Ear candling is a form of alternative theory in which the tapered end of a candle is placed in a person’s ear while the other end of the candle is lit. The belief or theory is that the earwax is drawn out of the persons ear canal by a vacuum created by the lit candle.

While it is tempting to rely on methods like ear candling, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers and lack of evidence supporting such practices. Instead, consider visiting a professional for microsuction. Ensuring proper regular ear checkups can prevent complications and promote overall ear health.Risks from ear candling are, burns to the ear, face and neck. Ear canal blockages pushing the wax deeper into the ear with the potential of causing perforations and hearing loss.Remember, taking informed and cautious steps in ear care can significantly enhance your auditory health and prevent complications associated with excessive ear wax.

Manual earwax removal involves the use of specialised tools to remove earwax from the auditory canal. This technique is often used in conjunction with microsuction where necessary.

Microsuction, water irrigation, ear syringing and manual extraction.

Ear syringing is an old-fashioned technique used to remove ear wax by forcing water from a syringe down the ear canal to flush out the wax.Doctors and nurses had to be very careful as they had no visibility when administering the water into the ear. If too much pressure was applied on the syringe, this could force the earwax deeper into the ear, potentially doing severe damage to the eardrum and the patients hearing. This method can not be used on patients who already have pre-existing perforation or grommets/ t tubes in situ or had recent surgery to the ear.This method comes with complications of causingFurther impaction of the ear waxPotential ear infections fungal or bacterial.Ear trauma.Perforation of the eardrum Temporary hearing loss.Vertigo. A very wet and messy procedure causing inconvenience.

This technique involves a low-pressure pulsating stream of warm water or saline mixture being directed onto the ear canal wall rather than straight onto the wax plug using the displacement principle as to flush the wax out of the canal.With water being pumped under pressure, it must exert sufficient pressure to remove the blockage but, at the same time, exert the same amount of pressure on the eardrum (which can lead to a ruptured ear drum).The one advantage is that it is extremely effective at removing ear wax from narrow or difficult shaped canals.Water irrigations method also comes with the same disadvantages as ear syringing.

Microsuction is still available on the NHS, but not everyone qualifies. Just like all NHS treatments, your GP will have to weigh up the costs versus the benefits, they may recommend you using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops or sprays, or even urea peroxide for up to 6 weeks before agreeing to refer you to the local hospital for microsuction. (Please do not OVER USE bicarbonate or peroxide products for more than 5 days maximum).Due to the lack of trained, qualified practitioners many hospitals have waiting lists ranging from 6 weeks up to 18 months. Patients are being forced to wait lengthy periods of time being unable to hear, which is potentially very dangerous but also extremely frustrating, many people are being forced to choose to go private and seek private microsuction clinic such as Norfolk Ear Care just to regain their hearing.

Microsuction is still available on the NHS, but not everyone qualifies. Just like all NHS treatments, your GP will have to weigh up the costs versus the benefits, they may recommend you using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops or sprays, or even urea peroxide for up to 6 weeks before agreeing to refer you to the local hospital for microsuction. (Please do not OVER USE bicarbonate or peroxide products for more than 5 days maximum).Due to the lack of trained, qualified practitioners many hospitals have waiting lists ranging from 6 weeks up to 18 months. Patients are being forced to wait lengthy periods of time being unable to hear, which is potentially very dangerous but also extremely frustrating, many people are being forced to choose to go private and seek private microsuction clinic such as Norfolk Ear Care just to regain their hearing.

Here at Norfolk Ear Care, the microsuction technique has a very high success rate of removing all your earwax unless it has become impacted onto the eardrum and needs further softening. Please be aware that microsuction can only restore your hearing to whatever level it was at before you got an ear blockage. If you feel you are still struggling to hear clearly after microsuction and all wax has been removed, this suggests one of the following.• An underlying hearing loss of some degree.You would be advised to book a FREE hearing test with a recommended hearing Aid Dispenser or Audiologist.• A recent cold, cough, tonsillitis, hay fever or allergies. All of these can cause congestion in the back of the nose which can lead to the eustachian tube also blocking causing a loss in hearing. The eustachian tube leads from behind the ear drum to the back of the nasal cavity. The eustachian tube is approximately 35mm in length and 3mm in diameter. If bacteria enter up this tube it can result in a middle ear infection. This means an infection behind the eardrum or otitis media with symptoms of pain and pressure with a degree of temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing.• Please consult your GP if you suspect any of these conditions may be affecting your hearing. They can provide advice and treatment options, such as decongestants, antihistamines or oral antibiotics to alleviate symptoms. If the problem persists, you may need to have a hearing test.

Coughing during microsuction, a procedure for removing ear wax, is common and often due to the stimulation of the vagus nerve which controls the cough reflex. This nerve branch is found on the base of the ear canal wall and when a specula touches the base it can often stimulates the client cough, this does not indicate any serious issues.It is important to note that coughing during the microsuction process is generally harmless however I do ask if the client needs to stop, for them to put their hand up.

Tasting ear medication in your throat while using ear drops could indicate a possible perforation or hole in your eardrum, its important to inform your ear care practitioner if this happens before they commence with microsuction.

When necessary, a combination of dry instrument removal with microsuction are used, however here at Norfolk Ear Care water irrigation is not available.Dry instrument removal is used only when the ear wax blockage is clearly visible in the canal by eye.

The prices are very competitive with generous appointment times up to 1hr, offering same day emergency appointments. Norfolk Ear Care offers the best all-round value in the industry here in Norfolk.

Microsuction is a highly effective and safe method of wax removal.1-500 procedures will result in 90-95% of the wax blockage being removed which is enough to either fully or mostly restore your hearing. depending on where the wax blockage was within the ear. If the earwax blockage was found impacted on the eardrum sometimes partial peace of wax will have to left for safety reasons. In this case, it would be recommended to use ear oil for a further 2-3 days to loosen the remaining wax for it come away on its own.Impacted wax found on the eardrum is often caused using cotton buds and removal can sometimes be uncomfortable. In more severe impactions 1-1000 procedures, a more significant amount of wax may remain, up to 20-25% of the original blockage. This is usually because the wax was so impacted and deep that the oil or bicarbonate was unable to penetrate all the way through the wax blockage or the softening drops were used for an insufficient number of days. In this scenario additions days are required for softening and a 2nd appointment needed.At Norfolk Ear Care, Joanna offers personalized care tailored to the individual needs. Joanna is dedicated to ensuring the most effective treatment plans are implemented for all her clients. She understands that each case of earwax impaction is unique, and strives to provide the best possible outcomes with the utmost professionalism and care.Microsuction is not only effective but also minimizes the risk of further complications associated with earwax removal. By avoiding water irrigation, this eliminates potential issues such as infections or discomfort caused by water entering the ear canal. This method is especially beneficial for individuals with a history of ear problems, including those with perforated eardrums or chronic ear infections.The state-of-the-art equipment and techniques ensure that the microsuction procedure is performed with precision and care. Joanna emphasizes the importance of proper ear care maintenance and education and provide clients with valuable advice on how to prevent future earwax build-up, including the correct use of ear drops and other products. By empowering clients with knowledge, the aim is to reduce the recurrence of earwax impaction and promote overall ear health.For those requiring immediate attention, our same-day emergency appointments offer a convenient solution, ensuring that our clients do not have to endure prolonged discomfort. Our flexible scheduling and competitive pricing make us the preferred choice for ear care services in the region.

Earwax microsuction is designed to be painless, as it uses a medical suction unt designed to be use a very gentle level of suction. It can be a little noisy if you have very good level of natural hearing.At Norfolk Ear Care, the philosophy is simple: prioritize patient wellness, ensure high-quality care, and provide comprehensive ear health education. By adhering to these principles, Joanna has built and continues to build a trusted and respected practice that stands out in the community for its dedication to excellence and patient satisfaction.

Here at Norfolk Ear Care, we advise the individuals situation rather than giving a standardised answer that is not suitable for everyone.If you have a known perforation, please DO NOT apply any fluid to that earIf you answer yes to the following questions then, you will need to use oil drops or bicarbonate of soda drops for 3 days prior to your microsuction appointment. If you wear aids with the dome ends, please use the bicarbonate of soda drops or spray as this liquid will not block the domes of your hearing aids like oil can.Has it been over 2 yrs since you last had your ear wax blockage removed?Do you have small or narrow ear canals?Do you have a lot of ear hair present?Do you wear ear devices such as hearing aids for long periods of time?Have you used cotton buds to clean your ears but have suddenly lost your hearing in that ear?If you answer no you can still apply some softening drops or spray a day before your appointment.

YES, you can have microsuction with a known perforation. This method was designed for people with perforations surgical history on their ears.Please make sure the ear care practitioner is made aware of your known perforation; however, this should be included on the consent form regarding your history.Please be aware that if you start to taste the softening drops or spray at the back of your throat please stop immediately as this is a potential sign of a perforation and please seek medical attention for this matter.

You do not need a routine ear wax check like you do for your eyes and teeth unless you experience symptoms like hearing loss, ear discomfort, a feeling of fulness, the sudden onset of tinnitus, your hearing aids appear not to be working, you ask people to repeat themselves, the volume number on the television goes up to 100.If your ears are naturally prone to produce excessive wax, then quarterly appointments are likely needed. You must be aware that ear wax production rate will vary from person to person. You must figure out what your wax production rate is.

Norfolk Ear Care is open 7 days a week from 8am till 9pm.Many clinics on the internet offering microsuction services are still working full time within the NHS and can only offer very limited number of appointments making people wait in much discomfort.Joanna who owns and runs Norfolk Ear Care, specialises in microsuction as this is her full-time occupation and offers a very flexible appointment slots to suit the individual situations.

No, unfortunately I do not offer home visits.

Often wax re-accumulates and many people will have to have their ears cleared on a regular basis. Typical time intervals are 3,6,9,12 and 15 months. Please be aware that peoples wax production rate and wax consistency will be slightly different, so time lengths can vary from person to person.

If on examination there is no wax blockage found advice will be given. please see check prices.Need link to prices on home page.

No, ear wax shouldn’t smell, not noticeably. Pungent smelling ear wax is usually a sign and symptom of a bacterial infection.