Guide to Unblocking Your Ears

Your ears are very delicate organs so it’s essential that you seek advice from a highly qualified hearing healthcare provider, or audiologist, if you’re experiencing an ear blockage.

Why Do Our Ears Block With Wax?

Our ability to hear is fundamental to how we experience the world around us. However, there are times when our ears may feel blocked, leading to discomfort and even temporary hearing impairment. Whether it’s due to wax build up, fluid accumulation, or other factors, addressing ear blockages promptly is crucial for maintaining optimal hearing health.

In this guide, we’ll explore how specialist audiologists tackle ear blockages and provide insights into techniques they employ to help you unblock your ears effectively.

The most common causes include:

Earwax Build-up: The ear naturally produces wax to protect the ear canal. However, excessive wax accumulation can lead to blockages.

Fluid Accumulation: Fluid build-up behind the eardrum, often due to infections or allergies, can cause a feeling of fullness and temporary hearing loss.

Foreign Objects: Small objects or insects may inadvertently enter the ear canal, causing blockages and discomfort.

Barotrauma: Sudden changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or scuba diving, can lead to ear barotrauma, resulting in ear blockages and pain.

Who does Ear Wax Removal?

Your ears are very delicate organs so it’s essential that you seek advice from a highly qualified hearing healthcare provider, or audiologist if you’re experiencing an ear blockage.

Good Practice From Your Audiologist

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.