Audiology - Clearance of earwax

What preparation do I need prior to my appointment?

It is very important that you put olive oil in your ears twice daily for five to seven days before the appointment. This will ensure the wax in your ears is soft, which makes it easier to remove.

To do this:

Can I bring someone with me?

You may bring a friend or a relative to the appointment with you.

What is irrigation?

Irrigation is a safe procedure using a controlled, warm stream of water from an electronic irrigator to dislodge and flush out earwax. It is unable to be performed if an eardrum perforation is present or if there is previous ear surgery

What is suction?

Suction is a safe procedure for patients who are unable to have routine ear irrigation with water, due to the presence of a perforation or previous surgery. It removes the wax by a gentle suction process.

What can I expect to happen at the appointment?

The appointment will last 15 – 30 minutes and will be carried out by a practitioner who is specially trained to perform this procedure.

You will be asked about your hearing and any other relevant medical history. The practitioner will explain the procedure and ask if you agree for the procedure to go ahead. You will have an opportunity to ask questions.

The practitioner will view your ear whilst removing the wax and you may hear the water or suction sound. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure let the practitioner know.

What happens next?

Once the procedure is completed the practitioner will view your eardrum and inform you of the findings. If the practitioner is unable to remove all the wax, you may be offered a further appointment or you may need to be referred to ENT.

If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact the Audiology Department.

Scan the QR code below to find more information on our website:

Additional information:

• We accept calls from Relay formally known as Type talk
• Please contact the department in advance if an interpreter is required
• We are an accredited training centre, and it is possible that a student may undertake some aspects of the appointment under supervision
• There is limited availability for parking

If you would like any further information or have any special requirements, please contact the department using the details above.

Contact Us

Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale
Audiology Department, Floor One, Nye Bevan House, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

Bury
Audiology Department, Radcliffe Primary Care, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2SP

Oldham
Audiology Department, 4th Floor, Integrated Care Centre, New Radcliffe Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL
Telephone: 0161 206 1438

Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk
Website: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
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