Ear Wax Removal London
Ear Wax Removal Clinic
Ear wax, also known as ‘cerumen’, is a brown/yellowish substance produced in the ear canal. There are two distinct types of ear wax – the dry type and the wet type – and these are mostly determined by an individual’s genetic makeup. Ear wax is completely normal and plays an important role in keeping our ears healthy.
The ear wax has three major roles:
Cleaning: Ear wax has antimicrobial properties and studies have found it helps protect the ear against a range of bacteria.
Guarding against bacteria: Modern studies have provided evidence of the how ear wax 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.
Lubrication: Ear wax acts as a natural lubricant, preventing the ear canal skin from drying out.
However, ear wax 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 clinic.
- Itchiness
- Muffled/unclear hearing
- Earache and dizziness – very rare
- Tinnitus (find more about this on our tinnitus page)
An excessive build-up of ear wax 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.
- 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, ear wax 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.
If you suffer from excessive ear wax 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 ear wax blockage. At London Hearing, we offer excellent prices in addition to same-day appointments for Harley Street ear wax 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 ear wax.
Remember, ear wax is normal and important for maintaining healthy ears. However, if excessive ear wax 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.