Leading hearing loss charity RNID has slammed the level of care being provided across the country over what it called a “postcode lottery” for those waiting for ear wax removal.
The charity said many people are having to contend with hearing loss and social isolation due to the long wait times to get wax removed.
The report from the RNID also found that more than half of NHS commissioners are breaching official guidelines by not ensuring that all adults can access care.
As reported by the Guardian, RNID, formerly the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said its “horrifying” findings highlighted the misery people who cannot get wax removed are suffering.
“Ear wax buildup can cause painful and distressing symptoms – such as hearing loss, tinnitus and earache – and lead to social isolation and poor mental health,” the RNID said.
“With a patchy service across England, many people are left living in silence or forced to pay for private removal,” it added.
Complications From Ear Wax Build-Up
With so many people struggling to access services, the RNID is right to voice its concerns as the build-up of ear wax can result in a range of issues. These include the following:
Pain:
Perhaps the most pressing concern is that hardened ear wax can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort.
Ear wax is naturally moist, but over time it can dry out and solidify into a hardened mass. This can then start to press against the delicate walls of your ear canal, causing discomfort and, in extreme cases, excruciating pain.
Irritation
If wax does harden, this can gradually lead to irritation, inflammation and potential injury to the ear canal. Those who try to remove the wax with cotton buds or other objects are at an even greater risk of damaging their ears, so avoid making this mistake.
Infections:
Worryingly, hardened ear wax can prove to be a bit of a breeding ground for infections as trapped moisture can help bacteria or fungi flourish.
Anyone who’s experienced an ear infection will know the symptoms can be painful, uncomfortable and often embarrassing. Physical symptoms range from redness, swelling and discharge, while in particularly bad cases you may also experience fever and a general feeling of unwellness.
Lack of Hearing:
The ear canal’s main function is to conduct sound waves to the eardrum, which enables us to hear. However, when ear wax builds up and hardens, it can create a barricade, which impedes our hearing.
The effect this has on your hearing will depend on the amount of wax that’s present. If it’s just a little hardened wax then this can partially block the canal, creating muffled sounds and slightly impeding your hearing.
On the flip side, if there’s a large mass of hard wax in our ear canal, this could completely block out sounds to the point you can’t hear anything at all.
How Is Wax Removed?
So as you can see, excessive or hardened ear wax can prove to be a real issue, which is why it’s so important that people have access to treatment. Thankfully, treatment is quick and straightforward – the main issue seems to be access.
Ear syringing, or ear irrigation, is the way wax is removed. This safe and effective procedure is performed by healthcare professionals who will direct a gentle stream of warm water into the ear canal using a specialised syringe. This helps to soften and flush out built-up and potentially problematic ear wax.
So by regularly having your ears syringed by a certified professional, you can prevent wax from building up and hardening, maintaining your otological health.
Accessing Treatment
Here at Newdays, we’re a dedicated ear wax removal pharmacy, so we offer a range of private and NHS services. You can find out more about us online and book an appointment with one of our specialists at your local branch.
If you’d like to find out more about our ear wax syringing, get in touch with us today as we’d be more than happy to help you get the treatment you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access to ear wax removal services can vary depending on where you live. Some NHS areas offer routine treatment, while others have limited availability, meaning patients may experience longer waiting times or need to seek private care.
Excess ear wax can cause hearing loss, earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness and difficulty wearing hearing aids. If you develop these symptoms, arrange an assessment with a healthcare professional.
Ear wax should be removed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional when necessary. Ear wax softening drops may help before treatment, but avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ear, as this can push the wax deeper and increase the risk of injury.