Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I prepare for my appointment?

Use olive oil drops or spray:

Irrigation requires ear wax to be nice and soft, so we recommend using olive oil drops or spray from the chemist for at twice daily for a minimum of 3 days before your appointment. Always follow the instructions provided; a good guide is to use the oil twice a day in both ears. If you are a hearing aid user, it should suffice to use the oil once a day in the evening, after you have removed your aids for the night, to avoid affecting the performance of your hearing aids.

How to use olive oil drops/spray:

To get the best use from your drops or spray, lie on your side and insert 2 drops or sprays into the ear facing up towards the ceiling. Allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes and wipe away any excess oil with a tissue. Do not insert cotton wool into the ear, as this will soak up the oil. Turn over and repeat on the other side. You do not need to warm the oil before use. Do not use any ear drops or spray if you have a known hole in your ear drum. If you experience irritation from using olive oil drops, stop their use immediately.

Using ear drops or spray can sometimes make your ear feel more full or blocked. This is because ear wax will soak up the oil and expand. Although temporarily irritable, this should not cause concern.

Mobile Service:

If possible, please ensure you have sturdy seating with space around you to allow access to both ears, plus a surface to place equipment. A dining area is ideal (infection control will be strongly adhered to). Exceptions will be made if you are bed-bound or have a disability which affects your mobility. In such cases, we will endeavour to provide treatment according to the environment.

What will happen during my appointment?

Firstly, it is necessary to carry out otoscopy, which is an examination of the ear. Ear wax will be removed from your ear using the safest and most appropriate method for the wax observed. The decision is made based on your ear canal size and shape, the consistency of the wax and your medical history.

Wax removal using Irrigation The process is undertaken using an electronic ear irrigation machine which omits a gentle, controlled stream of water, through a hand-held nozzle. The water flushes the wax out of the ear canal and is captured in a container underneath the ear.

Are there any risks?

Jo has undertaken comprehensive training in all methods of wax removal and is fully qualified and insured. Best-practice procedures will be used to minimise any risk of harm. However, even when performed with the utmost care, there are some small risks involved in wax removal.

These risks include:

damage to skin of the ear canal or the ear drum during the procedure
infection of the ear canal or other ear structures following the procedure
temporary reduction in hearing
temporary dizziness and (rarely) possible sickness or fainting
triggering of new tinnitus temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus
temporary irritation to the throat, especially if already dry, tickly or sensitive

Will the wax removal procedure work?

The effectiveness of the procedure is based on the consistency of your wax. If you do not pre-treat your wax, there is a possibility the wax is too hard to remove and may require a repeat procedure. If this situation occurs, the procedure may be stopped and you will be advised to continue to use a wax softener for a specified number of days and return to have the remainder removed. This is why it is important to have your ears routinely cleaned on an annual basis.