Tag Archive for: Westward Ho! ear syringing

Ear wax removal Okehampton

How to Get Relief From Itchy Ears

 

How to Get relief from itchy ears, It is almost impossible to ignore an itch anywhere on the body and the problem becomes even more distressing if it occurs in areas that are hard to reach or view. An itch in your ears is a good case in point.

soothe itchy ears- Devon ear clinic Barnstaple

Common Causes of Itchy Ears

The most frequent cause of itchy ears is irritation in the lining of the outer ear canal, such as a form of eczema(1) This can be caused by water getting trapped or an infection in the ear.

Once the itch has started, it can be hard to eradicate. A number of factors can make your ears itchy, which include:

  • Skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis (2)
  • An allergic response to a new hair or skin product and earrings that contain nickel
  • Fungal infections (3)
  • Changes in atmospheric pressure
  • Wax buildup, which can cause water to become trapped in the outer ear canal, consequently irritating the lining of the ear canal and causing inflammation, with the classic symptom of itchiness

Ear Cleaning: Dos and Don’ts

Itchy ears, Devon ear clinic

Ear wax removal Holsworthy

Your ears are self-cleaning organs that naturally expel the excess wax and other impurities settled in the ear canal.

Thus, there is no need to use ear-cleaning tools such as cotton buds and Q-tips, which will only push the wax further inside and might even damage the delicate inner lining of the ear or the eardrum.

However, if you feel like your ears are clogged, unclean, or scratchy due to cerumen buildup, you can use your shower on a cool setting to irrigate the ear from the outside or go swimming.

It is best if you consult your ear, nose and throat surgeon, who will use a microscope and gentle suction to remove the wax.

Preventive Measures for Itchy Ears

People who are prone to itchy ears should adopt the following measures to keep their ears clean, dry, and itch-free:

  • The critical thing with itchy ears is to avoid getting water trapped in the ear and to have some mild steroid cream available to use at night. So, when you are swimming or showering, consider using earplugs if you are prone to itchy ears.
  • You can also effectively keep your ear dry by placing a ball of cotton wool rubbed in Vaseline into the bowl of your outer ear.
  • Regularly have your ears checked by an ear, nose and throat surgeon to make sure your ear canal is not blocked.
  • A mild steroid cream applied to the ear canal at night is usually very effective in treating itchy ears. This can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy, although stronger creams will need a prescription from your ear, nose, and throat surgeon.

Do Any Food Items Lead to Itchy Ears?

Food allergy very rarely causes ear itching, although it is a common cause of skin eczema, especially in the young.

Ear syringing Holsworthy

 

Relation Between Itchy Ears and Sore Throat

The throat and ear are inextricably linked by the same nerve supply, mainly the glossopharyngeal nerve. A sore throat can be felt like a sore ear, but the itchiness can be another way of interpreting this referred pain.

Itchy Ears in the Wake of a Common Cold

The common cold can cause disordered ear sensation, including itchiness, due to the inflammation of the nose. Such inflammation causes a blockage, which directly affects the function of the Eustachian tube.

The Eustachian tube runs from the back of the nose to the ears on each side. If the tube is blocked, then the ears become blocked, which can also be interpreted as itchiness.

Dizziness Related to Itchy Ears

The ears have two primary functions: hearing and balance sensation.

Any problem in any part of the ear can trigger the general feeling that the ear is not working properly. This can cause slight hearing loss, mild dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing/noises in the ear).

Itchy Ears During Pregnancy

Pregnancy often sets off a condition called pregnancy rhinitis, wherein swelling and blockage occur in the nose.

This can cause blockage of the Eustachian tube with subsequent ear blockage and itchiness.

Use Your Own Earphones

Itchy ears are not infective, so using someone else’s earphones is not a problem.

However, it is always better to use your own as everybody has their own set of bugs in the ears, even in healthy ears. You wouldn’t use a spoon that someone else has licked, would you?

Beneficial Oils for Treating Itchy Ears

beneficial oils for itchy ears relief- Devon ear clinic Holsworthy

Some oils can help relieve itchiness in the ear canals, just like they can help ease skin itchiness. Olive oil, for instance, has been found useful in this regard. (4)

Don’t Put Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ears

It is not a good idea to use hydrogen peroxide in the ear, as it is quite a reactive and irritant compound.

You may use sodium bicarbonate ear drops, which help to disperse wax. Otherwise, oil-based liquids such as olive oil are well tolerated and help to soothe the irritated skin of the ear canal. (4)

Avoid Artificial Ear Jewellery

Ear itchiness when wearing ear jewellery is usually caused by contact dermatitis, mainly due to the nickel in the jewellery. In this situation, it is best to buy solid silver or gold jewellery.

Final Word

An itch in the ear can be extremely uncomfortable and impossible to ignore, but a lot of people make the condition worse by poking their ear with sharp objects, such as cotton buds, bobby pins, coat hangers, and toothpicks, to quell the itch.

As difficult it is to resist the urge to scratch, you must realise that your ear cavity is extremely sensitive, which can incur severe trauma through the abrasive rubbing action of invasive tools.

Moreover, the thrusting of these objects can push the naturally occurring cerumen (earwax) deep into the ear canal and even damage or perforate the eardrum. Thus, you have to be extremely gentle and cautious when handling the inside of your ear.

If the itch is persistent, consult an ENT specialist to determine the underlying cause and then seek appropriate treatment.

The Devon Ear Clinic is based in Torrington and close to Barnstaple, Holsworthy, Bude, South Molton, Bideford, Hatherleigh. We specialise in ear wax removal using Microsuction 
Barnstaple ear wax removal,

Ear wax, to oil or not to oil?

 

To Oil or Not to Oil?

I get asked this question everyday and the quick answer is – yes, mostly it is of benefit!

But let’s look at the complexities more closely – firstly we need to establish whether the full feeling, pain, or itchiness in your ear/ears is due to wax or infection (normally Otitis externa – an outer ear infection).  If you felt you were experiencing the latter (there is a watery discharge and usually pain) then oil is of no benefit – head straight to your GP for a swab of the ear canal and possible antibiotics.

South Molton ear wax removal

 

However if we are certain that the blocked feeling is due to wax then yes – oil is a benefit. There are just two important rules here when oiling – volume and frequency.

Our goal here is to just oil the canal and soften the wax slightly.  If we over-oil then we end up spreading the wax over the surface of the ear drum which is less comfortable to have suctioned off.

So the key is to oil only one day prior (two applications is satisfactory). Using an eye dropper is the easiest – half fill the eye dropper with plain olive oil – lying on your side is the easiest way – slowly insert the oil – massage the tragus (The tragus is a small pointed eminence of the external ear) gently post application, as oil likes to sit in a bubble sometimes and massaging will allow it to penetrate deep into the canal.  Stay lying on your side for 5 – 10 minutes. Use a cotton ball or piece of tissue to catch any excess oil.

Ear wax removal near Bude Cornwall

 

There is only one exception to the rule.  In this case, we would NOT apply oil if we (as above suspected an outer ear infection) or suspected a perforated ear drum (Tympanic Membrane). A perforation is usually associated with pain, hearing loss and normally a discharge but not always.  Oil would be of no value and we do not want oil to seeping into the middle ear space.

If you are unsure if oiling is going to be of value prior to Microsuction then a quick chat on the telephone or popping into our clinic for a quick view through the microscope might be the better option.

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Bideford Ear wax removal

 

The Bideford ear wax removal centre is a few miles down the road at Torrington. We are constantly hearing stories about how ear wax has become impacted.  Have you ever heard that you shouldn’t cotton ear-buds in your ears? Maybe you’ve even read the back of a box which says do not use in the ear?. You should know that ear-buds are not designed to clean your ears.

Cleaning your ears with an ear-bud may cause damage to the eardrum, and could force earwax further down your ear canal, causing a blockage. Doctors are very serious about proper ear care, and they stress that you should never use an ear-bud to clean the earwax from your ears.

Bideford Microsuction ear wax removal

 

If ear-buds aren’t doctor recommended, what is the best way to clean my ears?

The safest and most effective method for removing earwax is by applying a few drops of olive oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter ear drops, into the ear canal. These fluids will help to break down the wax, and allow it to naturally work its way out. While this method may work for those with average earwax production, it may not be enough for those that naturally produce an excess of earwax.

To further loosen earwax, it is recommended that you lightly irrigate the ear canal. This can be done by running water from your hand to your ear, or by tilting your head in the shower. Make sure the incoming water pressure is very low and let the water rest in your ear canal for a few minutes before tilting your head back to its normal resting position. Warm water will help to loosen the ear wax, but make sure it’s not too hot.

If you continue to experience excess earwax production it is recommended that you receive professional ear cleaning services several times a year.

If you’re concerned with your earwax production and are experiencing discomfort, hearing difficulties, or itching or drainage from the ear canal, you should consult with our office immediately.

We can provide additional ear cleaning procedures ranging from irrigation to the use of suction devices and surgical instruments.

We can help with your earwax by using a Microsuction machine, this machine is painless and basically uses a very small suction to gently remove ear wax.

If you live in Bideford and need your earwax removed them please call or use our contact form to make an appointment. We usually can see you in the same week.

Barnstaple ear wax removal,

To Oil or Not to Oil? When to oil your ears

I get asked this question everyday and the quick answer is – yes, mostly it is of benefit!

But let’s look at the complexities more closely – firstly we need to establish whether the full feeling, pain, or itchiness in your ear/ears is due to wax or infection (normally Otitis externa – an outer ear infection).  If you felt you were experiencing the latter (there is a watery discharge and usually pain) then oil is of no benefit – head straight to your GP for a swab of the ear canal and possible antibiotics.

However if we are certain that the blocked feeling is due to wax then yes – oil is a benefit. There are just two important rules here when oiling – volume and frequency.

Our goal here is to just oil the canal and soften the wax slightly.  If we over-oil then we end up spreading the wax over the surface of the ear drum which is less comfortable to have suctioned off.

So the key is to oil only one day prior (two applications is satisfactory). Using an eye dropper is the easiest – half full the eye dropper with olive oil – lying on your side is the easiest way – slowly insert the oil – massage the tragus (The tragus is a small pointed eminence of the external ear) gently post application, as oil likes to sit in a bubble sometimes and massaging will allow it to penetrate deep into the canal.  Stay lying on your side for 5 – 10 minutes. Use a cotton ball or piece of tissue to catch any excess oil.

Ear wax removal near South Molton

 

There is only one exception to the rule (gee there is always one!).  In this case, we would NOT apply oil if we (as above suspected an outer ear infection) or suspected a perforated ear drum (Tympanic Membrane). A perforation is usually associated with pain, hearing loss and normally a discharge but not always.  Oil would be of no value and we do not want oil to seeping into the middle ear space.

If you are unsure if oiling is going to be of value prior to Microsuction then a quick chat on the telephone or popping into our clinic for a quick checkup.

If you are in South Molton, Bude or Bideford we can remove ear wax almost on the same day. We have appointments available  now.
Ear wax removal clinic Bideford Devon

Bideford Ear wax Removal

Open for appointments every Wednesday

To Book an Appointment click here

Or Tx or call 07367 116 468

Bideford Ear Wax Clinic now open at the Atlantic Osteopaths in 3 Allhalland St, Bideford EX39 2JD

From November 2021 we are opening a satellite clinic in Bideford each Wednesday. Along with our main ear wax clinic in Torrington we have teamed up with Atlantic Osteopaths to be part of their team based in Bideford. We will be offering a limited amount of appointments to begin with but hope to grow this early in 2023.

There is Car parking directly behind the clinic. Bridge Street Car park.

Ear wax removal clinic Bideford Devon

Bideford Ear Wax Clinic @ The Atlantic Osteopaths

Ear wax removal using Microsuction and irrigation (some call it ear syringing), is available at the Bideford Clinic. The Clinic is on the ground floor for easy access. There is a waiting room but we would advise to be prompt for the appointment time as we would rather people be in and out without waiting during present times.

 

Bideford Ear Wax removal Clinic covers, Bideford, Northam, Westward Ho!, East Of the Water, Fremington, Hartland, Abbotsham and more.

 

 

We are based Near Bideford and are a dedicated ear wax removal clinic. We are constantly hearing stories about cotton buds and ear wax, but have you ever heard that you shouldn’t stick cotton buds in your ears? Maybe you’ve even read the back of a box of q-tips. If so, you know that q-tips are not designed to clean your ears.

Cleaning your ears with a q-tip may cause damage to the eardrum, and could force earwax further down your ear canal, causing a blockage. Doctors are very serious about proper ear care, and they stress that you should never use a q-tip to clean the earwax from your ears.

Microsuction ear wax removal Bideford

 

If q-tips aren’t doctor recommended, what is the best way to clean my ears?

The safest and most effective method for removing earwax is by applying a few drops of olive oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter ear drops into the ear canal. These fluids will help to break down the wax, and allow it to naturally work its way out. While this method may work for those with average earwax production, it may not be enough for those that naturally produce an excess of earwax.

To further loosen earwax, it is recommended that you lightly irrigate the ear canal. This can be done by running water from your hand to your ear, or by tilting your head in the shower. Make sure the incoming water pressure is very low and let the water rest in your ear canal for a few minutes before tilting your head back to its normal resting position. Warm water will help to loosen the ear wax, but make sure it’s not too hot.

If you continue to experience excess earwax production it is recommended that you receive professional ear cleaning services several times a year.

If you’re concerned with your earwax production and are experiencing discomfort, hearing difficulties, or itching or drainage from the ear canal, you should consult with your doctor immediately.

We use Microsuction for the removal of ear wax which is now the preferred method the NHS recommend

If you live in or near Bideford and would like a quick appointment without the wait or the travel to Barnstaple contact us by phone or here.

Earwax Microsution Barnstaple

Do’s and don’ts of ear wax removal

Barnstaple Ear wax removal

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a grey, orange or yellow material made in the ear canal. It cleans and protects the ears from bacteria, dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. In normal conditions, wax works its way out of the canal and into the ear opening naturally. However, when there is a build-up of wax, there are many ways to remove it. Some are safe, and some are not. Let’s review best practices for dealing with ear wax.

Appointments available within two working days at the Devon Ear Clinic

Do’s

 

  1. Do understand that ear wax is normal. If it does not block the ear canal or impede your hearing, it can be left as is.
  2. Do know the symptoms of ear wax build-up. These include decreased hearing, ear fullness, ringing in the ears, and changes to hearing aid functionality (distortion, etc.).
  3. Do seek medical help if you experience a change in hearing, ringing, or fullness in your ears, and/or ear pain. Other conditions may exhibit symptoms like ear wax build-up, such as ear infections. See a medical professional to rule these out if you experience any of the previously mentioned signs.
  4. Do ask a medical professional prior to using at-home remedies to remove ear wax. Certain medical conditions can make some at-home remedies unsafe. your specialist might suggestion ear irrigation or micro suction as the best option for you.

Bideford ear wax removal

Don’ts

  1. Don’t clean your ears too much. Over cleaning can cause irritation or infection of the ear canal and can even cause the wax to build up.
  2. Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, paper clips, etc. to clean or scratch your ears. These can cause damage to your ear canal — such as a cut, or even puncture of the eardrum — which can lead to many other issues.
  3. Don’t use ear candles. Studies have shown ear candling does not reduce the amount of wax in individuals’ ear canals. Additionally, ear candling can damage the ear canal and eardrum.
  4. Don’t forget to clean your hearing aids as recommended by your hearing healthcare professional. Click here for more information on how to clean your hearing aids.

If you need professional ear wax removal and you are in the Barnstaple area we are just 20 minutes drive away In Torrington and have daily availability. Please call for an appointment.

Please see our fees page for more details

Barnstaple Microsuction earwax removal,

Barnstaple Microsuction earwax removal

 

Can you think of something you do that’s nearly irresistible, widely popular, but a bad idea that’s based on a health myth? That’s right, I’m talking about inserting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears.

According to guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, experts strongly discourage twirling cotton-tipped swabs in the ears. Here’s why.

  1. It’s unnecessary

The ear is self-cleaning. No routine maintenance is required. If you’re inserting swabs into your ears to remove earwax or prevent its buildup, think again. Earwax is produced within the ear canal and naturally migrates from deeper inside to outside. There are exceptions, of course. Some people make more than the average amount of earwax, and for others (especially older adults) it becomes harder and drier than usual. Even in these situations, inserting a swab inside the ear is not the answer. More on this in a moment.

  1. It may be harmful

Inserting a cotton tipped swab (or anything else) into the ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum, or push earwax farther into the canal, making it harder to remove. This may cause a feeling of pressure in the ear and diminished hearing. Even worse, clumps of earwax pushed down near the eardrum can lead to painful ear infections.

  1. Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene

Here’s where there seems to be some misunderstanding. Earwax — the medical term is “cerumen” — is there for good reasons. Among other things, cerumen:

  • is a natural moisturiser, preventing the skin inside the ear from becoming too dry
  • traps dirt and dust before they can reach deep into the canal
  • absorbs dead skin cells and debris
  • prevents bacteria and other infectious organisms from reaching the inner ear.

Some people make more earwax, while others make less. The makeup of earwax varies depending on ethnicity, age, environment, and even diet. While there seems to be a certain “ick” factor associated with earwax, it’s not a reflection of uncleanliness; in fact, it’s a sign of normal, healthy ears.

What to do about “cerumenosis”

Buildup of earwax can cause symptoms. When it does, doctors call it “cerumenosis” and recommend over-the-counter ear drops that can soften earwax and allow it to exit the ear more easily (with gentle irrigation, such as during a shower). Or, a healthcare provider can look inside your ear and use instruments specifically designed to remove earwax.

 

You can book an appointment with the Devon Ear Clinic which is situated very close to Barnstaple In North Devon. Here we use Microsuction to remove the earwax.  

In conclusion…

There’s a reason the makers of cotton-tipped swabs put this warning on their packaging: “Do not insert swab into ear canal. Entering the ear canal could cause injury.” But, it still goes on. Perhaps it’s just too tempting or satisfying. Perhaps no one reads the labels of the products they use. Or maybe the myths about earwax are too ingrained to be easily dispelled by facts. Whatever the reasons, now you know to stop putting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears. And that also goes for unfolded paper clips, pen caps, or whatever else you’ve been using!

Devon ear clinic based near Barnstaple at Torrington. only a 20 minute drive.

See our fee page for more details. 

 

Barnstaple Microsuction earwax removal

Okehampton Devon- Microsuction-Ear-wax-removal

Ears syringing in Barnstaple? Only 20 mins away

 

Ears syringed in Barnstaple? Torrington is only 20 minutes away from Barnstaple to get yours ears “syringed”.

We have been open now for 4 weeks and seen people from Hartland to Holsworthy and beyond.  We have removed a fair amount of ear wax in this time and are very happy that clients are so relieved they can hear again and not have that dull feeling in their ears.

North Devon ear syringing clinic

 

Most of our clients have been seen within a couple of days and have taken advantage of the “urgent appointment”* we offer. Some are just glad to get seen.  We know that Barnstaple has a bit of a waiting list to be seen for ear wax removal, so if you wanted to drive over to Torrington we can probably at the moment fit you in early. It takes only 20 minutes by car.

Torrington, like other areas, is now back open, and what a relief this is for everyone.  So if you wanted a drive out and have a mooch around before or after the quick visit to unblock your ears, it would be a bit of a revelation for what’s on offer.  The Pannier market is back open and the local bakery’s have some of the best food around. They also do lovely coffee too!

Click here for Microsuction fees 

So if your ears are blocked and need to be “syringed”, (we use Microsuction these days for most wax removal as it’s safer), ear wax removal appointments are available.

Call now to get an appointment.

*Urgent appointments are within 2 working days and come at a premium price. See website for details.

Ear wax removal North Devon, ear syringing Bideford, Ear syringing Torrington, Ear syringing Holsworthy,

Ear wax removal clinic North Devon

 

Ear wax removal clinic North Devon is about to open soon. Based in Torrington at number 4 Well Street the new ear wax clinic will be fully functioning very soon. The traditional ear syringing method is now not the gold standard. Microsuction is like using a tiny hoover and is the NHS preferred way to remove stubborn wax.

Ear wax removal North Devon, ear syringing Bideford, Ear syringing Torrington, Ear syringing Holsworthy,

New ear wax removal clinic in Torrington

 

Ear wax removal clinic North Devon

North Devon ear syringing clinic

Five things you should know about earwax

North Devon ear wax removal

 

When you hear the word “earwax”, you might immediately think YUCK! But, did you know that earwax actually plays an important role in the health of your ear? I’d like to share some facts about earwax and the part it plays in a healthy ear.

1. Earwax is not YUCK at all

In fact, earwax is a requirement of a healthy ear canal. It is a product of two glands that are in the ear canal: sweat glands (known as “apocrine sweat glands”) and cerumen glands (known as “sebaceous glands”). Without earwax, ear canals would be dry and itchy. As a result, the ear canals would be more susceptible to scrapes and cuts from scratching.

2. The ear is designed to naturally rid itself of earwax

The skin cells in the ear canal are “migratory” skin cells. New skin cells in the ear canal are formed near the ear drum and then tend to work their way outward over time, carrying earwax and debris with them. These are called “migratory cells” because they migrate their way from inside the ear canal to outside the ear canal.

3. Earwax problems are less common than you think

Thanks to the migratory process of the ear canal, a true “earwax problem” is not as common as you might think. In fact, those who are most at risk for impacted earwax are (1) older adults (2) hearing aid users (3) those who use cotton swabs. Rarely will a person who doesn’t fall into one of these categories experience ear canal blockage due to excess earwax.

4. Cotton swabs should NOT be used to clean your ears

Speaking of cotton swabs, PLEASE DON’T USE THEM FOR EARWAX REMOVAL! What you are actually doing — instead of removing earwax — is wiping away wax in the outer 1/3 of the ear canal and pushing any remaining wax deeper into the ear canal. The most safe, effective way to remove problem cerumen is to visit a physician or hearing healthcare professional who can see into your ear canal then determine the best way to remove the earwax, if needed. Otherwise, simple hygiene practices, such as wiping the surface of the ear canal with a cloth while showering, should be sufficient to keep earwax from causing a problem.

5. Excessive earwax can be mistaken for hearing loss

Hearing loss is often blamed on earwax, but the actual problem is with the inner ear. Thousands of people who think they are experiencing hearing loss due to wax build-up are seen annually by hearing healthcare professionals when the true problem is hearing loss.

If you have ANY questions or concerns about the health of your ear or your hearing, we hear at the Devon ear clinic can

help with ear wax removal.