Ear Wax Removal Specialists
Dundonald Consulting Rooms
1 St. Johns Wood Park
Dundonald
BT16 1RS
Tel - 07754175718
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you examine my ears?
At ClearEars NI our team use the latest endoscopic equipment to provide a thorough and pain-free examination of the ear.
Why use Endoscopy over 'traditional' methods?
Many providers use Otoscopes or Loupes (magnification goggles) when carrying out ear investigations. Whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with using these traditional tools, endoscopy provides a number of key benefits over the more traditional methods;
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Endoscopes provide a clear digital picture with more flexibility to look deeper into the ear. The ear canal isn't usually straight and more traditional methods don't always allow for the full range of movement afforded by endoscopes. An Endoscope allows the clinician to look at areas in the ear canal and around the ear drum which are traditionally difficult to view.
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As the endoscope end is so fine it allows the clinician to more easily operate the microsuction device or instruments at the same time as viewing the live endoscopic image.
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Images can be recorded to allow our clinicians to demonstrate to the patient any areas of concern or even to provide a 'before and after' image of simple wax clearance.
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The generation of stills from the endoscope camera can be attached to any potential GP or ENT referrals and can help speed up any further diagnosis (a picture is worth a thousand words!).
Will it hurt?
No. Most patients barely even feel the endoscope in place.
What happens after my ears are examined?
Our clinician will discuss with you if treatment is necessary. This could be using microsuction or irrigation or both to remove any obstructions such as wax. On occasion our clinician may use small instruments to help with the obstruction extraction, such as a Jobson horne probe or Rosen inserter. These are very fine, specialised ENT instruments which are commonly used in procedures in the outer ear.
What happens if I need further help?
On occasion our clinician may request that you return after a few days and use some drops in the mean-time, for example to help soften a particularly stubborn obstruction. Our clinician will advise on which drops to use and how often during your appointment. If this happens we will book you in at no extra charge at a time of your convenience.
If our clinician detects anything that cannot be dealt with in the community they will discuss the next steps with you. In most cases this will be referral onto your GP or a private ENT consultant. In either case the clinician will e-mail the referral and attach images from your ear examination where appropriate.
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is considered to be the gold standard of ear wax removal. It is considered to be much safer and more effective than more traditional water based irrigation. The clinician will use a very small tube gently placed in the ear canal, attached to a suction device to remove and contain any ear wax or other blockage in the ear. The procedure is carried out alongside the use of the endoscope, allowing the clinician to clearly see and safely remove the obstruction.
What is Irrigation?
Many of us remember going to the GP and having our ear 'syringed'. this practice is no longer recommended as it was found to be potentially dangerous and could cause damage to the delicate lining of the ear canal or even perforate the ear drum.
Irrigation is the blanket term used for the modern use of water based clearing of the ear canal. Our clinicians will prioritise the use of microsuction but on occasion irrigation can be very useful. Rather than using a forced jet of water our irrigation systems use directed, gently pulsing water streams which removes the danger of any potential damage to the ear whilst still aiding in the softening and loosening of impacted ear wax. In some cases microsuction may be used after irrigation. Our clinicians will discuss and clearly explain your treatment at all times throughout your appointment.
Should I use drops prior to my appointment?
Whilst not essential, at ClearEars NI we would recommend that you use olive oil drops for at least 3 days prior to your appointment. This will help to soften a wax blockage and make it easier to remove. You can purchase olive oil ear drops from your local pharmacy.
It is, however, important to note that if you have pain in your ear, discharge or sudden hearing loss, please contact the clinic for advice as in rare occasions the use of drops can be inappropriate.