FAQ’s – Ear Care Torbay

Frequently Asked Questions

The demand for ear and hearing healthcare services continues to grow due to ageing populations and the reduction of wax removal services provided by many GPs. As a result, patients need new and accessible ways to manage their ear and hearing health.

We offer both clinic-based services and home visits for your convenience.

Areas We Cover:

Clinic Location: Torquay
Home Visits: Torbay and South Devon

Clinic Costs are currently being updated please call the clinic directly to enquire

Ear wax removal (both ears):
Ear wax removal (one ear):
Ear health check (if no wax removal is required):

Costs are charged per appointment.

Home Visit Costs:

For home visit pricing, please contact us directly by phone or email.

Care Homes:

We also provide tailored service packages for care home residents. For groups or multiple residents, we are happy to discuss individual arrangements in advance.

Should I remove ear wax?

Ear wax is your body’s natural way of cleaning and protecting your ears. However, problems can arise when the body produces too much wax. If excess ear wax is not removed, it can lead to difficulties and symptoms such as:

Reduced hearing ability
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Earache or a feeling of fullness in the ear
Nausea or dizziness

If you experience these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional ear care to address the issue safely and effectively.

Why can’t I have ear wax removed at my GP surgery like I used to?

What happens before the treatment?

Before beginning any treatment, we will complete a health screening to determine if microsuction is the right option for you. During this process, we will explain any potential risks and obtain your consent before proceeding.

In certain situations, microsuction may not be appropriate due to specific health conditions or circumstances. In these cases, treatment may need to be delayed, or we might recommend seeking advice from your GP before proceeding.

To ensure safe and effective wax removal, we recommend using ear wax softening drops for at least 3 to 7 days prior to your appointment.

What happens during treatment?

During an ear health check, we will examine your ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope, a magnifier with a light. This allows us to assess your ear health, and we record this information to monitor any changes over time.

If necessary, we use a magnifier and suction tube to gently remove excess ear wax. In cases where wax cannot be safely removed, we will provide guidance on the next steps to take.

We advise caution with services that claim to remove all impacted wax in a single session, as this is not always safe or feasible. Your safety and ear health are our top priorities.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements

Are cotton buds safe to use?

Cotton buds are not designed for cleaning ears and can pose unnecessary risks to your ear health. Instead of removing earwax, they often push it further into the ear canal, which can cause blockages. Additionally, using cotton buds can put pressure on or even damage your eardrum, leading to potential complications. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using them altogether.

Are at-home earwax removal kits safe?

It's important to avoid purchasing at-home earwax removal kits without first seeking advice from an audiologist or pharmacist. They can recommend the safest and most effective methods to remove earwax based on your individual needs, reducing the risk of damage or complications.

How can I clean my ears without cotton buds?

If recommended by a healthcare professional, you can use ear cleaning drops or solutions to help soften earwax, allowing it to fall out naturally.

Alternatively, you can clean the outer part of your ear using a damp cloth and your fingers. Here’s how:

Dampen a cloth with warm water.
Wrap the cloth around your finger.
Gently run your finger around the curves of your outer ear to remove any dead skin or debris.

Important: Avoid inserting your finger or any object into your ear canal, as this can cause damage.

Can olive oil dissolve earwax naturally?

Olive oil is not an ear cleaner, but it can be used to soften earwax and helps wax to migrate out. However, it does not dissolve wax.

Important considerations:

Avoid putting anything in your ears if you have a history of ear infections or a damaged eardrum.
Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before using olive oil or any other ear treatments.

Your audiologist may recommend using olive oil to naturally soften earwax in preparation for a removal appointment. If so, make sure to follow their guidelines carefully and only use it as advised by an expert.

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