What happens at your appointment
Forty minutes, at the practice on Fishponds Road. Here's how it goes.
Before you come
It helps to soften the wax first with an olive oil ear spray, usually twice a day in the days before your appointment. Softer wax comes out more easily.
You can get a spray from most chemists, or I can supply Earol spray for £5.
Five steps. I call it HEARD.
- H
History
You tell me what you've noticed, how long it's been going on, and anything that's happened with your ears before.
- E
Examine
I look in both ears, even if only one is bothering you.
- A
Advise
I tell you straight whether wax is the problem. If it isn't, you pay £25 and that's the end of it.
- R
Remove
Microsuction or irrigation, whichever suits your ears. If the wax won't come out easily, I won't force it. You soften it with olive oil spray at home, come back, and I finish the job, free of charge.
- D
Double-check
I look again before you leave, so you know they're clear rather than hoping.
Microsuction or irrigation?
Both get the wax out. They just go about it differently.
Microsuction
A fine suction tube lifts the wax out while I can see into the ear. No water involved. You'll hear a noise like a small vacuum cleaner, because that's roughly what it is.
Irrigation
A steady, controlled flow of warm water washes the wax out. It's the modern version of what used to be called ear syringing.
Which one I use depends on your ears and the wax. I'll tell you which, and why, before I start.
When it's not the right appointment
- Your ear is painful or discharging. That needs your GP first, not a wax appointment.
- You're after a hearing test, hearing aids or tinnitus treatment. I don't do those.
Book an appointment
Ring the practice and ask for an ear wax appointment with Paddy.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays · 40 minutes · or email me and I'll reply with a time