Contact us
Emily@castleclear.co.uk
07726 938006
Frequently Asked Questions
There are lots of clinics offering wax removal, why should I book with Castle Clear?
You will likely find lots of different companies offering wax removal at varying prices and using different equipment, it can be difficult to know which one to use!
Emily has a wealth of experience working in NHS clinics and in clients’ homes and she uses an endoscope, which is considered to be the gold standard when it comes to wax removal. Endoscopic wax removal is considered to be better than microscopic wax removal and syringing [Source: The safety and effectiveness of different methods of earwax removal...]. Emily has completed additional training to be certified in performing endoscopic wax removal. You will also be provided with before and after photographs, if you wish, so can see the difference having the procedure has made to your ears.
We also offer home visits at flexible times, such as evenings and weekends so we can fit around your own schedule and don’t require you to travel to us. We recommend you do your research and find the right company for your ear care, we are happy to answer any questions and hope you choose us as your ear care specialists.
Do you offer any other ear care services?
In addition to wax removal, we will soon be offering hearing protection products. These are customised to fit your ears and type of protection required for a range of activities such as swimming or watersports, shooting, music and even snoring! In addition, we will also be able to offer earphone sleeves, which are customised to fit your ears and headphones to optimise your audio experiences whilst maintaining safe auditory levels.
Is Earwax Normal?
Yes! Ear wax is the ear’s natural way of cleaning itself and it should work its way out of the ear by itself. Sometimes ear wax can cause a problem if it builds up inside the ear canal, as it can cause hearing loss, pain, discomfort or problems using a hearing aid. This is when it should be safely removed.
Should I try to clean my ears at home?
The ear canal is very sensitive and putting anything inside your ear has the potential to cause damage or push any earwax further into your ear. The best approach is to clean the ear very gently using the corner of a wet flannel. You may also be advised to use ear drops to help soften earwax, but please don’t use any drops before speaking to an ear care professional. Definitely do not use cotton buds. As the old saying goes, don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!
What should I expect from a home visit appointment?
We will arrange a convenient time for Emily to visit you at home or preferred location, like a workplace if this is easier for you. She will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. She will take a full history of your ear health and perform a detailed examination of your ears using an endoscopic camera. This means she can take photos of your ear so that you can see what is happening inside your own ears, including the wax removal if you are not too squeamish! Any wax that needs to be removed will be done so using endoscopic suction. This is like using a tiny vacuum cleaner under a very sensitive camera, there is no need for any syringing. All of the wax will be contained within the equipment, so no mess to clean up! Once finished she will explain any aftercare advice and send over any photos if you so wish.
What if I don't have any wax?
Emily will still provide an ear care consultation. Including taking a detailed history and conducting an examination using the endoscopic camera. If you do not have any wax to remove she can still provide photos, if you wish, and answer any questions you may have regarding your ears. A consultation fee of £25 will apply.
Should I prepare anything beforehand?
Whilst endoscopic suction is a very straightforward procedure, it can be made easier by using ear drops for 3-5 days beforehand. This is helpful especially if the wax has been there for a long time, or has been pushed down using a cotton bud. If you have been told you have a hole in your ear drum, known as a perforation, or have had surgery on your ears before, it is very important to keep your ears dry so do not use drops. You should always discuss using drops with us at the time of booking and if in doubt, do not use any drops.
Do I need specialist equipment at my home?
No, Emily will bring everything with her. She has a portable suction machine that will require a mains plug. It is also helpful for you and Emily to sit on a chair for the procedure. This could be a dining chair or sofa.
What if the wax cannot be removed?
In some cases where the wax is particularly hard or deep within the ear canal, it may not be possible to remove the wax in the first instance. If this is the case, we will arrange a follow-up visit free of charge to complete the procedure.
Is wax removal painful?
The procedure should not cause you any pain. If you feel discomfort at any time you will be advised to let Emily know. The suction machine can be a little noisy and there are some potential side effects which will be explained to you beforehand.