Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ear Wax?

Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, 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.

Excess or compacted ear wax can cause a blockage in the ear canal which can press against the ear drum or block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss.

Why should I get my ear wax removed?

Excessive earwax can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as sudden hearing loss, tinitus (ringing or buzzing in your ear), pressure in your ear, ear ache and ear infections.

Can my GP remove my ear wax?

You may have previously had your ears wax removed at your local GP surgery many years ago through irrigation. Ear irrigation involves pumping water into your ear with a manual syringe. This technique is no longer recommend by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) since it's potentially harmful. Further to this wax removal is now no longer a standard service provided by your NHS GP surgery. This means that you might not be able to get your ear wax removed at your local GP surgery, even if you used to in the past.

Highland Hears offers micro suction ear wax removal as a clinic and home visit service enabling us to provide an alternative, private service to the local community.

How can I get my ear wax removed?

At Highland Hears we use the very latest in ear wax removal using a safe and simple procedure. Removing excessive ear wax could improve your hearing almost immediately. Using the very latest Tympa Health Micro Suction procedure, eliminates the need to squirt any water into your ear via irrigation, which was the traditional and no longer advised method.
Micro Suction is painless, involving a low-pressure suction probe being inserted into the ear which will removes excess wax and debris. Highland Hears aural health clinicians are trained in using the latest technology for quick and effective wax removal.

What are the benefits of Micro Suction?

Micro suction offers several benefits compared to traditional methods of irrigation such as

• The procedure is quicker.
• Our Highland Hears Aural Health Clinician can clearly see inside your ear during the procedure.
• Micro suction doesn’t expose your ear canal to moisture.

Unlike irrigation, micro suction can often be performed on people who have:

• a previous ruptured eardrum 
• a history of ear surgery
• foreign matter in their ear
• mild otitis externa (outer ear infection)

Is Micro Suction Painful?

Micro suction is a painless and quick procedure. Some individuals however may experience mild and temporary side effects. The most common side effects are a slight tickling sensation, dizziness or mild discomfort.

It is advised to use Earol® for 3 to 5 days before your appointment. This olive oil based spray will help soften the wax, making it easier to remove and can reduced the amount of reported discomfort and dizziness.

Can I remove my Ear Wax by myself?

Ear wax is necessary as it protects the skin of the ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi and water. Any visible excess ear wax can be wiped away using a wet cloth.

NEVER USE COTTON BUDS or insert anything into your ear canal. Cotton buds can scratch and inflame the ear canal making it vulnerable to infection and can also perforate the ear drum. Home solutions for removing ear wax are not recommended.

What should I do if I need my ears cleaned or have impacted Ear Wax?

If you are having difficulty hearing, tinnitus, discomfort or a sensation of fullness in you ear, it is important to seek support from a professional Aural Health clinician who can examine and treat your ears safely.