Ear Syringing Services

Another national lockdown comes into force on Thursday 5th November and further to this we will have to close again until 2nd December, at least. If you require assessment and treatment please make contact by email or DM and we will aim to see you before closing on Wednesday evening.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-politics-54296737

Why ear wax syringing is no longer free - minister The government says the decision to provide the service is made by groups of local surgeries.

Ear Syringing Services are now open with the appropriate safety measures in place to keep everyone safe. The necessary guidelines from Public Health England are being followed in respect of appropriate PPE and temperature checks on arrival. It is asked that you wear a protective face covering (as mandatory by the 24th July). If you don't have one prior to that date, a mask will be provided. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you.

**Due to the significant restrictions in place at the moment and particularly surrounding non-essential health care services, please find here below some guidance to help you manage and prevent ear wax build-up/blockages**

Ear wax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, discomfort or if a health professional requires a clear view of your ear drum.

Please note that if you experience any of the following, you should seek advice from your GP or Nurse Practitioner;

-Pain
-Discharge or bleeding from the ear
-Sudden deafness or buzzing sounds/dizziness
-Foreign body in the ear

If you ARE NOT experiencing any of the above, it is recommended that you manage the blockage as follows;

If you are prone to ear wax build up and feel that your ear(s) are heavily impacted - by using Olive Oil Drops, the following needs to be done 2-3 times daily for 7-14 days for optimum effectiveness;

-Lie on your side with the affected ear uppermost. Pull the outer ear gently backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal
-Put 2-3 drops of olive oil into the affected ear(s) and gently massage just in front of the ear.
-Remain on your side to allow the oil to soak in for 5-10 minutes.

Afterwards, wipe away any excess oil but do not plug your ear with cotton wool as this simply absorbs the oil.

You might find that your hearing may initially worsen after first starting to use the olive oil drops. Ideally, you should concentrate on treating one ear at a time if both ears are blocked with wax.

It is important to realise that instilling ear drops may cause transient hearing loss, discomfort, dizziness and irritation of the skin inside the auditory canal.

However, it is known that in most cases, after 14 days, the wax will have softened sufficiently to encourage it to shed naturally, without the need for further intervention.

This service has been halted temporarily due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Keep well everyone and stay at home as much as possible

About 30% of people experience Tinnitus at some point during their lives and 10% can suffer from the condition persistently. It is known that up to 8% of these people will approach their GP for advice. Some people are not unduly bothered about it but for some it can have a marked effect on the quality of their daily lives.

Ear wax removal and tinnitus Wax is an important and natural secretion found in the ear. Find out what causes ear wax build up, how to deal with it and whether it has any effect on tinnitus.

Problems with your ears can severely affect your balance and the risk of hearing loss increases with age. Talk with your GP or Nurse if you notice hearing changes are affecting your day to day living and social life. It is well known that hearing loss can have a negative impact on us and contribute to social isolation, leading to further health problems. Assessment involves looking into your ear canal with an instrument called an 'auroscope'. The problem may be something that is easily treated, such as a build up of ear wax or even an ear infection.

https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/remove-earwax-if-a-build-up-is-causing-hearing-loss-problems-nice-tells-primary-care

Remove earwax if a build-up is causing hearing loss problems, NICE tells primary care Better management of removing earwax in GP surgeries or community clinics can improve care for people having hearing loss problems.

Professionals should always follow NICE clinical guidance.

Remove earwax if a build-up is causing hearing loss problems, NICE tells primary care Better management of removing earwax in GP surgeries or community clinics can improve care for people having hearing loss problems.