Ear Wax Removal at Our Pickering Clinic

There is a common misconception around the need to soften ear wax before microsuction. I have even seen some franchises advertise ‘no oil required’!!

However the latest research has proven that to enable safe and comfortable extraction, whether with irrigation or microsuction, olive oil should be used for at least 3 days prior, and preferably 5 days. I recommend Earol, which is olive oil in a spray form. It fits nicely into the entrance of the ear canal, and because it’s a spray it gets right to where it needs to be, with no need to lay down after use.

When earwax is old, dry and hard, the chances of causing irritation to the ear canal are much increased and this can lead to infections of the skin. It can also make the procedure more uncomfortable and much longer than it needs to be!

If you think you need assistance with ear wax removal, it would be a good idea to start preparing, even before you make your appointment. You can then make sure that the wax is soft and ready for pain free extraction

Wax is a perfectly normal production and does in fact have a use. Wax is formed as a result of a process called epithelial migration (EM). EM is the process of the ear drum shedding its skin and the dead skin making its way down the ear canal. Over approximately 12 months the dead skin moves along the ear canal where it eventually mixes with oil and sweat present on the skin, and dust from the environment, before turning into wax.

Most of the time this wax will continue it’s journey out of the ear canal completely unnoticed. Unfortunately, for some people the wax can’t quite make it out and can build up, eventually blocking the ear canal.

A number of factors can effect this:

• Dry skin
• Oily complexion
• Excessive sweating
• High fat diet
• The use of hearing aids
• Wearing ear buds or ear phones
• A dusty occupation
• The use of ear buds or other cleaning devices
• Genetics
• Excess hairs in the ear canal

It is very tempting to use things such as cotton buds, however research has shown that this can irritate the ear canal, which in turn makes the ear produce more wax.

In addition, recent studies have shown that ear products containing ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, have also found that this can further dry the skin in the ear canal and again produce more wax.

Wax is made to help protect the ear canal from invading pathogens or foreign objects and for that reason we should try leave it alone to do its job. However, if a wax build up is causing issues, having it removed professionally is the safest option.

Our ear drums are very delicate and we should be extremely careful what we put in our ears! Looking after our ears should be a top priority. The regular use of olive oil helps moisturise the ears and also soften wax for easy extraction. I advise all clients to use olive oil drops once weekly.

The product I recommend the most is Earol, which is just olive oil, but in a spray form that’s fits nicely into the entrance of the ear canal. Because it’s a spray it goes right to where it needs to be with no need to lay down afterwards.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment please get in touch.

No, I started my business in response to the NHS withdrawing funding to GPs for the service, resulting in many GP practices no longer offering an important ear health service.

I had also been planning for several years to offer a service for people suffering earwax issues who are unable to leave their homes.

Yes! All I ask is that they must be accompanied by their legal guardian, and be able to sit still for at least 20 minutes.