Ear Syringing

COVID Ear Syringing Update

The practice is currently experiencing an increased demand for nurse appointments due to COVID. We are, therefore, prioritising patients who require to be seen urgently.

We appreciate that ear symptoms can be uncomfortable and irritating. Unfortunately, however, ear syringing is not classed as urgent.

What is Ear Wax

Earwax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, foreign material such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal. The quantity of earwax produced varies greatly from person to person.

A doctor or nurse can look into the ear canal and confirm a plug of earwax has formed. A plug of earwax is not a serious problem, more a nuisance. You only need to remove earwax if it is causing symptoms such as dulled hearing or when fitting a hearing aid.

How to Remove Ear Wax

Important

If you think you have ear wax, do not try to clean the ear canal with cotton wool buds. This can make things worse, as you will push some earwax deeper inside. It may also cause an ear infection.

Removal with Olive Oil

Ordinary olive or almond oil can be used with a dropper bottle (available in pharmacies).

  • Warm the oil by placing the dropper bottle in a cup of warm water
  • Lie on your side and pull the outer ear gently backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal.
  • Put 2 drops of oil into the ear 2-3 times daily and massage the front of the ear gently. Wait for a few moments before sitting up.
  • Continue for 2-3 weeks when the ears should become clear.
  • If you have a recurrent problem with excess wax you may need to do this weekly or monthly.
  • If you are still having problems please make an appointment to see the Practice Nurse for advice.

Removal With Special Drops from a Pharmacy

Your local pharmacy will stock a variety of drops that can be more effective than olive oil, and should be tried before any further treatments for ear wax.

Microsuction

Safer, and more effective than syringing, is microsuction. This is available through the NHS via a GP referral or privately at relatively low cost (around £50 for both ears) from local providers. A non-exhaustive selection is listed below but others are available:

Ear Syringing

In recent years there have been increasing concerns about ear syringing as a method of removing wax from the ears. Even when carried out carefully by trained staff, it can cause complications such as ear infections, perforation of the tympanic membrane, tinnitus, deafness and vertigo. Ear syringing should only be done as a last resort. In some parts of the country ear syringing is no longer available in General Practice. We offer the service, but only as a last resort.

Last modified: October 12, 2020