Ear wax removal
Before
After
Why does earwax build up?
Wax can build up in the ears for a variety of reasons, for example;
• Narrow or damaged ear canals.
• Hair in the ear canals
• Skin conditions affecting the area.
• Inflammation of the ear canal
Types of earwax removal
Microsuction
Microsuction ear wax removal is a safe and effective method of removing excess earwax.
During the procedure, a tiny suction device is used to gently remove the wax buildup from the ear canal without causing any discomfort or pain. It is a quick and efficient way to remove ear wax and is suitable for most people.
Microsuction is less messy than the traditional syringing or irrigation method of wax removal (where the ears are flushed out with warm water). The risk of infection or irritation in the ears is lower with microsuction as there is no water that can get trapped in the ear canal.
Types of earwax removal
Irrigation
Microsuction is currently the most widely used method of removing wax from the ear canals. It is generally considered to be a gentle, safe and effective treatment for earwax, and suitable for most people.
Irrigation, or syringing is where the ear canal is flushed out with warm water. While this procedure can be effective for removal of ear wax it is not suitable for everyone. For example, people with perforated eardrums cannot have irrigation performed.
Who can remove earwax?
Wax removal should only be carried out by qualified professionals. Traditionally, people would visit their GP surgery for wax removal but widespread decomissioning of the service has led to an increase in people seeking private ear wax removal.
As such, there has been an increase in the number of people qualifying in wax removal on 2 day, unaccredited courses with no previous experience required, and no supervision or regulatory requirements following the initial training.
Laura Stone at Cambrian Hearing qualified in microsuction ear wax removal at Aston University in 2018, after qualifying as a Hearing Aid Dispenser at Anglia Ruskin in 2017. Laura is HCPC registered as a Hearing Aid Dispenser and is fully insured to carry out microsuction wax removal.
Registration
As a Hearing Aid Dispenser, Laura is registered with the HCPC. The HCPC regulates and sets standards for several different professions as a means of protecting the public and ensuring the safety of service users.
Other qualified providers such as nurses are not regulated by the HCPC, but may be required to register with the CQC instead. The purpose of the CQC and HCPC are ultimately the same - to ensure that member of the public are being treated safely and effectively and registration requirements are dependent upon the individuals qualification, scope of practice, or environment within which they work.
As a Hearing Aid Dispenser, Laura and Cambrian Hearing are not required to be CQC registered in addition to HCPC registered, but are working towards CQC registration as a further means of evidencing and upholding an exceptional standard of care.
It is important to note that not all wax removal providers are required to be registered anywhere once qualified.
Laura at Cambrian Hearing trained in microsuction wax removal at Aston University, Birmingham in 2018 and has performed the procedure an estimated 1000+ times since.
If you would like any further information about microsuction earwax removal before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01691 900880
cambrianhearing.co.uk