​To enable us to carry out ear wax removal safely, you will be asked some questions about your ears as well as your general health.

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An assessment of both ears will be carried out, regardless of whether you feel there is wax in one ear or both. We check the health of your ears as well as performing wax removal.

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Your full consent will be gained before we begin. For this, we will need a signature on our device to show you have consented to treatment and for images to be taken.

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Before, during and after wax removal takes place, we take photos and/or videos of inside your ears. The reason for this is to be able to show you how your ears look before wax is removed and after. We also do this to form a record for you, in case we ever need to look back on a photograph for any reason and also if we need to refer you.

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We use two approaches to wax removal:

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Microsuction

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The gold standard of wax removal is Microsuction. This involves a small suction tube that gently clings to the wax and brings it out. This involves some noise in the ear, such as crackling or squeaking as the wax breaks up and moves through the tube.

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Delicate hand-held instruments

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The other helpful method is manual extraction with delicate hand-held instruments specifically designed for professional ear wax removal. Instruments of this kind will not be used to remove deep wax, only wax that is visible to the eye in the ear canal.

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The approach used will be based upon positioning, depth, and softness of the wax you have in your ears, and the decision of method is down to Bourne Ear Care professionals.

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Ears are a very delicate and intricate part of the body, therefore extreme care is necessary. Bourne Ear Care professionals have undertaken extensive training and are qualified in ear care to ensure the safety of our clients whilst undergoing ear wax removal.

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Risks

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Whilst the utmost care will be taken during the wax removal procedure, there are some risks involved.

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Such risks include but are not limited to:

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Discomfort if the wax is hard or very deep

Breaks in skin of the ear canal wall if wax is still quite hard

Ear infections can occur after wax removal

Tinnitus can be made worse for a short period of time afterwards

Coughing can occur whilst removing wax due to close proximity to the “cough reflex” (Vagus nerve)

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Rare risks included but are not limited to:

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Feeling nauseous

Feeling dizzy

Hearing loss

New tinnitus for those not currently experiencing it

Damage to eardrum

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Outcome

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It is our aim to remove as much wax as possible during the appointment however, there are some cases where this is not possible. This is down to the amount of wax present, the consistency of wax, how long the wax has been present, and your own comfort. In this instance, you will be sent away to oil more and have a further appointment scheduled to remove the rest. There are some cases where a further 2 or 3 appointments are necessary.

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During or after the procedure, should anything abnormal appear, we will take photos of the abnormality and discuss this with you. It will then be recommended that you seek medical advice from your GP.

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Aftercare

Once the appointment has been completed you will be given both verbal and written aftercare information to keep

for future reference.