FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive in regards to ear wax removal. Hopefully, you’ll find the information you need to know, but if you still have a question, feel free to get in touch and we will happily answer your inquiry.

WHY DO WE PROMOTE THAT WE ONLY WORK WITH EARS?

Unfortunately the ear wax removal industry is not regulated. This means that lay people with no registrations and experience of audiology or pathology can carry out the procedure. 

However at waxease we believe that only registered professionals with degree qualifications in audiology should be carrying out ear wax removal. We believe in safety and quality care. Wax Removal is an invasive procedure and the clinician performing it should always be suitably qualified.

We aim to stand out by offering an excellent professional service that is trusted and safe. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT I MAY HAVE WAX BUILD UP IN MY EARS?

A build-up of wax can cause the following signs:

● Hearing loss
● Oltagia (earache)
● Tinnitus
● Itchiness 
● Blocked occluded sensation or pressure sensation in the ear canal or behind the ear
● Vertigo

Normally these signs/symptoms will improve following the excess wax being removed.  
Sometimes we believe that the excess wax is causing one of the above symptoms but we only become aware there is another audiological need that requires addressing following removal. 

For example- In some cases the excess wax may be removed but the hearing loss may remain. This will be due to the wax not being the underlying cause of the hearing loss in this person. 

WHY DO WE GET EARWAX BUILD UP?

Ear wax otherwise known as cerumen is produced by glands within the ear canal. It is produced as part of a cleaning mechanism of the ear. 

Ear wax primarily consists of dead skin, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, alcohols and cholesterol.

Cerumen is produced in the first third of the ear canal. This is why specialists recommed that you do not use cotton buds as this often pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal and can prevent it from migrating out of the ear naturally.

Ear wax has a purpose. It is sterile and has antibacterial properties. Ear wax is also involved in the ears natural ability to 'self' clean. Dead skin cells and cerumen migrate outwards and clears itself from the ear cleaning the ear. 

So why do we get build-up? This can be due to a variety of reasons such as the use of hearing aids or headphones obstructing the wax from naturally migrating out of the ear. Some other reasons include narrow and bendy ear canals, hairy ear canals, bony growths in the ear canal (extoses), genetics, and age (our wax can become drier with age).

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE SESSION?

Following introductions we will ask some basic initial questions and examine your ears with an otoscope. We do this to check for wax and for any pathology that may be present.  We will always share and discuss our findings with you. 

If ear wax is present we will then carry out a health questionnaire and consent form. Following this we will then discuss the methods of wax removal that are suitable for your ears and the wax present. 
We will always explain all procedures conducted and get your consent. We understand that anything medical can feel daunting. Always feel free to ask any questions and you can ask us to stop at any point during the session. 

Following the wax removal procedure we will check your ears again with a otoscope. We are checking again for any remaining wax and to check the health of the ear. Again we will share our findings of the examination with you. 

If at any point during the session pathology is identified - We will discuss it with you and a gp referral will be offered in line with BSHAAs referral guidelines. 

All of our sessions are carried out by experienced audiologists.

WHY DO YOU CHARGE THE SAME AMOUNT REGARDLESS IF IT IS ONE OR BOTH EARS THAT ARE CLEARED OF WAX?

The cost is for the session, equipment and skill set. As a business we incur the same operational costs to clear one ear of wax as two! We therefore have decided to charge one fee for our services.