If your hearing has gone dull on one side, an examination is the quickest way to find out why. It takes a couple of minutes, it does not hurt, and it saves you buying drops for a problem you may not have.
How the check works
The clinician uses an otoscope, a small light with a magnified view, to look along the ear canal to the eardrum. You will feel a light touch at the outer ear and nothing more. On our digital scope you can usually see the image too, which makes the explanation a lot easier to follow.
What we are looking for
- Wax, and whether it is soft enough to remove safely today
- Signs of infection or inflammation in the canal
- The condition of the eardrum, including any perforation
- Anything else lodged in the canal, which is more common than people expect
That last point matters. Wax removal is only appropriate if wax is genuinely the cause and the ear is healthy enough for the procedure. If we find an infection or a perforated eardrum, we will not proceed. We will tell you plainly what we can see and refer you on the same day where needed.
Please do not use cotton buds
Cotton buds push wax deeper and can scratch the canal, which is how a mild blockage turns into a sore one. Olive oil drops for a few days before your appointment are far more useful, and they make removal easier and more comfortable.
Two minutes with an otoscope answers the question people have been guessing about for months.
Getting seen
Examination is included as part of our ear care appointment, so you are not paying twice to find out what is going on. If your ears are clear, we will say so and you will not be charged for a removal you do not need.
Prices, appointment times and what to expect for Ear Wax Removal - Microsuction.
See ear care
