Frequently asked questions about Micro suction ear wax removal

Is warm water irrigation suitable for everyone?

No. Earwax irrigation is not suitable for everyone. Your ears should be examined before treatment to identify any circumstances where irrigation may not be appropriate. If another method, such as microsuction, is more suitable, your practitioner can discuss this with you.

What are the symptoms of blocked ears?

A build-up of earwax can block the ear canal and cause muffled or reduced hearing. Some people also experience a feeling of pressure, tinnitus or sounds seeming unusually quiet. If earwax is responsible, hearing will often improve once the blockage has been safely removed. If hearing does not improve, further assessment may be recommended.

Where are you located, and how can I book an appointment?

We now have 2 clinic locations. Hellesdon Clinic is located on Cromer Road in Hellesdon, Norwich, and our Eaton Clinic in on Ryrie Court in Eaton, Norwich. 

The Hellesdon Clinic entrance is on Heath Crescent, first driveway on the right through the large wooden gates and you can park on the driveway. 

The Eaton Clinic is located at the end of Ryrie Court (Accessible via Pettus Road only and not Unthank Road as may be seen on Google Maps) with clear signposted parking. What 3 Words - click here 

Both clinics are open on Monday to Saturday. Times vary by clinic and often additional times are added during busy periods. View this weeks opening times on our locations page for details.

Not all of our appointments are available on online so it's worth giving us a call if you do not see a slot that suits you and we will do our best to accommodate your requirement.

You can book an appointment online here or call us 01603 488989 for the Hellesdon Clinic, and 01603 339216 for The Eaton Clinic.

Should I use olive oil or other ear drops before earwax removal?

Softening earwax before treatment can make removal easier, particularly when the wax is hard or impacted. You may be advised to use olive oil or suitable ear drops before your appointment. Follow the preparation instructions provided by your practitioner rather than using products unnecessarily.

It is always useful to use ear drops for 3 or 4 days before your treatment to soften the wax. You may use olive oil (Earol) or ear drops such as Otex Express (Hydrogen peroxide treatment) as this can make the procedure quicker and more comfortable. Its particularly useful when having warm water irrigation. 

Drops have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on how old the wax is and the individual's ear wax composition. We recommend using Otex Express 3 to 4 days prior to treatment. Always add drops to both ears event though it may feel like only one ear is blocked.  Use 2 to 3 drops per ear twice a day. This give us the very best chance of removing the wax at the first attempt.

Do you offer ear wax removal for children?

YES WE DO!! Increasingly at Town and Country Ear wax removal Clinic we are seeing more and more children, aged 4 upwards who are struggling with ear wax build up and the discomfort that this brings them. We now have a steady flow of children who often require regular interventions and our service offers a faster route to relief compared to the longer wait for treatment on the NHS.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It plays a crucial role in protecting the ear by trapping dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles. While it is essential for ear health, excessive earwax buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing problems, and infections, particularly in children.

We will only offer the warm water irrigation treatment for children which provides a gentle and kind method to ear wax extraction that most children seem to respond well to. Available at our Hellesdon Clinic only.

Read the full article here https://earwaxremoval.live/article/earwax-buildup-issues-children-growing-concern

Can ear wax build up cause pain when flying?

Flying can be a wonderful experience, but for some, it can also be uncomfortable due to earwax buildup. As the plane ascends and descends, the changes in air pressure can cause discomfort, especially if there's earwax blocking the ear canal.

During a flight, the air pressure inside the cabin changes rapidly. Normally, your ears can adjust to these changes by equalizing the pressure. However, if earwax is blocking the ear canal, this process can be hindered, leading to a buildup of pressure and causing pain or discomfort. If you are affected by excessive ear wax build up, it  is always a good idea to have the wax removed from your ears before flying.

Read the full article here https://earwaxremoval.live/article/impact-earwax-when-flying

Do you offer ear wax removal treatments as home visits?

Yes we can visit you in the comfort of your own home. These appointments are made by arrangement so if you need a home visit then please give us a call on 01603 488989 and we will find a time that suits you. There is a 10 miles maximum radius for home appointments.

How long does an earwax removal appointment take?

Most appointments last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and how easy it is for the wax to be removed.

What is earwax removal, and why is it necessary?

Earwax (cerumen) removal is the process of safely clearing excess or impacted earwax from the ear canal. It's necessary when wax buildup causes discomfort, hearing loss, or infections, or interferes with hearing aids or earphones.

Can earwax cause tinnitus or dizziness?

Yes, excessive earwax can press on the eardrum, causing tinnitus or dizziness. Removal often relieves these symptoms.

Do you offer workplace visits for earwax removal?

Yes, we provide on-site earwax removal services for workplaces, ensuring convenience and comfort for your team. Typically we offer a half day option where we come to a workplace, liaising directly with your HR department and then treat clients during that half day slot. Individual workplace treatments can also be arranged in the same way as home visits . Contact us directly to arrange a workplace visit 01603 488989.

Are your earwax removal methods suitable for people with sensitive ears or medical conditions?

Yes, we tailor our approach to your specific needs and medical history, ensuring the procedure is safe and effective. You will complete a medical questionnaire prior to treatment.

What can I do to prevent excessive earwax buildup?

Avoid using cotton buds or inserting objects into your ears. Regular check-ups and using ear drops as advised by a professional can help maintain ear health.

Will earwax removal improve my hearing?

If wax buildup is causing hearing issues, removal can significantly improve your hearing and overall comfort.

Do I need a referral from my GP for earwax removal?

No, you don’t need a referral. You can book an appointment directly with us.

How much does professional earwax removal cost?

Our pricing is competitive and varies depending on the service required. Please see our costs here or contact us directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How often should I have my ears checked for wax buildup?

It depends on your individual needs, but most people benefit from a 6 monthly check-up. For more pronounced cases treatment can be required as frequently as every 6 weeks. Also, if you wear hearing aids or use in-ear devices, more frequent visits may be beneficial.

How do I know if I need professional earwax removal?

If you're experiencing symptoms like hearing loss, pain, or tinnitus, or if over-the-counter drops haven't worked, it's time to seek professional help.

Can I remove earwax at home?

While over-the-counter remedies exist, using cotton buds or other objects can push wax further in and damage your ear canal or eardrum. It's always safer to consult a professional.

Is earwax removal painful?

No, earwax removal is usually painless. Some people may feel slight discomfort, but our techniques are gentle and designed to minimize any irritation.

What are the symptoms of excessive earwax?

Symptoms include reduced hearing, earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing (tinnitus), itching, dizziness, or even infections if left untreated.

How is earwax removal done at your clinic?

We use safe and effective methods like microsuction and warm water irrigation. Microsuction involves gently removing earwax using a small, precise suction tool, while irrigation uses a stream of warm water to flush out the wax.

Is warm water irrigation the same as ear syringing?

No, ear syringing and warm water irrigation are not the same. Ear syringing was an older method that involved using a metal syringe to forcefully flush water into the ear, which could be unsafe and cause damage. Modern warm water irrigation is much safer and more controlled, using specialist equipment to gently flush the ear canal without risk of harm. This method is effective, comfortable, and designed to protect your ear health.

Is earwax removal covered by medical insurance?

Most private earwax removal services are not covered by insurance, but you can check with your provider for specifics.