If your ears feel blocked, your hearing seems muffled, or you have noticed ringing, itching or a feeling of fullness, earwax build-up may be the cause. Earwax is completely natural and usually clears on its own. But sometimes it can become hard, impacted or uncomfortable. At Lymington Chiropractic Clinic, Shelley Wain, our new Approved Ear Wax Removal Specialist, offers professional microsuction ear wax removal to help you hear more clearly and feel more comfortable.
What is earwax and why do we have it?
Earwax, also known as cerumen. It is produced naturally inside the ear canal. Earwax helps protect the ear by trapping dust, dirt and germs. And it also helps keep the delicate skin of the ear canal lubricated. In most people, earwax gradually moves out of the ear on its own through natural jaw movement from talking and chewing.
Although earwax is normal and helpful, it can sometimes build up and become impacted. This may happen if you naturally produce more wax, have narrow or hairy ear canals, wear hearing aids or earplugs, have a skin condition affecting the ear area, or use cotton buds, which can push wax deeper into the canal.
How can you tell if you may have earwax build-up?
Common symptoms of earwax build-up can include:
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss
- Earache or discomfort
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Itching in or around the ear
- Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance
- Hearing aids not working as well as usual.
Seek medical advice promptly, if you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, dizziness, or you think there may be a foreign body in the ear. This is far better than trying to treat the problem yourself.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction is a professional earwax removal method that uses a small, gentle suction device to remove excess or impacted wax from the ear canal. Unlike traditional ear syringing, microsuction does not use water. This means the clinician can work with a clear view of the ear canal and eardrum while removing wax carefully and precisely.
Microsuction is often described as quick and usually painless. Some people notice the suction sound during treatment. The ear may feel slightly unusual for a short time afterwards, but this usually settles quickly.
Meet Shelley Wain, Approved Ear Wax Removal Specialist
Local to Lymington, Shelley trained and gained her accreditation with Specsavers. She is qualified as an Audiology Practitioner and Ear Wax Microsuction Removal Specialist, and is trained in professional ear wax removal treatments.
Shelley enjoys meeting people and helping them experience the difference that clearer hearing can make. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is seeing a patient’s reaction after treatment when their hearing feels clearer again.
Shelley is currently in clinic on Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm. Outside clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and focusing on her wellbeing, with swimming and Pilates among her favourite activities.
What happens at your appointment?
- Ear health check: Shelley will look at your outer ear, ear canal and eardrum to assess the health of your ears and check whether wax is present.
- Clear explanation: You will be told what Shelley can see and whether microsuction is appropriate for you.
- Wax removal if needed: If wax is causing a blockage and it is safe to proceed, Shelley will use microsuction to gently remove it.
- Advice if wax is not the cause: If you do not need wax removal, Shelley will explain what she has found and advise whether you should speak to your GP, pharmacist or another healthcare professional.
Before your appointment
To give the best chance of removing the wax safely and comfortably in one visit, we recommend applying 2 to 3 drops of olive oil three or four times a day for five days before your appointment, unless you have been advised not to use drops. Follow this link to a helpful NHS guidance on how to apply olive oil to ears.
Tip: Do not plug your ear with cotton wool after applying oil, as it can absorb the oil rather than allowing it to soften the wax.
WARNING: Do not use cotton buds, fingers, ear candles or other objects to try to remove earwax yourself. These can push wax deeper into the ear canal and may cause irritation, infection or damage.
Aftercare and follow-up
After wax removal, it is normal for the ear to feel a little different for a short time. Once your ears are clear, avoid putting cotton buds or any other objects into the ear canal. If you are prone to recurring wax build-up, Shelley can advise on safe ways to manage and soften wax in the future.
Some people may need another appointment if the wax is very hard or if only part of the wax can be safely removed. If this is the case Shelley will book you a follow-up appointment a week later, at no extra charge. Earwax can come back, especially if you naturally produce more wax or use hearing aids or earplugs regularly. So you may need further appointments if symptoms return over time.
Book an appointment with Shelley
If you are struggling with blocked ears, muffled hearing or discomfort, microsuction ear wax removal may help. Shelley Wain is available at Lymington Chiropractic Clinic on Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm and looks forward to welcoming you.
BOOK ONLINE, call 01590 679560 or ask at reception.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have severe pain, sudden hearing loss, discharge, bleeding, ongoing dizziness, a known perforated eardrum or concerns about infection, please seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or another appropriate healthcare professional.