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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page, where we address common questions and concerns about ear care. Whether you’re dealing with ear wax, caring for children, managing hearing aids, or experiencing issues like tinnitus or dizziness, we’ve got the answers you need. Explore topics such as infections, Exostoses (Surfers Ear), and more to help you understand and take better care of your ears. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to us—we’re here to support your ear health journey.

Ear Wax
Children
Outer Ear Infection
Middle & Inner Ear Infection
Hearing Aid Wearers
Exostoses / Surfers Ear
Perforation & Grommets
Foreign Objects
Dizziness / Vertigo
Tinnitus / Noises In Your Ears
General Practitioners & Audiologists Info
How Do I Clean My Ears Without Cotton Buds?

Understanding Ear Wax and Its Functions

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It plays several important roles in maintaining ear health:

  1. Protection: Ear wax acts as a barrier, preventing dust, dirt, and other foreign particles from entering and damaging the ear canal and ear drum.
  2. Lubrication: It keeps the skin of the ear canal moist and prevents it from becoming dry and itchy.
  3. Antibacterial Properties: Ear wax has natural antibacterial properties that help prevent infections by trapping and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Ear wax is produced in the outer part of the ear canal. Glands in the skin of the ear canal secrete a combination of sweat, oil, and other substances that mix with dead skin cells to form ear wax. The jaw movements from talking and chewing help move the ear wax slowly from the inner part of the ear canal to the outer part, where it can eventually fall out or be washed away naturally.

While ear wax is essential for ear health, excessive buildup can cause blockages and lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, discomfort, and infections. Regular cleaning and check-ups can help maintain healthy ear function and clear hearing.

Sore, itchy ears can be caused by a variety of conditions and irritants.

Dry wax can cause a lot of itching, when you visit our nurses for removal of your wax, they will be able to recommend products or methods to reduce itchiness in the future.

If you often experience blocked ears and wax buildup, or if your ears feel more blocked than normal, it’s a good idea to have your ears checked and cleaned before going on holiday.

  • Equalising Pressure on Planes: This can help with equalising pressure changes on planes, reducing discomfort, pain, and hearing issues after the flight.
  • Preventing Water Trapping: It prevents water from getting trapped behind a large piece of wax, which may expand the wax in the ear canal and result in a sudden significant reduction in hearing.
  • Avoiding Ear Infections: It helps prevent an ear infection from beginning behind the wax buildup, which can be painful and difficult to treat when you are away from home.

By getting your ears checked and cleaned, you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about ear discomfort or infections. If you have any concerns or questions about your ears before you depart on your trip, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Children

Yes! Children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, are eligible to visit us for ear wax removal. We are very experienced at working with children and enjoy having them visit our clinic.

Children under the age of six often produce extremely hard wax, so preparation before the appointment is necessary. Proper preparation ensures an effortless, efficient, and comfortable ear wax removal procedure.

Preparation Steps:

  • The parent or caregiver needs to place 2-3 drops of olive oil or cooking oil in the child’s ears twice a day for three days prior to their appointment.
  • If the nurse can see no sign of this preparation, she will try to treat your child on the day but please be aware that she may need to make another appointment for in a few days time once the ears are better prepared to finish any treatment/cleaning needed.
  • This preparation is vital as your child needs to stay still during the procedure. Most children will not sit still if their wax is rock hard, as the ear will be tender and uncomfortable, causing the child to become distressed.

Special Considerations:

If your child has:

  • Ventilation tubes (grommets)
  • A perforation (hole in the ear drum)
  • A suspected ear infection

Please DO NOT use olive oil or any drops not recommended by your GP first. You can visit the clinic without softening drops, and the nurse will assess what needs to be done to remove the wax safely on the day and formulate a plan accordingly.

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Outer Ear Infection

Also referred to as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa, an outer ear infection occurs when the ear canal is exposed to water or moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Excessive ear wax can trap water in the canal, making an individual prone to infection.

Our Registered Nurses, who are ear experts, use a highly magnified view of the ear canal to clearly identify the type of infection (bacterial or fungal). The infected debris is then gently removed with a vacuum. By removing the debris, medicated ear drops can more effectively target the infection and prevent additional bacteria or fungus from growing. If you are prone to ear infections, regular ear wax removal can help prevent water from getting trapped.

After microsuction, the Registered Nurse may recommend a medicated ear drop to aid in clearing the infection. You may need to visit your GP, who will assess these recommendations. It is common to return for 2-3 sessions of microsuction if your infection is ongoing or more aggressive. Our Registered Nurses will provide tips and recommendations for clearing and preventing ear infections.

Ear infection symptoms include:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Heat
  • Pain or discomfort in the ear
  • Discharge of pus
  • Itching
  • Excessive fluid drainage
  • Muffled or diminished hearing
  • Facial, head, or neck pain
  • Painful, weepy sores around the entrance to your ear canal
  • Flaking skin
  • Crusty pieces of debris drying around the entrance to your ear canal
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Middle And Inner Ear Infection

An inner or middle ear infection occurs when fluid builds up in the inner or middle ear.

Our Registered Nurses can remove ear wax from your outer ear (from the ear canal down to the ear drum). This may help relieve pressure on the ear drum if your ears are sore. They can also inspect the appearance of your ear drum, which can indicate the severity of your middle or inner ear infection.

No, removing fluid from the inner or middle ear requires a surgical procedure to release the fluid behind the ear drum.

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Hearing Aid Wearers

Yes! Microsuction is the preferred method of ear wax removal for hearing aid wearers. It is efficient and considered the gentlest ear wax removal procedure. Having the ears clear of wax helps your hearing aids to work to the best of their ability.

Hearing aids sit inside the ear canal in the section of the canal where the wax is made. Wax can block the sound from the tiny receiver, causing feedback (whistling). When this occurs, it’s time for your regular wax removal appointment.

Most hearing aid wearers require microsuction once or twice yearly. For those with narrow ear canals, microsuction may be required quarterly. This is a general guide; some individuals may require microsuction more regularly depending on their ear wax production.

Yes! You should be able to hear much clearer afterwards.

Having the ears clear of wax allows for an accurate reading of your hearing’s sound and pitch. Therefore, your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids to the perfect level and have a true depiction of your hearing.

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Exostoses

Exostoses are bony growths that develop in the ear canal. Surfers, swimmers, and divers who are frequently exposed to cold water and wind are at risk. The ear produces these bony growths as a protective response to shield the sensitive ear drum. Unfortunately, these growths do not diminish and tend to continue growing over time. This can lead to a narrowing of the ear canal, causing issues such as water trapping, infections, tinnitus, moist migrating skin, and hearing difficulties.

Exostoses appear as bony protrusions within the ear canal. They can cause visible narrowing of the canal, which may be observed during an ear examination.

Micro-suction can help by removing the moist migrating skin and ear wax, which can prevent infections and future blockages. However, it cannot remove the bony overgrowths themselves – this requires surgery.

Yes, exostoses are often called “Surfer’s Ear.”

Ear plugs are the recommended prevention against Surfer’s Ear. They help protect the ear canal from cold water and wind exposure, reducing the risk of developing exostoses. It is also important to keep your ears as dry as possible as water can get stuck in the ear canal behind the bone growth and it can be prone to infection which can be difficult to clear.

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Perforations & Grommets

A perforation of the ear drum, also known as a perforated tympanic membrane, is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. This can occur due to various reasons, such as an ear infection, sudden changes in air pressure (like when flying or diving), a loud noise, or inserting objects into the ear canal.

Grommets are tiny tubes that are inserted into the ear drum during surgery with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon. They help treat conditions like chronic ear infections or fluid build-up behind the ear drum. Grommets allow air to enter the middle ear and prevent fluid from accumulating, which helps reduce the risk of infections and improves hearing. Grommets are most commonly seen in children but can occasionally be inserted into adults as well.

Yes. Microsuction is considered the preferred method of ear wax removal for those with a perforation or grommets. Syringing (injecting water into the ear canal) should be avoided as it is a dangerous practice that is no longer supported by ACC should an injury occur as a result of having your ear syringed. Microsuction is gentle and safe, making it the best choice for removing ear wax in these situations.

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Foreign Objects

Foreign objects in the ear can include bugs, leaves, small stones from the beach, hearing aid domes, cotton buds, food, seeds, matchstick ends—essentially, any item that does not originate from your ear canal.

Our nurses use a combination of suction and fine tools (aural toileting) to safely and effectively remove foreign objects from the ear.

If you have a live insect in your ear, fill the ear canal with oil to drown the bug. Then, tilt your head to let the oil drain out and see if the bug comes out with it. If the bug does not come out, make an appointment with our ear nurse. They will use suction and fine instruments to gently and safely remove the bug.

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Vertigo/Dizziness

When a person experiences dizziness or vertigo, it can sometimes be linked to issues in the ear, including ear wax blockages. Symptoms can range in severity from slight unsteadiness to nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking or moving around. When a patient has symptoms of dizziness or vertigo, it is important to seek professional assessment to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Removing wax blockages in one or both ear canals can be an important part of addressing these symptoms. This can help with:

  1. Improved Ear Function: Ear wax blockages can interfere with the normal functioning of the ear, including the structures responsible for balance. Clearing the blockage helps ensure that these structures can operate correctly, which may alleviate dizziness or vertigo symptoms.
  2. Pressure Relief: Excessive ear wax can create pressure in the ear canal. This pressure can contribute to a sensation of imbalance or vertigo. Removing the wax can relieve this pressure and reduce symptoms.
  3. Enhanced Diagnosis: Clearing the ear canal allows healthcare providers to better examine the ear and identify any underlying issues that might be causing dizziness or vertigo. It ensures that other potential problems, such as infections or fluid buildup, are not masked by the presence of wax.
  4. Prevention of Further Complications: If left untreated, ear wax blockages can lead to infections or other complications that may exacerbate dizziness and vertigo. Regular cleaning helps prevent these complications.
  5. Better Hearing Aid Function: For individuals who use hearing aids, ear wax blockages can affect the performance of their devices. Properly functioning hearing aids can help with balance and spatial awareness, indirectly reducing vertigo symptoms.

Overall, maintaining clear ear canals is essential for optimal ear health and can play a crucial role in managing dizziness and vertigo symptoms. If needed, our nurses will refer a patient to the appropriate health professional to help further with their vertigo symptoms and should they need more specialised treatment to recover.

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General Practitioners & Audiologists

No, a referral is not required. However, a printout of your clinical notes may be helpful as it provides us with a starting point regarding the patient’s needs, prescribed medications, and any specific ear issues or concerns that you would like us to address.

Yes, children of all ages are welcome to visit our clinic for the removal of ear wax, foreign objects, and outer ear infection debris.

It is beneficial to soften the wax by using olive oil drops in both ears for 2-3 days before the appointment. Cooking olive oil or canola oil works well. Use an eyedropper or small medicine syringe to insert 4-6 drops per ear daily. Have the patient lie on their side, massage the oil into the canal, lie on your side for 10 minutes before placing a small cotton wool ball at the entrance, and then repeat for the other ear if needed.

While Waxsol and Cerumol drops are available for GPs to prescribe, they are designed for ear syringing with water and can make the micro-suctioning process more difficult and uncomfortable for the patient. These drops liquefy the wax, making it harder to remove. Olive oil softens the wax but keeps it in one soft piece, making the process easier and more comfortable.

Our Registered Nurses use a microscopic headset to assess the ear canal, allowing them to view particles and identify the type of infection (bacterial/fungal). Once the debris is removed, the RN will recommend a treatment plan, including possible GP intervention and suggestions for managing or preventing the infection to help the ears heal quickly.

If the infection cannot be identified, or if a patient has had more than one course of antibiotic drops or oral antibiotics without improvement, we will provide a copy of our clinical notes and recommend a return to the doctor’s clinic. We may suggest a culture swab with sensitivities to identify the best treatment. A follow-up appointment will typically be scheduled a few days to a week later to check the infected ear(s) and ensure the treatment is effective. Any remaining debris will be removed to allow the topical drops to fully reach the canal and tympanic membrane.

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Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition where individuals hear noises, such as ringing, buzzing, or humming, in their ears or head without any external sound. It’s not a disease but a symptom of an issue in the auditory system, which includes the ears and the brain. The term ‘tinnitus’ comes from Latin, meaning ‘tinkling or ringing like a bell’.

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Whistling
  • Roaring
  • Humming
  • Exposure to loud sounds
  • Extreme stress or trauma
  • Degeneration of small bones in the middle ear
  • Ear conditions like otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease
  • Certain prescription and non-prescription medications
  • Loud noise exposure (e.g., noisy machinery, concerts)
  • Certain medications (always check with your doctor)
  • Wax Removal: Cleaning out wax from the ear canals can help reduce the intensity of tinnitus noises.
  • Hearing Aids: These can help by correcting hearing loss, which may also reduce tinnitus. Hearing aids can also amplify external sounds, masking internal tinnitus noises.
  • Managing Stress: Reducing stress can help manage the symptoms.
  • Avoiding Loud Noises: Protecting your ears from loud sounds can prevent worsening the condition.
  • Consulting a Doctor: Always check if medications have side effects that could cause or worsen tinnitus.
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Cotton Buds

Taking care of your ears is essential for maintaining good ear health and preventing issues such as wax buildup and infections. Here are some tips on how to look after your ears and clean them safely without using cotton buds:

  1. Avoid Using Cotton Buds: Cotton buds can push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages and potential damage to the ear drum.
  2. Use a Warm Cloth: Gently wipe the outer part of your ears with a warm, damp cloth. This helps remove any dirt or wax that has naturally moved to the outer ear.
  3. Olive Oil: Warm a small amount of olive oil to body temperature. Using a dropper, place a few drops into your ear once a month or more often if you wish. This helps keep the ear canal moisturised and the wax soft, allowing the ear to clear the wax naturally.

NOTE: Please DO NOT put drops in your ear if you have a known perforation in your ear drum or an infection, as this could cause further damage and will not help with an ear infection.

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the body’s natural processes, including the production and removal of ear wax.
  2. Regular Check-Ups: Visit your healthcare provider or an ear nurse for regular ear check-ups. They can safely remove excess ear wax if needed.
  3. Protect Your Ears: Protect your ears from loud noises and avoid inserting objects into your ears. Wear ear protection in noisy environments and ear plugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal.

By following these tips, you can maintain healthy ears and prevent ear wax buildup without the need for cotton buds. If you experience any issues with your ears, such as pain, discomfort, or hearing loss, consult with a healthcare professional for proper advice and treatment.

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Preparation for Your Ear Cleaning Appointment

If your ears are feeling very blocked and your hearing is affected, it would be beneficial to oil one or both affected ears for 3 days prior to your appointment, twice a day (morning and night).

Instructions for Oiling Your Ears:

  • Use olive oil or cooking oil.
  • Put 6-8 drops into your ear canal with an eye dropper or child’s medication syringe.
  • Lie on your side for 10 minutes, massaging the oil into your canal.
  • Place a cotton wool ball in your ear afterwards to absorb excess oil.
  • Repeat on your other ear if needed.

DO NOT panic if your ears feel more blocked as it softens, expands, and moves the wax in your ear canal. This means it is working well and will make the removal of your wax more comfortable and easier to remove for both you and also the nurse cleaning your ears.

For Young Children:

For young children, it helps make the appointment easier and more comfortable if oil is instilled into both ears. Use 3-4 drops of olive oil or cooking oil twice daily for 2-3 days prior to the appointment.

Special Considerations:

Grommets, Perforation, or Suspected Ear Infection in Your Ear Canal: If you have grommets, a perforation (hole) in your ear drum, or a suspected ear infection, it is important that you DO NOT place any drops in your ears, unless prescribed by your GP.

Preparing your ears properly can make the ear cleaning process smoother and more effective. If you have any questions or concerns about how to prepare for your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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