Earwax is normally present inside the ear canals, and provides an important protective function. It usually falls out naturally, but can sometimes build up and block the ear, causing symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, a feeling of blocked ears, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) or vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick). Earwax blockage can be treated with an olive oil spray (e.g. Earol) or olive drops once or twice daily for a week, which can be purchased from a pharmacy or online.
If the ears remain blocked after using olive oil, the next step is to consider ear wax removal via ear syringing or microsuction. Unfortunately, we no longer offer this service at Wychall Lane Surgery, and nor is it available any more at the Birmingham NHS Treatment Centre. Private appointments for ear wax removal are widely available, with prices usually ranging from £35-60:
Ear Wax Clinic – 0808 302 2351
Ear Wax Specialist – 0121 369 0780
Kings Pharmacy, Cotteridge – 0121 433 3072
Aston University offers a FREE ear wax removal service at Aston Hearing Clinic, provided by students under the close supervision of experienced practitioners. To book, email m.whitehouse@aston.ac.uk