How it works
North Lincolnshire, East and South Yorkshire
For appointments in North Lincolnshire, East and South Yorkshire, I offer a mobile service and will visit your home or residential home for the appointment. I also offer mobile appointments in Newark-on-Trent on request.
All I need to know is your postcode so I can accurately quote for my services.
Newark-on-Trent
If you’re based in Newark-On-Trent I offer clinic based appointments.
Spectrum Wellness Clinic is fully accessible for all. If you require a ground floor appointment please let me know during our consultation and this can easily be arranged for you.
If you require a mobile/home visit please discuss during your consultation.
Our step-by-step process
Step 1: Arrange a free telephone consultation
Step 2: Initial consultation
Step 3: Pre appointment treatment
Step 4: Pre appointment paperwork
Step 5: Appointment
Step 6: Payment
How is ear wax removed?
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is the examination of the ear using an otoscope.
Using the light of the otoscope I will examine the outer ear. Then the speculum is placed carefully into the ear canal entrance to allow examination of the ear canal and ear drum.
For the purpose of wax removal I will be able to see if there is wax build up present, the shape and size of the ear canal and also the consistency of the wax. This will help when discussing which method of wax removal will be most appropriate for you.
Magnifying Loops
Microsuction
Microsuction, also known as ear vacuuming involves a speculum being places carefully into the entrance on the ear canal.
The suction tube, cannula, is then used within the speculum to safely suction out the wax. Once the wax is dislodged it can be removed by either the suction or sometimes manual instruments are used to remove the wax from the ear canal.
Some of the benefits of microsuction over warm water irrigation are due to no water being involved it means that microsuction can be performed on someone with a history of perforated ear drums, grommets, cleft palate and if the patient has an outer ear infection.
Warm water irrigation
Based upon traditional ear syringing, warm water irrigation consists of a controlled jet of warm water being used to dislodge and flush wax, debris or foreign bodies out of the ear canal.
It is performed in short controlled bursts with frequent otoscopy examinations between these sessions.
It is important to constantly assess how the wax removal is progressing and not to use irrigation unnecessarily. While performing irrigation the jet of water is never directed directly at the ear drum, the water is directed carefully at the ear canal wall to use a back flush approach to dislodge the wax from the ear drum.
After irrigation has been used your ear canal will be dried with a specialised ear drying sponge stick or cotton wool. It is then important to keep the ear dry for 5 days, so avoid swimming and placing cotton wool in the ear when washing hair is advisable.
There are times when irrigation isn’t the appropriate method of wax removal for example perforated eardrum, cleft palate, mastoid cavity or grommets in place, microsuction would then be the advisable choice for wax removal.
Manual instrumentation
Manual instrumentation involves the use of specialised tools to remove earwax from the outer third of the ear canal. It is usually used alongside the other methods of wax removal.
The instruments used are:
1 Jobson Horne Probes
It features a tilted curette loop on one end to help scoop wax away. The opposite end is threaded allowing sufficient grip to hold cotton wool if required to dry the ear after irrigation.
2 St Bart’s Hook
Designed to removed foreign objects from the ear canal and commonly used to hook and remove ear wax. It’s has a blunt hook to comfortably remove excessive or compacted wax from the ear canal.
3 Crocodile Forceps
Designed to take up minimal space in the ear they allow accurate and precise control to grip ear wax and foreign objects.
Videoscope
I use a firefly digital video otoscope, with the ability to take images if necessary, to show clients in their ear if they want to see.
A speculum is placed into their ear while the client holds the screen. They are then able to see into their ear canal and I am able to capture images if required for my clinical notes or referrals.
Before and after ear wax removal
“I have been struggling with my ears for a while so I got in contact with Alison and from start to finish she was a massive help directing me what ear drops to use prior to my appointment to make it go smoother.
The whole of the appointment went really well and was made easier as Alison even came to my house.
If you are having problems with your ears Alison is the lady to call.
Thank you for a great experience.”