Gwent Ear Care

Ear Wax and Build Up

What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax is a natural occurring substance that is part of healthy life.

Ear Wax is made up of dead skin cells, cerulean, sebum (waxy substance) and dirt and cosmetics.

Wax is there to help protect the ear from foreign bodies, bacteria and fungi.

Ear Wax traps dirt, dust and hair in the wax and expels it from the ear canal.

It also helps protect the ear from water.

Ear wax also cleans and lubricates the ear canal.

You are more prone to Ear Wax build up if you are:

  • Elderly
  • Have narrow ear canals
  • Wear hearing aids

In Wales it is believed that up to 34% of those over 65 suffer from Impacted Ear Wax (Ear Wax build up).

Some studies suggest that 3% of the Welsh Population suffer from Impacted Ear Wax – this equates to 96,000 Primary Care appointments with the GP/ANP/Nurse Annually

Welsh Government Statistics – http://www.gov.wales/ear-wax-management-primary-and-community-care-pathway

Self Care

If you have a build up of Ear Wax initially self management is recommended. This includes using clean, fresh olive oil drops twice daily for 3-5 days if there is no contraindication.

This should be enough to soften the wax to allow the body to naturally expel it.

Symptoms of Impacted Ear Wax

The symptoms of Impacted Ear Wax include:

  • Hearing Loss
  • Ear Ache
  • Blocked ears
  • Ringing or buzzing in your ears (Tinnitus)
  • Feeling sick or dizzy (Vertigo)

Causes of Impacted Ear Wax

There can be multiple causes for Impacted Ear Wax. These include:

  • Narrow Ear Canals
  • Lots of hair in your ear canal
  • Some skin conditions that effect your head and neck
  • Inflammation of the ear canal
  • Swimmers Ear

When you need to see your GP

Microsuction or Ear Irrigation can be used to successfully remove Impacted Wax.

However, there are times when you will need to see your GP and have an onward referral.

Referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specalist should be made by your GP if you have:

  • A Chronic Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane (ear drum)
  • If you have had Ear Surgery in the past
  • If there is a Forign Body in the ear
  • If you have had a combination of Ear Wax removal treatments and they have been unsuccessful
  • Persistent symptoms despite the removal of the Impacted Ear Wax

Urgent Advice

If you have sudden, complete hearing loss in one or both ears you must present yourself in your local Accident and Emergency Department.

Urgent advice should be sought from your GP and ENT Specalist if you have:

  • Persistent pain, deafness, or vertigo occuring during or after ear irrigation.
  • If a perforation of the Tympenic Membrane is seen following ear irrigation
  • If infection is present

All information above has been interpreted using the advice from the NHS and the National Institue for Clinical Excellence

NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-buildup/

NICE – https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/earwax/