Ear Care for Adults and Children

Treatment for Ear Wax Removal, Ear Care Consultations, Ear Infections & more 

How can I manage my ear care?

The Nurse Clinic is a Private Nurse Led Clinic. We provide numerous health care services (find out more HERE). One of those services includes Ear Care for Adults and Children. For the most part, people attempt to self manage ear care, however from time to time, it can become difficult to resolve. As a general rule, the issue of blocked wax, itchy or painful ear canals are conditions that can be treated with over the counter preparations from pharmacies.

In the event that you are unable to manage your medical issue independently, It is equally important to seek professional advice in order that a correct diagnosis can be established. The Nurse Clinic is able to assist you with this without delay.

How else can I remove ear wax at home safely?

Guidance from NHS England regarding Ear Wax removal provides safe and clear advice. NICE Guidelines also set standards for self management at home for removal of ear wax

Ear Wax Removal Tool

Warning – The Nurse Clinic does not recommend the use of these devices. 

Olive oil softens ear wax naturally, Brands such as EAROL ® come in a spray bottle which are easy to use and less messy.

Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical found in baking soda. Gentle, softens ear wax well.

When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with ear wax, it releases oxygen and causes a fizzing sensation to break up and loosen excess ear wax

Will the service be free again on the NHS?

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf RNID are challenging the policies and laws in parliament to be reinstated.

People are now being advised to manage their own ear wax build-up and seek ear wax removal from private providers. However, advice on self-management is inconsistent and sometimes dangerous, and the cost of private removal can make it unaffordable. 

This contradicts the (NICE) guidance, which states that ear wax removal should be offered: “For adults in primary care or community ear care services if the ear wax is contributing to hearing loss or other symptoms”

There are several reasons why this service might have been stopped in GP practices. Evidence shows that the ‘syringing’ method of ear wax removal, which was once commonly used across the NHS, is unsafe and should no longer be used. However, there are other safe removal methods that can, and should, be used in GP practices, including electronic irrigation and microsuction. 

GPs are not incentivised to offer these services through their contracts, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs – the organisations that arrange NHS services locally in England) are not routinely providing funding for the service to be delivered in other settings across the NHS. 

The disruption to face-to-face services due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused long waiting lists in some areas and services deemed not-essential were paused in some parts of the country. But we are seeing little evidence that the provision of wax removal services is returning to normal.

Why is Ear Wax Removal not free on the NHS?

It is a question that we are asked on a daily basis…… Why is ear wax removal no free on the NHS? For decades it was a service performed by hundreds of GP practices around the UK. Until one day …….. it is now no longer free. But why?

Patients are told multiple reasons

  • Syringing will burst the ear drum
  • GPs do not have time
  • Covid has caused us to stop providing the service

However, the main reason, it was no longer classified as an essential service by the government. It is now considered a specialist service. The only way that GPs can offer this service is if the build-up of earwax causes hearing loss. If that is the case, the GP can offer ear syringing through “audiology services”.

Therefore, alternative private ear wax removal services need to be considered. We advise when choosing your provider to ensure they are fully qualified, regulated and insured. Also check that the procedure will be performed within a clean, clinical professional environment. Here at The Nurse Clinic we ensure that we adhere to our legal and professional obligations, find out more in PATIENTS ESSENTIALS

Looking for something else?

The Nurse Clinic offers numerous services to help you feel better 

Click on any of the links below to find out more. Whether it is to cure or reassure we will be here for you. 

How do I know I am in safe hands at The Nurse Clinic?

The Nurse Clinic is CQC Registered

CQC (Care Quality Commission) Registered in 2022 for the following Regulated Activities 

  • Treatment of Disease Disorder and Injury. 
  • Surgical Procedures

For more information see link below

Donna Dady is NMC Registered

NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) is the mandatory regulatory board for all UK Nurses and Midwives in the UK. Their role is to:

  • Promote high education and professional standards for nurses and midwives across the UK.
  • Maintain the register of professionals eligible to practise.
  • Investigate concerns about nurses, midwives and nursing associates 

Donna is the Founder and Advanced Nurse Specialist at The Nurse Clinic.

She completed her Registered General Nurse Training in 1996 and has an extensive background of experience within GP Practice and Urgent Care settings.

She has worked in Oxford, Leicester, London and also travelled extensively overseas and worked aboard cruise liners as a Nursing Officer.

She is competent in treating Adults and Children at an Advanced Level and is an Independent Nurse Prescriber.

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