Frequently Asked Questions faq questions about ear wax - microsuction and i

Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include:

• Earache.
• Feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss.
• Dizziness.
• Cough.
• Itchiness in the ear.
• Odour or discharge in the ear.

But don’t worry, we offer a consultation before any procedure so we can have a look in your ears and tell you what’s in there!

Microsuction

Microsuction is one of the safest methods to clean the ear. A gentle suction device is used to remove excess wax from the ear. It works in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner, and although it can be quite noisy, it is quick and painless.It’s important that you soften the wax befofe treatment and so we ask that you use Earol, which you can get from your pharmacy, for 5-7 days before your procedure.

Microsuction is an ideal option for people who should not have water in their ears, especially if they have:

• any serious complications from a previous irrigation with water
• had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the last 2 months
• had any form of ear surgery, apart from grommets, (if they been in the ear for less than 2 years) and the patient is no longer having ENT (ear, nose and throat) appointments. This does not include people who have had ear correction surgery. 
• a hole (perforation) in their ear drum or if there is a history of a mucous (thick) discharge from their ear in the last 2 years
• a cleft palate (repaired or not)
• apainful ear infection (acute otitis externa)

Warm Water Irrigation 

Ear wax removal by irrigation has completely replaced ear syringing as syringing has been found to cause more problems than it solves. 

The procedure is done by using an electronic ear irrigation machine to flush out the ear canal using a controlled flow of water which is warmed to body temperature for comfort. It’s a comfortable procedure and most people find it quite relaxing. 

Ear Irrigation is not risk free

It will only be carried out if the ear is completely blocked with wax.

Irrigation is not recommended within 2 weeks of flying

There is a small risk that Ear Irrigation can cause damage to the ear

From infection, acute and chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears), to possible perforation of the ear drum and deafness.

If you ever had surgery on your ears or had a perforated ear drum, you must tell us before the procedure.

To minimise risk of injury, the wax must be softened with ear drops for at least 5-7 days. Earol ear drops can be purchased from your Pharmacy. The drops should be used twice a day.

Consultation - £20

Procedure (one or two ears) in clinic at Alston Town Hall - £55

Procedure (one or two ears) Home Visit - £65

If the procedure is done on the same day as the consultation the £20 consultation fee will be waved. 

There are three ways to make an appointment 

• Call us on 07900 174162
• Email us at info@cumbriaearwaxremoval.com
• Use the contact page on the website to contact us

We are fully mobile and will treat your ears in the comfort of your own home. 

We are based in Alston, Cumbria and can travel to Carlisle, Penrith, Hexham and the surrounding areas.