Ear Wax Removal in London
Earwax, also known as ‘cerumen’, is a brown/yellowish substance produced in the ear canal. There are two distinct types of earwax – the dry type and the wet type – and these are mostly determined by an individual’s genetic makeup. Earwax is completely normal and plays an important role in keeping our ears healthy.
The earwax has three major roles:
Earwax has antimicrobial properties and studies have found it helps protect the ear against a range of bacteria.
Modern studies have provided evidence of the how earwax can reduce the viability of a range of bacteria. For example, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can sometimes be reduced by up to 99%. This is due to the slight acidity of the cerumen and the presence of saturated fatty acids and lysozyme.
Earwax acts as a natural lubricant, preventing the ear canal skin from drying out.
However, earwax can also build up excessively and ear wax blockages can occur, which can result in a range of symptoms. The problem can be easily detected and treated by the specialists at our Harley Street earwax removal clinic.
How to tell if your ears are blocked with earwax:
Itchiness
Muffled/unclear hearing
Earache and dizziness – very rare
Tinnitus (find more about this on our tinnitus page)
Ear wax build-up
An excessive build-up of earwax may act as a barrier to sound in the ear canal, causing temporary ‘conductive’ hearing loss. You can find more information about this on our hearing loss page.
Common causes of ear wax build-up
Hairy or narrow ear canals. This can make it easier for wax and debris to become trapped in the ear.
Age. As we get older, earwax often becomes harder in texture, making it more likely to clog.
Use of ear plugs or hearing aids that may block the ear canal.
Overusing cotton buds to clean the ears. This may contribute to wax being pushed back into the ear canal and blocking up.
Earwax Removal
If you suffer from excessive earwax build up and are experiencing some of the symptoms outlined above, a quick appointment is usually all it takes to detect whether you have an earwax blockage. At London Hearing, we offer excellent prices in addition to same-day appointments for Harley Street earwax removal.
It’s important to seek professional advice and never insert anything in your ear by yourself in an attempt to extract wax. You may push the wax deeper into the ear and possibly damage the ear drum, which can result in hearing loss. Only a qualified clinician/doctor should extract earwax.
Preventing earwax build up
Remember, earwax is normal and important for maintaining healthy ears. However, if excessive earwax build-up is a problem, ear drops may help soften the wax and possibly prevent blockages. Always consult with a pharmacist or qualified clinician prior to administering any drops.
Microsuction
Looking for a Harley Street earwax removal clinic? At London Hearing, Microsuction is considered the gold standard for treating earwax blockages and build-up. This very simple and pain-free procedure is seen as the safest and most comfortable method of removing wax from the ear canal. A skilled clinician uses a suction technique to draw the wax out of the ear. Unlike ear irrigation, no water is required, which means minimal mess, and the procedure only takes a few minutes to complete. A video otoscope is used to show before and after pictures at the appointment, to give assurance to patients that the ear is wax free.
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