Hearing care

Everybody has ear wax, and it serves a vital function in our ears by protecting them against harmful bacteria that may enter the ear canal. However, sometimes our ear wax can build up and we might need some professional intervention to help us hear clearly again. But how do you know you need your ear wax removed? What happens during an ear wax removal appointment? What do you need to know before your visit? Does the process hurt? Well, in this article, we have answered all these questions and more, so you can get yourself prepped and ready for your appointment. How do I know I need ear wax removal? Typically there are a few telltale signs and symptoms that may indicate an excess build-up of ear wax and the need for ear wax removal. These include: Partial or total hearing loss A feeling of fullness within the ear Tinnitus or a ringing sensation Pain If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to book an ear wax removal appointment with one of our hearing care professionals. Book an appointment Things to know before your ear wax removal appointment Whether you have taken the first steps and booked an appointment, or would like to find out more, here are a few things you should know before your appointment. - Olive oil ear drops: You may be advised to use olive oil ear drops or spray for a week before your visit. These drops help soften your built-up ear wax, making the removal process easier on the day. Please note: You should only use olive oil ear drops under the direction of a medical or hearing care professional. If you are unsure, check with your GP. - D.I.Y removal methods: As tempting as it may be, DO NOT attempt any “do it yourself” wax removal methods. These methods put your hearing at risk, so it’s really not worth having a go. If you have attempted to remove ear wax yourself, it is important to inform your audiologist or wax removal clinician before or during your appointment. You can find out more about the dangers of D.I.Y methods here. What to expect during your appointment Does ear wax removal hurt? When patients arrive for their appointment, one of the first questions we are asked is “Does ear wax removal hurt?” Because of the techniques and body temperature equipment we use in practice, it is quite rare to experience any pain or discomfort during a wax removal. In fact, many people find it a pleasant experience. While it may not be the most pleasant experience, ear wax removal doesn’t hurt any more than taking a plaster off, and that is only in the most stubborn cases. Depending on the method of removal used, you may barely feel a thing. If the ear is prepped enough with oil (as per your audiologist’s recommendation), there is no reason for any discomfort to be felt. What happens during an ear wax removal appointment Ear wax removal appointments typically last around 30 minutes, but can take longer if necessary. You may be advised to arrive at the practice 10 minutes before your appointment time to fill in a medical history questionnaire, if you haven’t already completed one online or during a previous appointment. You will be informed about this in advance. When they are ready for you, your audiologist or wax removal clinician will collect you from the waiting room and explain the whole wax removal process to you. They will then examine your ears and the blockage using a video otoscope. If you would like to see the examination, simply ask, and our clinicians will be more than happy to show you. After their examination and considering your medical history, your clinician will determine the most appropriate method of wax removal. They will discuss this with you, and if you are happy to proceed, they will ask you to sign a consent form. Your clinician will then carry out the wax removal procedure. Following the removal, your clinician will repeat the video otoscopy to ensure that all of your excess ear wax has been removed. Sometimes it is not possible to remove all your ear wax in one session, and you may be invited back for a second appointment. What are the different methods of ear wax removal Here at Leightons, our clinicians use one of three methods to remove excess ear wax (although they may use more than one if necessary). These are: Manual removal Microsuction Water irrigation During your appointment, your clinician will assess your needs, taking into account your medical history and the level of ear wax build-up, before deciding which removal method is best for you. After your ear wax removal After a successful ear wax removal, our clinician will conduct a hearing health check to assess your hearing levels. As a result of this, they may invite your back for a FREE, fully comprehensive hearing assessment to build a complete overview of your hearing and hearing health. This isn’t anything to worry about, just a check to see whether you’d benefit from any additional support such as hearing aids. How to book an ear wax removal If you would like to book an ear wax removal appointment at your nearest Leightons practice you can give us a call on 0800 40 20 20 or book an appointment online. Book an appointment

Sometimes a little reminder of how to look after our hearing aids is useful. We have selected a few hints and suggestions to help you enjoy your hearing aids with ease. Putting on and removing your hearing aids Whilst sometimes it can be fiddly, it’s important that we learn the correct way to safely put on and take off our hearing aids to prevent damage and ensure the lifespan of our aids. During your hearing aid fitting appointment, your audiologist will demonstrate the best way to put on your hearing aids so they sit comfortably inside or behind the ear, depending on the style and model of the aid. They will then demonstrate how to take off the aids, and how to store them when they are not in use - in most instances this is in a case or charging dock. Want to know more? - Here’s a useful video from Oticon demonstrating how to correctly put on and remove a RITE hearing aid. CLICK HERE Changing your hearing aids batteries Depending on the type of hearing aid you have, you may be required to change its battery. The frequency will depend on the type and size of the aid, typically larger hearing aids have a longer battery life. When it’s time to change the battery, you may hear two beeps. This will repeat at various intervals until the battery runs out. To change the battery you must first fully open the battery drawer and remove the battery. The location of the drawer will depend on the type of hearing aid you have. For in-the-ear aids, this will be found on the exposed part of the aid and lifted upwards. For behind-the-ear hearing aids, you can find the battery drawer on the body of the aid, typically on the edge that sits on your ear. Remove the new battery from the blister pack and any packaging that might be on the battery. Place the new battery into the battery drawer, making sure you match the ‘+’ symbol on the battery to the corresponding side of the drawer. You can then close the drawer, making sure it is clipped in place. Most hearing aids will play a small tune to inform you that the new battery is working, to check this hold the aid up to your ear. Rechargeable hearing aids If your hearing aid doesn’t have a removable battery then it will be a rechargeable aid. These will come with their own charging dock. Your audiologist will demonstrate how these work during your fitting appointment and will be able to answer any questions you may have at the time. Typically a rechargeable hearing aid battery will last between 18-24 hours on a full charge, this will depend on a number of different factors including streaming, level of loss and the age of your battery. We recommend that you charge your hearing aids every night, making sure that the aids are correctly placed within the dock. For more information on rechargeable Oticon hearing aids, please see below. For information about other manufacturers please speak to your audiologist. CLICK HERE Cleaning your hearing aids We recommend regular cleaning of your hearing aids to maintain their performance and prevent any damage. It is however important that you clean your aids in the right way. When you purchase your hearing aid, you’ll receive a cleaning kit which your audiologist will talk you through. If you have behind-the-ear hearing aids, clean the surface of your hearing aid with an alcohol-free wet wipe. This is because they are coated with a hydrophobic coating that is sensitive to alcohol. For in-the-ear hearing aids, all kinds of wet wipes can be used to clean them. You can also use a mild soap solution on a cotton cloth to wipe the surface. Make sure you leave your cleaned hearing aids to dry for one hour before putting them in and avoid using excess water that can enter and damage the hearing aids. Changing the domes For receiver-in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids, unless custom moulded, will need the domes changed every one to two months. This is an easy process that your audiologist will demonstrate at your fitting appointment should you need to know. To remove your old dome, hold onto the thin tube and gently pull the dome off. Remove your new dome from any packaging and align the tube to the centre of the piece. Push the dome firmly to ensure it is securely attached. How to change a wax filter Excess ear wax can clog up your hearing aids, and it is one of the main causes of problems that can occur in hearing aids. To keep your hearing aids clear of wax you should use a wax protection system daily to remove any excess wax. The method used to change the filter will depend on the style and manufacturer of the hearing aid. For Oticon hearing aids click the button below. For other aids speak to your audiologist. CLICK HERE If you have any questions or issues with your hearing aid, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call our team on 0800 40 20 20 or book a hearing aid review online. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT