Norfolk….or self-refer yourself

If you are age 10+ and are registered with a GP Practice in the Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group area please ask your GP to make a referral to Hear for Norfolk (Norfolk Deaf Association) via the eRs (e-Referral System).

If you are registered with a GP Practice outside this area or if you do not wish to get a referral from your GP then please contact us directly for an appointment, however, please note that we charge a fee of £55 for the procedure. Our otoscopy screening service costs £10.

We are an enhanced provider of this service, which means we are able to treat ‘complex’ and ‘non-complex’ patients. We are able to see patients at our community-based and mobile ear care clinics and carry out domiciliary and care home visits for housebound people.

Making an appointment

For an appointment or more information please call 01603 404440 or email appointments@hearfornorfolk.org.uk or complete the form below (including the simple sum at the bottom that protects us from spam).