Unsure if your ears are blocked?
Offer valid until 29th December 2023
Ear wax removal Leeds
At the Hearing Space, we understand the discomfort and frustration that comes with excess ear wax. That’s why we’re here to offer you compassionate and professional care, to help you experience the relief of clear, clean ears. We offer same day ear wax removal appointments at our private ear clinic in Leeds.
Our expert team uses gentle techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the ear wax removal process. We take the time to listen to your concerns and address any questions you may have, so you can feel confident in your treatment.
Don’t wait – take the first step towards better hearing today.
About The Hearing Space
With over 25 years’ experience, our Clinical Director at the Hearing Space is one of the UK’s leading independent audiologists and a renowned ear wax removal specialist serving all of Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Based in Chapel Allerton (LS7), The Hearing Space is ideally situated to serve Leeds City Centre and North Leeds and surrounding districts in West Yorkshire. Free parking is available at the practice, and we are always happy to answer any enquiries.
As seen in
What to do before your ear cleaning appointment
There is no single bit of advice that will apply to everyone who has booked an ear cleaning appointment. Should you use olive oil drops perhaps or water-based ear drops such as sodium bicarbonate? Let’s explore a few dos and don’ts.
It is probably safe to say that for most people, the use of olive oil drops for 2-3 days prior to their appointment will generally help the treatment. This will generally soften the earwax slightly which enables easier removal.
We wouldn’t generally recommend the use of drops such as Otex ear drop. They contain urea hydrogen peroxide which for some people can irritate the skin in the ear canal. Following your initial visit, if we are unable to remove severely impacted earwax, we may recommend the use of drops such as Otex drops, however we will check with you for any skin sensitivities that you may have.
Ear candles are a definite no! We have covered these in more detail in our blog section. At best if carried out safely, they can provide a relaxing effect, but for earwax removal, there is no evidence they have any benefit at all.
If in doubt, don’t use anything until seeing your hearcare professional.
What to expect at your ear cleaning appointment
Our experienced clinical audiologist delivers professional, safe microsuction ear wax removal services. Ear irrigation, using water, is also provided in our ear wax removal clinic in Leeds. Ear wax removal is typically completed in under 45 minutes and is pain-free. Sometimes there is a need for a second visit which is included in the consultation fee.
A typical ear wax removal appointment will include the following:
History: Our clinician will ask you questions relating to your ear blockage and general health to make sure the procedure is safe for you.
Examination: We will examine your ears and you will be able to see the extent of ear wax in your ears on a video screen (if you wish). You will also get to see before and after videos.
Ear wax removal: Based on your history our clinician will select the safest ear wax removal procedure for you. The procedure will be explained and we will check for any contraindications. With your consent, we will remove your ear wax gently. Our preferred method for ear cleaning is microsuction.
Assessment of middle ear function (optional): As well as providing ear wax removal, our experienced clinical audiologist can also test for middle ear problems (for example, glue ear) and can also assess your hearing if it doesn’t improve following ear wax removal.
Onward referral (if necessary): If you have a hearing assessment with us which indicates you require further investigation, we can write to your GP to refer you to the relevant professional in your local hospital or refer you privately.
Ear wax removal cost
The cost of the appointment is £76
Ear syringing Leeds (our advice and recommendation)
Ear syringing, which is a manual method of ear wax removal, is now considered discredited. Although the term ear syringing is sometimes used interchangeably with ear irrigation, they are actually two different procedures. Ear irrigation involves the use of a machine with calibrated pressure to flush earwax out of the ear canal, whereas ear syringing utilizes a manual syringe. Due to the higher risk of ear infection, perforations, and general complications associated with ear syringing, we recommend that ear wax removal be performed only through ear irrigation or microsuction.
Frequently Asked Questions
See what people are asking
What is ear wax?
Ear wax or cerumen is a substance naturally produced in the outer ear canal. It consists mainly of oils and dead skin cells and plays a vital role in protecting your ears against dust, dirt, and bacteria, and has both lubricating and antibacterial properties.
Why does ear wax cause problems?
Sometimes ear wax can block the ears. A number of factors can cause excessive ear wax to build up. These include exposure to dusty environments, narrow ear canals, improper cleaning of the ear canal (using cotton buds!) and the regular wearing of earphones or hearing aids.
This wax build up can contribute to hearing loss, increase the effects of tinnitus and can even lead to pain in and around the ear canal. Read more in our blog on ear wax.
What is impacted ear wax?
We refer to earwax being impacted when it builds up to the point where a blockage occurs. This means the ear wax won’t naturally move out of the ear canal and is impacting you in some way.
How will I know if my ears are blocked?
When ear wax becomes impacted, you may experience a feeling of fullness in the ears and/or itchy ears, as well as difficulty hearing. You may also develop ringing in the ears. The ringing is usually called tinnitus. This is usually temporary and typically goes away following ear wax removal.
Many people first notice a problem with ear wax following a bath or after swimming. This is due to a significant amount of earwax getting wet and expanding, typically blocking the ear.
Should I use ear drops?
If you know you have a build-up of ear wax, then using, for example, olive oil drops prior to your visit, can soften the wax and make the process of removing it easier. It usually doesn’t get rid of the wax. Don’t use anything stronger than olive oil, if you are not sure that ear wax is a problem, as this may irritate your ears.
What is micro suction ear wax removal?
Microsuction involves using a magnifying device to allow clear vision of the ears alongside a fine suction tube which carefully suctions the wax from the ear canal. It can be performed in children as well as adults.
Micro suction is usually a totally painless procedure. Sometimes there can be some mild discomfort, due to the wax being attached to the skin, however our appointments are a minimum of 45 minutes, so we have plenty of time to assess your ears and proceed with care.
If necessary, small tools can be used to dislodge stubborn ear wax.
What is Ear irrigation?
In the past, ear syringing, using water, was the most common method of removing wax. Ear syringing has been replaced with ear irrigation, which still uses water but with a more controlled approach.
Ear irrigation works by pulsing water into the ear canal, which stimulates wax removal. The flow rate of the water can be carefully controlled to allow gentle cleaning of earwax.
Occasionally, irrigation is much quicker and safer than micro-suction.
Can my child have earwax removed?
Our Clinical Director, Paul, has extensive experience working with babies and young children. Ear wax can successfully be removed from children’s ears, often using a variety of techniques.
What about home removal techniques?
Many people try ear cleaning techniques at home. Often using cotton buds (Q-tips). Unfortunately, using cotton buds in your ear canals will often push the ear wax deeper and can also damage the eardrum.
Ear wax removal should only be performed under the guidance of a fully qualified professional clinical audiologist, medical doctor, or other appropriately trained practitioners.
Although most people don’t realise it, excessive ear wax is one of the biggest causes of poor hearing and can also lead to a whole host of health problems. Ear cleaning should be left to trained professionals, as home techniques can often make the problem worse.
Our Leeds Clinic
The Hearing Space,
Regent House,
15 Hawthorn Rd,
Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4PH
Phone:
0113 873 0444