Ear Wax Removal Leeds

Sometimes wax can block the ears. A number of factors can cause excessive wax to accumulate. These include exposure to dusty environments, narrow ear canals, improper cleaning of the ear (using cotton buds!) and the regular wearing of earphones or hearing aids. View our hearing aids packages here.
This wax can contribute to hearing loss, increase the effects of tinnitus and can even lead to pain in and around the ear. For more information read our blog on removing 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.

Impacted earwax often requires professional treatment for safe removal.

When ear wax becomes impacted, you may experience a feeling of fullness and/or itchiness, as well as difficulty hearing or feeling dizzy. You may also develop ringing in the ears, this ringing is usually called tinnitus. This is usually temporary and typically goes away following wax removal.

Many people first notice a problem with wax following a bath or after swimming. This is due to a significant amount of earwax getting wet and expanding, typically blocking the ear.

Microsuction uses a magnifying device to allow clear vision 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 earwax removal 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 wax.

Yes, our audiology clinic in Leeds provides ear wax removal for children, performed by our Clinical Director Paul, who 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.

If you know you have a build-up of hardened wax, then using, for example, olive oil drops prior to your visit, olive oil ear drops will soften wax which makes it easier to remove. Only use products suitable to be used in your ears, contact us if you are unsure.

In the past, ear syringing, using water, was the most common way of removing excess wax. Syringing has been replaced with irrigation, which still uses water but with a more controlled approach. Ears syringed is now considered an outdated method compared to modern irrigation techniques.

Irrigation is the safest method of removing wax, it 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.

Many people try cleaning techniques at home. Often using cotton swabs (Q-tips). Unfortunately, using cotton buds will often push the ear wax deeper and can also damage the eardrum.

Removing ear wax 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 qualified professionals, as home techniques can often make the problem worse.