Ear Care Advice
At the surgery ear syringing is only carried out for the purpose of audiology or the fitting of hearing aids.
If you have a build-up of ear wax or require ear syringing due to an audiology appointment/hearing aid fitting appointment then follow the steps below:
- To help soften ear wax instil 2 drops of olive oil twice a day into the affected ear for 5 to 7 days.
- Correct application of the olive oil is important.
- To instil the olive oil, lean your head onto the side with the affected ear upper most.
- Instil 2 drops of olive oil (do not heat) into the ear and massage it in keeping head tilted on side for 1 minute to allow oil to absorb. If necessary apply cotton wool to the opening of the ear.
- After using olive oil for 5 to 7 days sodium bicarbonate can then be instilled if the wax is still present.
- Instil the sodium bicarbonate using the same procedure as for olive oil. Apply the sodium bicarbonate for 5 days.
- Successful removal of wax depends on the correct application of the olive oil and sodium bicarbonate.
You need to go through and sign the consent form (PDF, 184KB) prior to the procedure. The consent form contains information about certain conditions that make ear irrigation potentially an inappropriate procedure for you. Bring the consent form with you on the day of the procedure.
We need proof of audiology/hearing aids fitting appointment letter prior to performing the procedure.
You will have 20 minutes appointment with the practice nurse. Within that appointment, Ear Assessment will be undertaken initially to decide whether it is safe to go ahead with the procedure.
If following the ear assessment and found that the procedure is deemed unsafe for you due to history of perforated ear drum for example, the practice nurse will discuss with the GP to explore other options in clearing the ear wax prior to audiology or hearing aids fitting appointment.
If you require ear syringing and it is not prior to an audiology/hearing aid fitting appointment then you could try Hear base 0800 028 6179 or Kent Ear Care 07444 419254 as these organisations offer the services at a charge.