A build up of wax in your ears may result in discomfort or deterioration in your hearing.
If you wear a hearing aid, excessive wax causes feedback,i.e. ‘whistling’ and poor sound control.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
In the first instance you should use Sodium Bicarbonate or olive oil ear drops for TWO WEEKS. This treatment will resolve a significant proportion of wax-related ear problems without the need for further intervention. If this is unsuccessful, you should try alternative olive oil drops for a further 2 weeks.
Instillation of eardrops:
Sodium bicarbonate (5%) drops are the initial treatment of choice are are available over the counter from your local pharmacist.
- Lie with your affected ear uppermost.
- Pull the pinna (outer ear) backwards and upwards
- Instil 2-3 drops of sodium bicarbonate/olive oil into the ear canal and massage the tragus (the entrance to the ear).
- Remain lying for 5 minutes to allow the drops to penetrate the wax then sit up and wipe away any excess.
- Perform this routine THREE times per day for TWO weeks.
DO NOT PUT COTTON WOOL IN YOUR EAR AS IT WILL REABSORB THE DROPS
Repeat for the opposite ear if required. AFTERCARE:
As a preventive measure, to avoid wax build up, instil 2-3 drops of olive oil once or twice a week.
Never insert anything into the ear canal to remove wax as this may impact it further. This includes cotton buds and Kirby grips!
If after you have tried drops for a minimum of four weeks there is no improvement, you may need to arrange for microsuction, as ear syringing is no longer recommended. This is a not a service we currently provide, however Crystal Hearing in Marlow would be happy to arrange this for you and can be contacted on 07957 465084.
In the event that you have had previous mastoid surgery, have discharge from the ear, ear pain, or have had a perforation of your ear drum, please make a telephone appointment with your GP.