Frequently asked questions

Why is ear care important?

Earwax removal is important, but only when it’s necessary. Normally, earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance that protects and lubricates the ear canal. It traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching deeper into the ear. However, sometimes earwax can build up excessively or become impacted, which can cause problems.

Here’s why earwax removal can be important in certain cases:

Prevents Hearing Loss

Excess or impacted earwax can block the ear canal, leading to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing.

Reduces Ear Discomfort

A buildup may cause fullness, pressure, or pain in the ear.

Prevents Infections

Impacted wax can trap bacteria or fungi, increasing the risk of ear infections.

Improves Hearing Aid Function

Earwax can clog or damage hearing aids and earphones, reducing their effectiveness.

Restores Balance

Since ears also help regulate balance, blockages may contribute to dizziness or vertigo.

Improves Quality of Life

Clear hearing supports better communication and overall well-being.

Reduces risk of developing dementia

Poor hearing is a major, preventable risk factor for dementia. Protecting hearing and using hearing devices when needed can potentially reduce dementia risk or slow decline.

Where are you located, and how can I book an appointment?

We visit our clients at home or workplace. We cover all BH postcodes and New Forset. If you live outside of this area, please get in touch and we can see if we can help or recommend another clinician in your area. You can contact us via the website here, or my emailing hello@bournemouthearcare.co.uk or by ringing 01202 950727 or 07535269401.

How long are the appointments?

Visits normally last for 30 minutes, first visits may be nearer 45 minutes as a detailed history will be taken, questions answered and we will talk though all treatment options. A pre-treatment consent form will need to be completed.

Do I need to do anything before the appointment?

Please apply 3 pumps of olive oil spray to both ears 3 times a day for 3 days prior to your appointment. If you wear hearing aids, please reduce this to 3 drops, once a day for 7 days, ideally before bed when you take out your hearing aids to avoid damage.

We recommend Earol which can be purchased from a pharmacy, some large supermarkets or online. It is pharmaceutical grade olive oil , designed to soften and help naturally remove and soften earwax. It come in a pump bottle for easy application.

Where do the appointments take place?

The visits take place in the comfort of your own home or care setting. You will need to be sat in a chair in a clear environment to allow the practitioner access to both ears. Please let us know if you are cared for in bed as adjustments can be made.

What can I expect from my appointment?

Initial consultation- we will discuss your concerns and ear health history. You will be sent a treatment consent form prior to your appointment which will ask you basic medical history questions. This will help us to tailor our approach to meet your needs. It can also be filled out during the appointment if needed. Your ears will be checked using an otoscope and camera. This will allow you to see the health of your

Procedure- having had your ears examined using an otoscope, treatment options will be discussed with you. In some cases, nothing will need to be done. In that case, you will only be charged the consultation fee. Where ear wax removal is needed, one or more of warm water irrigation, micro-suction or manual extraction will be used.

Aftercare- we will advise you on what appropriate aftercare may be needed. In general, following gentle warm water irrigation to clear your ear wax, it is important to keep your ear canals dry for 3 days to reduce the risk of infection from water-borne bacteria. You will be supplied with a pair of ear plugs to assist with this. The irrigation process can slightly dry the canals and strip the area of some of the natural oils secreted from inside the ear. The natural oils should return to normal levels after a few days with no other aftercare needed. Your ears should not be submerged in water for a total of 7 days. After Micro-suction, there is no need to keep ears dry as the natural oils in your ears have no been effected. No specific aftercare or precautions are needed. aftercare is needed.

Follow-up- Having assessed your ear and wax build-up, we will recommend how frequently we feel your ears need treating. This can vary from every 6 weeks to 6 months, sometimes longer. It is advised that anyone with in-ear hearing aids should be seem a minimum of every 6 months to promote hearing aid efficiency.

Do you offer discounts if you visit more than one person in the same address?

Yes, please mention this at the time of booking and we can arrange a discount. We also visit care/residential/nursing homes and offer a reduced fee if seeing two or more residence during the same visit.

Is irrigation the same as syringing?

No, ear syringing and warm water irrigation are not the same. Ear syringing was an older method that involved using a metal syringe to forcefully flush water into the ear, which could be unsafe and cause damage. Modern warm water irrigation is much safer and more controlled, using specialist equipment to gently flush the ear canal without risk of harm. This method is effective, comfortable, and designed to protect your ear health.

What aftercare do I need to follow?

We will talk through any specific aftercare you need after you have received treatment. However, generally, following gentle warm water irrigation to clear your ear wax, it is important to keep your ear canals dry for 3 days to reduce the risk of infection from water-borne bacteria. You will be supplied with a pair of ear plugs to assist with this. The irrigation process can slightly dry the canals and strip the area of some of the natural oils secreted from inside the ear. The natural oils should return to normal levels after a few days with no other aftercare needed. Your ears should not be submerged in water for a total of 7 days.

After Micro-suction, there is no need to keep ears dry as the natural oils in your ears have no been effected. No specific aftercare or precautions are needed. aftercare is needed.