Ear Wax Removal: NHS Coverage And The Microsuction Method
Delve into the shift in the NHS’s approach to ear wax removal and learn how VSM Pharmacy fills the gap with its microsuction service, a superior alternative to ear syringing.
Ear wax forms a protective layer over the skin in the ear canal. Usually ear wax clears itself, but sometimes it builds up causing an ear wax blockage.
Softening the ear wax can help to clear to clear the blockage, but you need to be very careful when treating a blocked ear as the wrong treatment can cause an ear infection, or a perforated ear drum.
In this guide we tell you how to remove ear wax at home, safely, the best products to use and how the pharmacy can help if home remedies aren’t working, or you’d like help sooner.
Sometimes the causes are things that can’t be prevented, such as age-related changes, skin conditions, narrow ear canals, and changes caused by previous ear surgery or bone growth. You may also have naturally thick hair in outer part of the ear canal or you produce a lot of ear wax naturally.
Other causes are using cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears, you regularly wear earplugs or in-earphones, or you are a hearing-aid user.
A build-up of ear wax can cause your ear to itch. It can also cause earache and hearing loss. In some cases, you can develop an ear infection which might also cause a temperature, sickness, and fatigue.
One of the most common methods of removing earwax at home is to use ear drops for wax. Gentle products such as olive oil eardrops, sodium bicarbonate eardrops and Otex ear drops are a safe blocked ear remedy.
Ear drops soften the wax over five to seven days and allow the wax to come out of the ear normally without any need to use cotton buds or other pointed objects.
They come with a bulb syringe which is easy to use. Simply tilt your head and apply the liquid. Keep your head tilted for a few minutes afterwards to allow the drops to reach the wax in the ear. When you raise your head wipe any excess liquid away with a tissue.
Olive oil ear drops are suitable for adults and children but ask the pharmacist before you use them on babies and very young children. Use 2-3 drops twice a day for 3-5 days.
Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops work in the same way as olive oil drops. Use 3-4 drops twice a day for 3-4 days to soften ear wax.
Otex express eardrops contain Urea hydrogen peroxide which helps to dislodge hardened wax, quickly. You can use up to 5 drops of Otex eardrops once or twice a day for 3 to 4 days.
You can also buy an Otex Express combi pack which includes ear drops and a syringe you can fill with warm water to cleanse your ear when your treatment has finished after 3-4 days.
No. Putting cotton buds into your ear can push the wax further along the ear canal and may cause an ear infection or a perforated ear drum. It is never a good idea to use buds, your fingers or any other objects that can cause injury.
Yes. If you have pain, a discharge or sudden hearing loss, you should either seek advice from your pharmacy or your GP. If you suspect you have a perforated eardrum don’t use eardrops as it may make the problem worse.
A severe or persistent blockage may need to be examined by your GP. If you want your blockage cleared quickly then you can use the pharmacy’s microsuction service. Microsuction costs £45 for one ear or £69.99 for both. Both prices include the initial consultation and a follow-up session within 7–10 days if needed. If the consultation shows that your problem isn’t caused by ear wax, you pay only the £15 consultation fee.
When you make the appointment, we recommend that you use olive oil treatment for 3-.5 days before you come in so that the wax in your ear softens.
The appointment will take around 30 minutes and begins with a short medical questionnaire. We then check you ear or ears, to make sure the wax is soft enough for removal. If it isn’t we advise you to carry on with the olive oil treatment and book a return visit. If the wax is soft enough then we go ahead with the procedure.
After the procedure we recommend you use Earol Aftercare Spray to soothe and hydrate your ear or ears.
You can book online, or you can phone for an appointment on 01276 21002. If your near the pharmacy, pop in and a member of staff can book you in.
From ear care and travel vaccinations to allergy testing — many treatments are available at VSM Pharmacy without a GP appointment.
Delve into the shift in the NHS’s approach to ear wax removal and learn how VSM Pharmacy fills the gap with its microsuction service, a superior alternative to ear syringing.
You can have earwax removed at the Pharmcy by using Microsuction, which is painless. Afterwards soothe and hydrate your ear or ears by sung Earol Aftercare Spray.
