What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax is perfectly normal. It is also known by the medical term cerumen and is a brown, orange, red, yellowish or grey waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It protects the skin of the ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi, and water.

Why Do I Need My Ear Wax Removed?

Normally, ear wax naturally moves up and out of the ear canal with the help of motion through talking and chewing, as well as the shape of the ear itself, taking any debris and dead skin cells along with it.  However, some people produce more wax than others or if the natural mechanism for wax removal is disrupted or inadequate then wax may become retained and compacted in the ear canal which is likely to need intervention.

The use of cottons buds, hearing aids, air pods and ear plugs also contribute to ear wax blockages by pushing the wax further into the ear canal rather than letting it naturally make its way out of the ear.

What Is Microsuction?

Micro-suction is a gentle process that uses a fine, low pressure suction pump to safely remove earwax from the ear canal.

What Are The Risks?

As with any clinical procedure, there is potential for risks and side effects, although these are extremely rare. A thorough consultation will be performed prior to any procedure commencing. Throughout the procedure the clinical ear care practitioner will regularly communicate with the patient and the patient must remain still to prevent any accidental damage. The treatment can be stopped at any point by either the patient and/or the practitioner if required.

The following may occur as a result of micro-suction:

• Possible breaks in the skin within the ear canal due to adherence of wax to the skin or by sudden movements of the patient.
• Dizziness caused by the cool air in the ear canal from the suction device. This is temporary and should not last long and extremely rare.
• Tinnitus can be exacerbated as a result of the noise generated by the equipment, but this is extremely rare.

Is Microsuction Painful?

Micro-suction should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, due to the sensitive nature of the ear canal, extra care is taken to avoid touching the surface in order to prevent discomfort. Possible breaks in the skin within the ear canal due can occur due to adherence of wax to the skin or by sudden movements of the patient.  The suction can sound relatively noisy.

How Long Should An Appointment Take?

A typical appointment should take approximately 30 minutes, but as a precaution, please allow 45 minutes.

How Do I Prepare Myself For An Appointment?

Please use olive oil ears drops 3-4 days prior to treatment. We promote the use of EAROL spray, which is an olive oil based spray that helps to soften the earwax, lubricate the ear, help reduce the friction in the ear canal and lubricate the obstruction, allowing it to be removed with relative ease.

This is readily available from your local pharmacist but also can be found online. In our experience other drops like Sodium bicarbonate/Earex/Otex etc have ingredients that tend to dry out the obstruction and make removal more difficult.

How Do I Make Payment?

Payment is acceptable by cash, debit card, credit card (using a Sumup card reader) or by cheque.

How Can I Find You?

Ear Clear is a Mobile Service visiting people in their own homes so there's no need to find me, I come to you!

I cover, Faringdon, Wantage and surrounding towns and villages, including, but not limited to : - Shrivenham, Watchfield, Longcot, Fernham, Highworth, Stanford in the Vale, Uffington, Grove, Bampton, Buckland, Bishopstone, Lechlade. If you are unsure, please just ask, I may be near your area on certain days. Please note an additional charge may be added if you are outside of my usual working areas.