Before diving into tips for ear wax removal, it’s important to understand its function. Ear wax traps dust and other small particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate inner parts of your ear.

Did you know it also has antibacterial properties? This helps reduce the risk of ear infections. For most people, ear wax naturally works its way out of the ear canal as you chew, talk and move your jaw. However, some people may produce more ear wax than necessary or have a narrower ear canal, leading to blockages.

Signs of ear wax build-up

Excess ear wax doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, you might notice:

• Reduced hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Itching or irritation in the ear canal
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or balance issues in severe cases

If you experience these symptoms, it’s worth considering safe methods to manage ear wax at home.

How to remove stubborn ear wax at home

There are some safe and effective methods you can use to remove ear wax at home. These include using over-the-counter ear drops to soften wax, applying warm olive or almond oil to help loosen it.

It’s important to avoid using cotton buds at all costs, as this can push ear wax further into the canal and cause blockages. By following these methods, you can manage minor wax build-ups effectively while keeping your ears healthy.

1. Use over-the-counter ear drops

Pharmacies and health and beauty retailers in Hampstead stock ear drops specifically designed to soften ear wax. Products containing hydrogen peroxide, glycerine or saline can help loosen stubborn wax, making it easier for your body to expel naturally. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid overusing these products.

2. Warm olive oil or almond oil

A few drops of warm (not hot) olive or almond oil can be an effective way to soften ear wax. Use a clean dropper to apply the oil, tilt your head to the side and allow it to sit for a few minutes before tilting your head back to let it drain. Repeat this process twice a day for several days.

Please remember: Avoid using cotton buds to clean the ear

It’s tempting to use cotton buds to remove ear wax, but this often pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or damage to the eardrum. Instead, stick to external cleaning by wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth.

We also would not advise trying to clear your own wax using any tools bought online like ear picks or ear irrigators as these products tend to lead to more problems than solutions.

When to seek professional help

While managing ear wax at home can often resolve minor issues, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. You should see a healthcare provider if:

• Home remedies have not improved your symptoms;
• You experience severe pain, dizziness, or persistent hearing loss;
• You suspect you have an ear infection (signs include swelling, redness, and discharge);
• There is a history of perforated eardrum or ear surgery.

Finding professional ear wax removal services in Hampstead

If you’re in Hampstead, London, then you’re in luck! Hampstead Hearing is a private hearing clinic with highly trained audiologists and specialists equipped with tools and knowledge to perform services such as microsuction, irrigation or manual removal techniques. Microsuction, in particular, is a popular and safe method for removing stubborn ear wax under magnification.

FAQs about ear wax management

Is ear wax removal painful?

Professional ear wax removal methods, such as microsuction, are generally painless. You might feel slight discomfort during irrigation or manual removal, but these methods are safe when performed by a professional.

How often should I clean my ears?

Most people do not need to clean their ears regularly. The ear is self-cleaning, and excess ear wax often works its way out naturally. However, if you’re prone to wax build-up, consult an audiologist for guidance on maintenance.

Are ear candles effective?

Ear candling is not recommended as it is ineffective and poses risks such as burns or damage to the ear canal.

Quick tips for preventing ear wax build-up

While it’s impossible to stop ear wax production altogether (and you wouldn’t want to), there are steps you can take to reduce build-up:

• Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears
• Stay hydrated to maintain optimal ear canal health
• Consider using ear drops periodically if you are prone to excessive wax
• Protect your ears from excessive exposure to dust or debris

Hampstead Hearing: Your hearing health matters

Managing ear wax at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can maintain healthy ears and address minor build-ups without difficulty.

However, it’s crucial to recognise when professional help is needed to avoid complications. For those in Hampstead and the wider London area, professional ear care services are readily available to help you maintain your ear health safely and effectively.

If you’ve been wondering how to remove stubborn ear wax at home or when to seek professional ear wax removal, these tips provide a great starting point. Prioritise your ear health and seek advice from our qualified professionals if needed to ensure your ears remain in top condition. You can find all of our contact information here.

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While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, various management techniques are available, with hearing aids recognised as an effective tool for managing the condition. We will explore how hearing aids help alleviate tinnitus, the mechanisms behind their success, and the signs that suggest you should consult an audiologist for tinnitus management.

What brings on tinnitus?

Although tinnitus is often referred to as a disease, it isn’t a disease at all. Tinnitus is a condition that occurs as a result of various conditions, including hearing loss, ear injuries, exposure to loud noises, or even stress and anxiety. 

The noise associated with tinnitus is subjective, meaning only the affected individual can hear it. This sound can range from mild and intermittent to severe and constant, often interfering with concentration, sleep and a person’s overall well-being.

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is hearing loss. When hearing diminishes, the brain compensates by amplifying certain frequencies, which can inadvertently result in tinnitus. Therefore, addressing the root cause of hearing loss is key to managing tinnitus effectively, and this is where hearing aids come into play.

Can hearing aids help tinnitus?

If you’re wondering whether hearing aids can help manage your tinnitus, the answer is a resounding yes! Hearing aids are small electronic devices designed primarily to improve hearing. They amplify external sounds, making it easier for people with hearing loss to engage with their surroundings.

But how do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Each hearing aid is different and its features depend on the make, model and size. Here’s a breakdown of the mechanisms:

Amplifying background sounds

For individuals with hearing loss, the absence of sound can exacerbate their tinnitus. The brain can choose to focus on the lack of stimulation in the absence of external stimuli. Hearing aids amplify ambient sounds, such as conversation, nature sounds or background noise, which can mask the internal ringing or buzzing. This effect, known as sound masking, helps reduce the prominence of tinnitus.

Tinnitus-specific features

Many modern hearing aids come equipped with tinnitus management features. These features include built-in sound generators that produce soothing noises, such as white noise, pink noise or ocean waves. These sounds can be customised to the individual’s preferences, helping distract the brain from tinnitus and providing a sense of relief.

Restoring auditory input

Hearing loss reduces the amount of sound signals reaching the brain, which can cause neural pathways to misfire and produce tinnitus. By restoring auditory input through amplification, hearing aids can rebalance the auditory system. This process, known as auditory enrichment, helps the brain focus on meaningful sounds rather than tinnitus.

Enhancing communication

One of the frustrating aspects of tinnitus is its impact on communication. Struggling to hear amidst the noise in your head can be isolating. Hearing aids amplify speech, making conversations clearer and helping you stay engaged in social situations. This improved communication reduces feelings of isolation and improves mental well-being.

Choosing the right hearing aid for tinnitus

Not all hearing aids are equally effective in managing tinnitus, so selecting the right one is essential. Look for devices with built-in tinnitus masking options, such as sound therapy features that produce soothing sounds like white noise or nature sounds. The ability to customise your devices is another important factor, as being able to personalise settings ensures the device meets your specific requirements.

When should I see someone about my tinnitus?

While tinnitus is common and not always a cause for concern, certain signs suggest it’s time to consult an audiologist for advice. Persistent or worsening tinnitus lasting longer than a few weeks should be evaluated, as should any accompanying loss in hearing capacity. This may indicate underlying hearing loss that could be alleviated to reduce tinnitus symptoms. 

Sleep disturbances caused by tinnitus can affect overall health, and sound therapy through hearing aids can help promote better rest. Emotional distress, such as frustration, anxiety, or depression linked to tinnitus, is another reason to seek help, as audiologists can provide support and resources. 

Unilateral tinnitus, meaning it occurs in only one ear or alongside symptoms like dizziness, vertigo or hearing loss, may signal a more serious condition requiring prompt attention. Similarly, a sudden onset of tinnitus, especially after an injury or exposure to loud noise, needs immediate evaluation to prevent potential long-term damage.

What to expect at your audiology appointments at Hampstead

Visiting our audiologists for tinnitus management involves a thorough evaluation of your auditory health. The process typically begins with a discussion of your medical history, lifestyle and specific tinnitus symptoms. 

The audiologist will ask questions about when the tinnitus started, its severity, and any factors that may contribute to or worsen the condition. These details are vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

A hearing test is carried out to determine whether hearing loss is a contributing factor. This involves listening to sounds of varying frequencies and volumes to assess your hearing range and pinpoint any deficiencies. We may use specialised tools to measure the pitch and volume of your tinnitus, which helps them develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Based on the results, Hampstead Hearing Clinic will provide treatment recommendations. This could include hearing aids with tinnitus-specific features, sound therapy, counselling or a combination of approaches. 

Our goal is to reduce the impact of tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

How to live with tinnitus

While tinnitus can be challenging, it doesn’t have to control your life. Hearing aids offer a practical and effective way to manage symptoms, by improving hearing and quality of life. Combined with other strategies, such as sound therapy, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes, they can help you regain a sense of normality.

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our audiologists can guide you through the process, offering solutions tailored to your unique needs. With the right tools and support, managing tinnitus is not just possible – it’s achievable! Book your appointment with Hampstead Hearing Clinic and get on the path to better hearing today.

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Have you ever pondered the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in hearing aids? You might be surprised to learn that some hearing aids are equipped with AI. Oticon, a leading name in the industry, has taken its technology a step further with the introduction of the Oticon Intent. This article will delve into the new features of the Oticon Intent, its availability, and its suitability for different types of hearing loss.

A Look Back at Oticon’s Evolution

Oticon has been consistently innovating in the field of hearing aids. Their last major release was the Oticon Own in September 2022, which included a variety of models like the IIC, CIC, ITC, and ITE. These were followed by the receiver in canal style of hearing aids in March 2023, which included the miniRITE R and miniRITE T, the Mini BTE R and Mini BTE T, and a CROS system design for those with single-sided deafness.

When the Oticon Reals were launched, they brought some advancements over their predecessor, the More family of hearing aids. However, the changes were minor, focusing on wind and noise handling and the introduction of a sudden sound stabiliser. Despite these improvements, the technology was largely similar to the Oticon More family.

The Oticon Intent Hearing Aid: Meeting User Expectations

Based on user feedback, the most sought-after features in a hearing aid are improved hearing in noise and enhanced speech clarity. Oticon’s latest innovation, the Oticon Intent, aligns perfectly with these needs.

This new design is a little shorter than their previous hearing aid technology which is ideal if discretion is important to you. It is also Oticon’s smallest ever Bluetooth receiver in canal hearing aid to date. It is however a fraction bulkier, so I do wonder how that will feel when it’s sat behind your ear, especially when competing for space for anybody wearing glasses out there.

Oticon Intent is available in nine colours to suit your skin, hair or personal preference, now introducing the new Sky Blue to the Oticon range. Oticon have also removed the rocker switch that they had on the Oticon Real and they’ve replaced it now with a single button on the back of the hearing aid.

Inside the Oticon Intent: A Technological Marvel

The Oticon Intent is powered by a new chip called Sirius, which brings three key features for improved speech clarity in the presence of background noise.

One of the standout features of the Oticon Intent is the new 4D sensor technology. By monitoring conversational activity, head and body movement, and the surrounding environment, these hearing aids can recognise when the user’s needs change and adapt the settings accordingly. This feature can improve speech comprehension by 15%.

Intent’s Connectivity and Rechargeability

Oticon has also revamped the connectivity of their hearing aids. They’ve introduced LE Audio, a feature that allows users to receive sound directly to their hearing aids in public venues like concert halls, conferences, and train stations. While this technology is still in its early stages, Oticon has ensured that the Intents still have a built-in telecoil, a feature that provides similar functionality.

In terms of rechargeability, Oticon has increased the size of their batteries. A single charge now only takes 2 hours, and a quick 15-minute charge can provide 4 hours of usage. However, if there’s an issue with the batteries, the whole hearing aid will need to be sent to Oticon for repair.

Oticon Intent Hearing Aid Review

Matthew Allsop serves as a Partner for the Harley Street Hearing group and contributes as a content creator for Hearing Tracker. Through his platform, he offers candid insights into the latest advancements in hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker stands out as the premier impartial resource dedicated to aiding hearing aid consumers worldwide. See his review for Oticon Intent below.

If you’re interested in trialling this or any new technology please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Maintaining good ear hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for ear-related issues are key to preserving your precious sense of hearing for years to come. So let’s see how a qualified audiologist can assist safely with your ear wax removal.

How To Remove Ear Wax Safely

Microsuction 

• Microsuction is a precise and minimally invasive procedure used to remove earwax and debris from the ear canal. This is the preferred method of ear wax removal.
• Audiologists use a suction device with a thin bent tube to gently extract the blockage under direct vision using a microscope.
• This method is highly effective, pain-free and suitable for individuals with sensitive ears or a history of ear infections.

Ear Irrigation 

• Ear irrigation involves flushing the ear canal with a gentle stream of water to remove excess wax build-up.
• Audiologists use specialised equipment to ensure safe and effective removal of earwax without causing damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
• This technique is particularly useful for individuals with stubborn or impacted earwax.
• This method is not advised if you have an ear infection or history of ear infections.

Ear Syringing

• Once a traditional approach to wax removal, ear syringing is now deemed outdated and potentially unsafe.
• The modern substitute is electronic irrigation.

Ear Examination and Assessment

• Before proceeding with any treatment, audiologists conduct a thorough examination of the ears to identify the cause of the blockage.
• This may involve otoscopy, where a specialised instrument called an otoscope is used to visualise the ear canal and eardrum.
• By accurately diagnosing the underlying issue, audiologists can tailor their approach to each individual’s needs, ensuring the most appropriate treatment.

Education and Prevention

• In addition to providing treatment, audiologists offer valuable education on ear care and prevention strategies.
• This may include guidance on how to safely clean the ears at home, using techniques such as olive oil or over the counter ear drops.
• Audiologists also educate patients on the importance of protecting their ears from loud noises using custom hearing protection and avoiding the use of cotton ear buds or other objects that can push wax deeper into the ear canal.

Ear Wax Removal Near Me

Hampstead Hearing provide same-day ear wax removal appointments at clinics throughout London. We are part of the Harley Street Hearing group, so if you’re in Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, Golders Green or Harley Street we’ll be delighted to see you.

Our microsuction procedures are conducted by highly skilled clinical audiologists who use high-spec examination microscopes with x20 magnification, which ensure they can work safely in the ear canal with complete visibility and depth perception.

Contact Us so we can have you hearing clearly again in no time.

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Like other Widex hearing aids, the SmartRIC model features interchangeable receivers, making it suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to profound. Powered by the Widex Moment platform, these hearing aids deliver the most natural sound experience yet, complemented by Widex’s signature Pure Sound technology and tinnitus features, along with Bluetooth connectivity.

Recognised Excellence

In a recent report by Which?, Widex was rated as one of the top hearing aid brands by users, further validating the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Experience the Future of Hearing Technology

With its cutting-edge design, superior sound quality, and advanced features, the SmartRIC Hearing Aid by Widex is poised to redefine the standards of hearing technology. Discover the difference for yourself and elevate your hearing experience with Widex. To trial this new technology don’t hesitate to contact us.

Widex SmartRIC Hearing Aid Review

Matthew Allsop serves as a Partner for the Harley Street Hearing group and contributes as a content creator for Hearing Tracker. Through his platform, he offers candid insights into the latest advancements in hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker stands out as the premier impartial resource dedicated to aiding hearing aid consumers worldwide. See his review for Widex SmartRIC below.

If you’re interested in trialling this or any new technology please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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So, you’ve made the decision to explore hearing aids. This isn’t always an easy step, whether it’s something you’ve noticed yourself or it’s been suggested by someone else. We commend you for seeking out information, as hearing aids have the potential to significantly improve your quality of life.

Every Hearing Loss Story is Unique

Nearly every individual we see in our clinics has a unique journey that led them to consider hearing aids. It might be struggling to hear conversations in noisy environments, a loved one urging you to get your hearing checked, or difficulties communicating at work. Each person has their own story.

Personalised Care at Hampstead Hearing

Your experience with hearing loss is entirely your own. Recognising everyone’s unique journey, we at Harmpstead Hearing emphasise a personalised approach to hearing healthcare. We aim to share insights that we’ve found valuable as audiologists when discussing hearing aids with our patients, as well as what you can anticipate during a hearing aid assessment.

So You’re Coping?

One common sentiment we hear is the belief that one can “cope fine” without hearing aids. However, it’s akin to watching a football match on a black and white television. You can see the players moving, but it’s difficult to know who is on which team and which players you’re supposed to be cheering for.

Now, you switch over to your LED colour display television, the players come to life and your brain no longer needs to strain to identify which players are on which team—you can make out the players. Hearing aids can transform your auditory experience, reducing mental fatigue and enhancing engagement with the world.

Empowering Choices: Understanding Your Options

Now, let’s talk options. When you think of hearing aids, you might envision bulky devices of the past. However, today’s hearing aids offer a sleek, diverse array of styles and functionalities to suit your preferences and needs.

• Style: Options range from discreet behind-the-ear models to custom-made or completely invisible devices, available in various colours to match your appearance or preferences. During your assessment, your audiologist will discuss which style aligns best with your medical history, hearing test results, and lifestyle.
• Connectivity: Many modern devices can connect to your phone, enabling direct streaming of music, calls, and podcasts, tailored to your hearing needs.
• Apps: Most hearing aids come with accompanying apps, allowing you to adjust settings like microphone sensitivity, program preferences, and noise reduction, putting you in control of your listening experience.

Embracing the Journey

It’s essential to recognise that adjusting to hearing aids is a journey, not an instant fix like glasses. Your brain needs time to acclimatise to the new auditory input.

At Hampstead Hearing, we provide ongoing support from your initial fitting appointment to your crucial follow-ups, where your feedback shapes the fine-tuning of your devices to ensure optimal performance in your day-to-day life. And it doesn’t stop there, we will see you for as many appointments as it takes for you to be happy with your new hearing technology. From then on we will see you for a complimentary annual review as all of our hearing aid patients receive aftercare for life. 

Take the Leap

Why not take the leap and reach out to us to explore the benefits of modern hearing technology? After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

If you’re interested in seeing how Hampstead Hearing can help you with any hearing issues please contact us.

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