Hearing Clinics in Kilmarnock, Paisley, East Kilbride, Ayr & Irvine
Here are a few questions we get the most. If you don’t see what is on your mind, reach out to us anytime on phone or email.
Ear wax is a natural cleaning mechanism produced by glands deep inside the ear canal. Normally, tiny hairs in the ear help move the wax towards the outer ear where it can exit naturally.
Ear wax (cerumen) also helps lubricate the ear canal and protects it from dust and bacteria.
Impacted ear wax can cause or worsen tinnitus and may lead to temporary hearing loss, particularly sudden hearing loss.
Possible symptoms include:
• Pain or earache
• Hearing loss, especially sudden loss
• Irritation and itchiness
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Clicking or squelching sounds as the wax moves
If these symptoms are caused by ear wax, they may improve once the wax has been removed.
No. Ear wax varies greatly from person to person. It can be dry, wet, sticky, flaky, soft, or hard.
Even between your own ears, the wax can be completely different. One ear may take 10 minutes to clean while the other may take 20 minutes.
We will always endeavour to give you our next available appointment.
Ear wax removal by micro-suction can usually be diagnosed and treated on the same day.
In rare cases, removal may not be possible immediately, most commonly when wax has become heavily impacted due to cotton bud use.
Most of the time, oil is not required before microsuction, although using ear drops for a day or two beforehand can help.
Common options include:
• Earol (olive oil based)
• Otex
• Sodium Bicarbonate Drops
Earol is the preferred option.
Ear drops can temporarily make hearing worse because they add liquid to the ear canal, causing the wax to expand and create a blocked sensation.
Wax can also soften and move onto the eardrum, restricting its movement and causing temporary hearing loss.
Hopi ear candles are not considered an effective method of ear wax removal.
Ear wax removal requires skill, patience and a steady hand.
The eardrum is only around 0.1mm thick, so safe removal should always be carried out by someone properly trained and working in the right environment.
• Complete a short form about your ears and medical history
• The procedure will be explained and consent obtained
• Your ears will be examined to confirm wax is present
• Ear wax will be removed using micro-suction or irrigation, which ever is more suitable for your needs
• Drops or specialist tools may be used if needed
• The ear canal and eardrum will be checked again after treatment
On average, around 30 minutes if both ears require cleaning.
No.
You will be aware of the procedure taking place, but the audiologist will avoid contact between the suction tube and the ear canal wherever possible.
£45 for one ear.
£55 for both ears.
No.
You can self refer. If anything found during the appointment suggests further investigation is required, you may be referred to your GP or another healthcare professional.
Yes.
Microsuction is recognised as the safest and most effective method of removing excessive ear wax and is widely used throughout UK ENT departments.
• Registered with a recognised professional body (HCPC or NMC)
• Completed an accredited ear wax removal course
• Completed observation and supervised training before practising independently
• Maintains detailed training records and logbooks
• Undergoes further supervision and quality checks to ensure high standards of care
Ear Wax Removal £45 for one ear or £55 for both
*99.9% of ear wax can be removed the same day. If you have used a cotton bud you may have impacted the wax and it may be too hard to remove with one appointment. We would advise a few days oil before a visit if this is the case. If you require a second appointment because of cotton bud use this will be charged @ £20.
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