A guide to ear wax removal - how to prepare for your appointment

A guide to ear wax removal – how to prepare for your appointment

Ear wax is completely natural – in fact, it’s vital for keeping your ears clean and healthy. But when too much ear wax builds up, it can become uncomfortable and affect your hearing. Fortunately, ear wax removal is a straightforward procedure that can bring fast relief. The idea of ear wax removal can, however, seem daunting. 

Read on for all you need to know about the process and what you’ll need to do before your ear wax removal appointment.  

What causes ear wax build-up?

Your ears naturally produce wax to keep germs and dirt at bay, protecting your eardrums and ear canals. But it’s not unusual for excess wax to build up. Sometimes, this is due to using earbuds or hearing aids which can rub against your ears. Wax production increases to keep your ears safe from irritation. 

You might also find wax builds up if you have narrow ear canals or a lot of hair in them. Other causes include skin conditions and ear canal inflammation. 

How to know if you need ear wax removal

If you have excess ear wax, you might be able to see it or you might experience itchiness — these are signs you could benefit from ear wax removal. Before booking a removal procedure, it’s best to get a free hearing health check. During this appointment, a trained audiologist will be able to look at your ears and let you know if ear wax removal is necessary. 

What happens during ear wax removal?

There are a couple of different methods to remove ear wax buildup but at Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, we use microsuction. Traditional ear wax removal centres around syringing the ears — forcing water into the ear canal to flush out the wax. However, microsuction is a more gentle and effective ear wax removal procedure. 

Microsuction ear wax removal involves carefully vacuuming the ear canal with a high-precision tool. It can be tempting to try and remove ear wax at home but this can cause potential further damage — booking a professional ear wax removal service at a clinic is far safer for you, and your ears. 

How to prepare for your ear wax removal appointment

Ear wax is generally soft and pliable but when it builds up, it can become hard and compacted. During an initial consultation, your audiologist will inspect your ears and ask you to soften the ear wax with oil. We can provide you with specialised ear oil but you can also try olive oil. 

The best way to soften hard ear wax before removal is to apply a few drops daily for a week leading up to your microsuction appointment. 

• Use a pipette or dropper to place a small amount of olive oil in the affected ear.
• Then gently massage to help the olive oil make its way down your ear canal.
• Lay your head to the side, with the affected ear facing upwards —this will help the oil penetrate the wax.
• Let the oil rest for around five minutes before getting up.
• If your other ear is also blocked, repeat the process on the other side.

How much does ear wax removal cost?

Microsuction ear wax removal from Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists costs £75. This cost covers one or two ears and includes a follow-up appointment to check on your progress after the removal procedure. If we find you don’t need ear wax removal, there is only a £20 charge payable.

Safe ear wax removal with Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists

If pesky ear wax is causing you bother, there’s a straightforward and effective way to remove it. We have a friendly team of trained professionals who can carry out microsuction ear wax removal to provide you with relief and improve your quality of hearing.

Unsure whether or not you need professional ear wax removal services? Arrange a free hearing test to assess your ear health. Find your nearest Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists location and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.