Ear Health Check and Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Ear Health Check and Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; in the UK, it is estimated that 2.3 million people each year have problems with earwax that require intervention. Unfortunately, many people have reported no longer being able to access free earwax removal services from their GP which is often down to the fact that the old ‘syringing’ method – previously widely available on the NHS – has been found to be unsafe and is no longer used.
At Hope Physiotherapy Clinic, we provide a safe, comprehensive ear health check, and wax removal service using micro-suction. Our specialist therapists use advanced equipment to perform a hearing screening, record images, and safely remove excess wax using the latest TympaHealth system to deliver the best service and care possible.
Who It Helps
Earwax is a produced by the body as a normal and necessary process, protecting our ears by trapping dirt, dust, and bacteria from the environment. However, sometimes our body can produce too much wax – which can continue to build up, making it difficult to hear and causing pressure and pain.
There are a few key indicators to look out for, and the following symptoms could indicate that there has been a change in your ears:
• Hearing loss
• Earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
• Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Vertigo (feeling dizzy and nauseous)
• Earwax is also the number one cause of a whistling hearing aid
Our Ear Health Care Pathway
If you are experiencing any of these issues or would just like the peace of mind that comes from a professional ear examination, we invite clients to book a 15 minute Ear Health Assessment. During this appointment our trained therapist will conduct a thorough ear health examination using a video endoscope to take pictures and video or your ear canal.
If safe to do so and clinically necessary, we will book you a follow up appointment for wax removal using the most appropriate method which could be removal using manual extraction techniques if the wax is in the very outer part of the ear canal, or micro-suction for wax that is situated inside the ear canal.
It is common that patients who require micro-suction, will be advised to use “Earol” olive oil spray (or similar) for a few days before the micro-suction procedure to soften the wax. This can be purchased in our clinic, or at a pharmacy of your choice.
What to expect during your micro-suction appointment
The therapist will check your ears once again for changes since your assessment appointment and use a machine called an otoscope to safely insert a small suction tube into the ear canal. Excess wax is then removed using suction, this can be a little noisy but should never be painful.
You will then be given a hearing test (unless you have a PVP shunt) and the results of the entire procedure discussed.
Photographs and videos are taken before, during, and after the procedure. Your therapist may use the images to request further advise or a second opinion if necessary and to make sure that you are as informed as possible about the outcome of the procedure.
Outcomes
Occasionally, it may not be able to remove all the wax in a single appointment. A second appointment may be required after further use of “earol” to soften residual wax.
In some situations, or if an abnormality of the ear canal is discovered, it may be necessary to refer you back to your GP or ENT specialist. If this is the case, your therapist will provide you with a comprehensive report of their findings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have a question?
Do I need to see my GP first?
No, you do not need a referral from The NHS to start your treatment with us. Unless you are using private insurance and they specify otherwise, we will see you without the need for any delay.
What shall I wear?
Wear something comfortable and appropriate for the area of your injury to be assessed - e.g. shorts for a knee injury. We understand that some people can be nervous or put off by the thought of an examination, please be assured that we are professionals and your modesty will be respected at all times.
When do I pay?
Payment is requested at the time of booking your appointment so that we can dedicate every last minute of our time with you to treatment and not admin.
Our preferred method of payment is via Bacs Transfer, but we also accept card and cash payments in the clinic if that’s preferred. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide us with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice as non-attended appointments and short notice cancelations are subject to the full charge being invoiced to the patient.
If you have private health insurance, we will deal with your referring company direct in the majority of cases.Printed receipts are available upon request.
Our fees can be seen here .
Do I need to bring anything with me?
If you have had any tests or investigations related to your problem (like a scan or X Ray), it can be helpful to bring these along.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on factors such as:
How long you've had a problem
The severity of your symptoms and condition
What you want to be able to do? For example, a person wishing to get back to training for a specific sport or event may require a longer course of treatment for a knee injury than an office worker who spends a lot of time sitting.
A standard course of physiotherapy would be around 3-5 sessions but this can vary. A client with a minor injury or someone seeking advice on what they should and shouldn’t be doing in relation to their condition might just need 1-2 sessions covering specific exercises to do themselves at home. However, a client requiring post-operative treatment or neuro physio for stroke recovery may require treatment over a longer period.
We pride ourselves on transparency and honesty at Hope Physiotherapy Clinic, you can be assured that we will not extend your treatment unnecessarily.
Booking
Portsmouth Clinic
Pompey Health & Fitness Club,
422 Copnor Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5EW
TESTIMONIAL