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Ear wax is a natural substance that is produced by our ears in order to protect them from bacteria and germs, and keep them lubricated. It usually passes through the ear canal and falls out naturally, but this isn’t always the case for those who produce an excessive amount of ear wax.

If you’ve ever experienced a build-up of ear wax, you’ll know that it can lead to discomfort and sometimes hearing problems. Ear wax removal is the best solution for safely removing this build-up and alleviating these symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed insight into ear wax removal procedures and explain the do’s and don’ts of removing wax from the ear.

What can cause a build-up of ear wax?

Having excessive ear wax means that your ear is producing wax faster than your body can remove it.

There can be a number of different reasons why ear wax can build up, and a majority of the time this is down to the way your ears naturally function and is therefore typically unavoidable.

Some of the most common reasons for excessive ear wax are:

• The ears naturally generate a type of earwax that is firm or dry in consistency, making it less prone to easy passage through the ear canal.
• Having narrow or hairy ear canals which prevent the wax from moving through
• Ageing, which can lead to producing drier ear wax
• Certain health conditions and infectious diseases
• Objects repeatedly placed inside the ear, such as cotton buds

It’s worth noting that in some cases, there may also be no definitive cause for ear wax build-up. However, it’s easily resolved with ear wax removal.

Effective ear wax removal methods

Ear wax removal should always be performed by a qualified and experienced clinical audiologist. At Harley Street Hearing, there are two methods of ear wax removal which we perform on the basis that they are the safest and most effective, microsuction and irrigation.

Microsuction

Suitable for a majority of patients, microsuction is the most popular method of ear wax removal. The procedure is safe, gentle and effective when performed by a qualified audiologist.

During the procedure, a high-spec examination microscope with x20 magnifcation is used to provide full visibility of the ear canal and find the blockage. The ear wax can then safely be removed with the use of a gentle suction device.

Microsuction is a painless procedure, but should always be performed by fully qualified clinical audiologists.

Ear irrigation

In some cases, ear irrigation, also known as syringing, may be the preferred method of wax removal. Similarly to microsuction, this is a gentle and painless procedure that can successfully remove any excessive ear wax.

Using a specialised ear irrigation device, a controlled low-pressure flow of warm water is inserted into the ear to gently flush the wax out.

Ear Syringing

Ear syringing is an old-fashioned method of wax removal that is no longer considered to be best practice or safe. The modern alternative is electronic irrigation which uses a controlled, and variable, stream of water to gently dislodge and flush the wax out of the ear canal.

What not to do when you have a build-up of ear wax

When considering ear wax removal, it’s important to understand that not all methods are safe or effective. Attempting to remove ear wax at home or seeking the help of anyone who isn’t qualified to perform a procedure can be dangerous and lead to a series of complications.

Here are some things that you should avoid doing to prevent potential harm to your ears:

• Avoid using cotton buds: This is one of the biggest mistakes we often see people make. Cotton buds can be used to safely clean the outside of your ears, but should never be inserted into the ear canal. This can push the wax further inside, potentially damaging the eardrum or causing impaction.
• Don’t put sharp objects into the ear canal: Similarly, avoid inserting any at-home ear wax removal devices or sharp objects into the ear. Our ears are delicate and these types of objects can scratch the ear canal or puncture the eardrum – either of these injuries can lead to infection or further blockage.
• Never use ear candles: Despite a rise in popularity, ear candling isn’t an effective ear wax removal procedure, nor is it safe. They can pose risks such as burns, ear canal obstruction and even ruptured ear drums.
• Avoid excessive cleaning: Our ears are designed to clean themselves, and overcleaning them can disrupt their self-cleaning mechanisms. This can lead to dryness, irritation and even a higher rate of wax production.

Signs you might need ear wax removal

Ear wax build-up can sometimes produce no symptoms and go unnoticed, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms that you may need ear wax removal:

• Hearing problems: A gradual decrease in your hearing abilities or the feeling of having hearing loss, especially in one ear, can be a sign of ear wax blocking the canal.
• Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ear may be a result of wax pressing against the eardrum or causing inflammation.
• Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in the ear can sometimes be linked to ear wax build-up. However, there are also many other causes of tinnitus.
• Dizziness or vertigo: Excessive ear wax pressing against the eardrum or irritating the ear canal can lead to dizziness and balance issues.
• Pressure in the ear: Feelings of increased pressure within the ear can be a symptom of accumulation of wax.

If you’re experiencing any of the above problems or similar, we would highly recommend booking an ear wax removal appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening. But you suspect that you may have an infection, please seek the advice of your GP.

What to expect at an ear wax removal appointment

It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy or anxious about your first ear wax removal appointment, but we can assure you that there’s nothing to worry about. Here at Harley Street Hearing, we make sure that all of our patients feel completely comfortable and at ease before the procedure begins.

Here are some of the steps you can expect to take at an ear wax removal appointment:

• Visual assessment: Your audiologist will start by visually inspecting the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for an ear wax build-up and determine the extent of it.
• Discussion: We will discuss your results and find out more about any previous medical history or symptoms to better understand your condition so we can tailor your treatment accordingly.
• Procedure: The recommended procedure, microsuction or irrigation, will be explained to you and we will proceed to carefully remove the wax.
• Aftercare: We will ensure you feel comfortable and aren’t experiencing any side effects before leaving the clinic, whilst also providing guidance on post-treatment care and preventative measures to avoid future wax build-up.

Book an ear wax removal appointment

Harley Street Hearing is London’s largest independent hearing clinic, offering effective and professional ear wax removal appointments at clinics across London.

To achieve the best results apply olive oil or softening drops a few times a day prior to your appointment. This makes it much easier to remove any hardened wax.

If you wear hearing aids please bring these along to your appointment and we can check and clean them for you.

We believe it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your ears, so if you feel like you’re experiencing anything unusual or uncomfortable, get in touch with us to book an appointment.

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Invisible hearing aids have changed the game for those suffering from hearing loss. These tiny and discreet devices have been a huge technological breakthrough in recent years, and there are now more options than ever to choose from.

Invisible hearing aids, also known as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to enhance the hearing abilities of those with hearing loss whilst being completely discreet and practically invisible to others.

Our ability to hear is paramount, but too many people suffer in silence with hearing loss as they simply don’t want to wear a hearing aid. Thankfully, hearing aids have come on leaps and bounds from what they were many years ago, and invisible hearing aids offer a great option for those who want to enhance their hearing abilities without compromising their appearance.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how invisible hearing aids work, the current models available on the market and the pros and cons that they may bring to the table.

How do invisible hearing aids work?

Invisible hearing aids sit inside the ear canal and use the natural autonomy of the ear to better detect and localise sounds. They are custom-made to fit comfortably within the ear canal and pack all of the technology into a tiny device with no need for external wires or tubes.

They are fitted with a small microphone within the hearing aid that picks up external sounds, and an amplifier which processes the sounds to match the users’ hearing requirements. The processed sound is then transmitted to a speaker positioned within the ear canal.

As they are positioned much closer to the eardrum and deeper within the ear canal than other hearing aids, they can provide a much clearer and more cohesive sound that doesn’t require as much sound output.

What invisible hearing aids are available?

As technology has developed, the list of invisible hearing aids available has expanded significantly as manufacturers such as Signia, Phonak and Oticon recognise the demand for small, discreet devices.

Having so many options can make it a challenge to know which one is right for you, so we’ll cover some of the best invisible hearing aids on the market right now.

Phonak Lyric

The Phonak Lyric hearing aid is the world’s first and only extended-wear hearing aid that is 100% invisible. It can be worn for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 3 months.

The device is fitted just four millimetres from the eardrum and can only be inserted by an authorised Lyric provider to ensure complete precision. Harley Street Hearing was the first clinic to become an authorised Lyric provider in the UK and is the number 1 Lyric centre in Europe. Call us to book your free Lyric assessment.

Oticon Own

The Own hearing aid range is Oticon’s most discrete device to date. This IIC hearing aid is completely invisible in 9 out of 10 ears, custom-made to comfortably fit your ear shape and available in 5 different styles. Read more about Oticon Own.

Signia Silk X

Signia’s approach to an invisible hearing aid is slightly different to other manufacturers. Their most discreet device, Signia Silk X, isn’t a custom-fit device. Instead, it’s an instant-fit hearing aid that doesn’t require a mould of the ear but uses soft silicone Click Sleeves to accommodate the size and shape of your ear to allow a secure and comfortable fit.

Phonak Virto Paradise

Whilst not 100% invisible like their Lyric model, Phonak’s Virto Paradise hearing aid is a small discreet ITE device that comes in three different power levels, a range of different colours and can be custom-made from either acrylic or titanium.

How long do invisible hearing aids last?

The lifespan of invisible hearing aids will vary depending upon a range of factors such as the manufacturer, model, usage habits and maintenance.

Hearing aids on average have a lifespan of three to seven years, provided they are cared for properly. However, our hearing abilities can change over time so it’s important to schedule routine hearing tests to ensure that your hearing aids are still serving your current needs.

As invisible hearing aids fit deeper inside the ear canal than other devices, this gives them better protection from the elements and means you can typically wear them during most activities. Of course, this varies between models but taking the Lyric as an example, this can be worn whilst sleeping, showering and participating in sports activities with little risk of damage.

The pros and cons of invisible hearing aids

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hearing aids, and whilst invisible hearing aids come with plenty of advantages for some, they also may not always be the most suitable choice for others.

In order to make the right investment, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons to make a well-informed decision.

Invisible hearing aid advantages

• Discreet appearance – Invisible hearing aids are perfect for those who don’t want their hearing loss to be visible. Their small, discreet style keeps them almost hidden from others which makes them the best choice for aesthetic-conscious wearers.
• Enhanced sound quality – Due to their positioning close to the eardrum, invisible hearing aids can offer improved sound quality and a more natural sound perception as they are able to capture and deliver sound signals more effectively.
• Comfortable to wear – As most invisible hearing aids are custom-fit, they are tailor-made to your specific ear shape and size ensuring optimal comfort.
• Reduced feedback – Their placement minimises the risk of wind noise and feedback or whistling sounds, offering a more comfortable listening experience.

Invisible hearing aid disadvantages

• Shorter battery life – Due to their compact size, invisible hearing aids typically use smaller batteries which may have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent replacements compared to those used in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
• Not suitable for everyone – Not everyone is a suitable candidate for invisible hearing aids depending on the size and shape of the ear, as they require enough space within the ear canal for proper placement.
• Smaller controls – As they are smaller in size, the controls can be smaller to see and feel which can be a challenge if manual adjustments are needed, particularly for those with limited dexterity.

How do I choose an invisible hearing aid?

Selecting the right invisible hearing aid for you involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the device meets your hearing needs and lifestyle. This process should always start with a hearing test conducted by a qualified audiologist.

From there, your hearing loss and the severity of it will be detected and analysed in order to guide the decision-making process. It’s incredibly important that your hearing aid is designed to suit your individual hearing needs in order to get the most from it, so this is a crucial step.

Harley Street Hearing’s team of clinical audiologists offers professional hearing tests in London and Greater Manchester. Click here to find your nearest hearing clinic.

As a completely independent hearing clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of invisible hearing aids from various leading manufacturers and completely unbiased advice on choosing the most suitable device for you. Through our free no-obligation hearing aid trials, you can make sure that the chosen model is suitable for your needs and lifestyle before making a purchase.

If an invisible hearing aid doesn’t suit your preferences, we have an extensive portfolio of other hearing aids to choose from, and we’ll work with you to find your ideal device.

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It can be easy to take our hearing for granted and overlook our ear health, particularly if we’re not experiencing any concerning symptoms.

Hearing loss can happen so gradually that you might not notice until the symptoms have deteriorated significantly.

Anyone can develop hearing loss at any stage in their life, which is why it’s crucial to undergo regular and routine hearing tests. It’s a common misconception that hearing loss only affects the elderly, but that’s not the case.

Ignoring potential hearing loss can impact our physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key reasons why hearing tests are so important, and what they can help to detect.

Why is a hearing test important?

Many people know they should attend their routine eye tests or annual dental check-ups, and hearing tests shouldn’t be any different. Hearing tests help to keep our ear health in check, and can effectively detect any early signs of hearing loss or any abnormalities in our ears.

Our hearing health impacts us across all areas of our day-to-day life, including:

Safety and awareness

Hearing is our only sense that is constantly active. It allows us to recognise danger, even when we’re asleep. Our ears remain receptive to unusual or important sounds, whether it’s a fire alarm or a crying child, they allow us to react immediately from even the deepest sleep.

Similarly, when we’re awake we’ll usually hear any potential threat before we see it such as oncoming traffic whilst crossing the road. We need good, balanced hearing to be able to detect where sounds like this are coming from and how far away they are, which is just one of the many reasons why we need to take care of our hearing.

Communication

Communication forms the foundation of our social interactions, and the quality of our hearing has a huge part to play in that. Undiagnosed hearing loss can create communication barriers, making it difficult to keep up with conversations and hear what others are saying.

This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation. The more challenging social situations become, the more likely people are to avoid them altogether and start to become reluctant to participate in conversations and social events.

Through routine hearing tests, any hearing loss can be recognised promptly and if needed, hearing aids can be used to enhance communication and restore the ability to socialise without struggling.

Cognitive health and memory

Hearing loss and cognitive decline have long been associated with one another, and reports have shown that unmanaged hearing loss can increase the risk of developing dementia.

Regular hearing tests can help to detect any hearing loss early, and hearing aids can potentially slow down cognitive decline and promote healthy brain function.

Emotional well-being

It goes without saying that we rely on our ears to get us through everyday situations. The sense of hearing helps us to achieve many things that our other senses can’t, and as our hearing diminishes this can have huge consequences on our emotional well-being.

Hearing loss has a major impact on our professional and personal lives, and the effect of untreated hearing loss shouldn’t be underestimated. Once we’re unable to communicate the way we used to or do the things we love, this can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

A recent study reported that 65% of people in the UK have never had a routine hearing test. This is a worrying statistic to say the least, and highlights the need for spreading awareness about the importance of hearing health check-ups.

What can a hearing test detect?

Hearing tests are a lot more comprehensive than you may think. Conducted by a professional audiologist, they can detect various aspects of hearing health including:

1. Hearing loss

The primary purpose of a hearing test is to identify the presence and degree of hearing loss. It can determine whether the hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe or profound, and whether it affects one or both ears.

2. Type of hearing loss

There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. The type of hearing loss you are experiencing will dictate the most suitable treatment for you, and a hearing test can effectively identify which one you have.

3. Speech understanding

Some hearing assessments include speech discrimination testing where necessary, which evaluates your ability to understand speech at various volume levels and can determine how well you can comprehend language.

4. Frequency and pitch

If you’re found to have a hearing loss, a hearing test can identify the frequencies and pitches that you might have difficulty hearing in order to tailor your treatment options.

5. Tinnitus evaluation

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears, and a hearing test is the first step to understanding why the tinnitus might be present.

6. Middle ear function

Through an examination of the ear and auditory canal, a hearing test can assess the function of the middle ear and identify any abnormalities or issues such as fluid in the ear or problems with the eardrum.

7. Auditory Processing Disorder

Hearing tests can be used to assess the central auditory system’s function, which is responsible for processing sound signals from the ears to the brain. Auditory Processing Disorder can affect how the brain interprets sounds, even when the ears are functioning as they should.

Can a hearing test damage your hearing?

No, a properly conducted hearing test by a trained professional doesn’t pose any risk of damaging your hearing.

Whilst you may have concerns about having to listen to intense, loud or high-pitched sounds, these sounds are delivered at safe levels which are calibrated below the threshold that could potentially damage your hearing.

Of course, it’s essential to choose a reputable and qualified audiologist to conduct your hearing test to ensure best practices that prioritise your safety and well-being. Harley Street Hearing is London’s leading independent hearing clinic and our team of clinical audiologists are dedicated to providing an exceptionally high standard of service.

Our private hearing tests include a thorough hearing assessment and impartial, independent advice on the most suitable treatment for you. Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to find out more or book an appointment.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

• What happens at a hearing test?
• What are the causes of hearing loss?
• Tips for keeping your ears healthy