EAR SYRINGING

 In line with many other practices locally and nationally, the team at the Haddenham Medical Centre have taken the decision to cease offering ear syringing (irrigation) at the practice.

 There are a number of reasons for this decision: Increased demands on our services, difficulty purchasing the equipment required and challenges recruiting into our nursing team. It is also a service that we are not commissioned to provide – we have done so for many years but feel the time has come to cease the unfunded work in order to concentrate on providing other services that form part of our core NHS contract.

 We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we are sure you will appreciate that we need appointments for things that are specified within the ‘core contract of services that we have to provide’.

 We will continue to offer an assessment service, and where it is not possible to solve the issue with the advice given, we are able to refer on to the hospital.

 Another option available to you is to find a private provider such as:

 Aston Hearing, 01494 733840 https://astonhearing.co.uk/taking-hearing-seriously/ear-wax-microsuction/

 AuriENT Medical Consulting, 07832 335310 aurientmc@gmail.com

 Chalfont Hearing Centre, 01494 765144 https://www.chalfonthearing.co.uk/wax-removal-irrigation-microsuction/

 Specsavers, High Wycombe: 01494 520304 https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/highwycombe-hearing

 Tara Tripp Hearing Centre, Oxford: 01865 910202, Witney: 01993 222888. http://www.tripphearing.co.uk/wax-removal/

 Winslow Hearing Care, 07395 829823 https://www.winslowhearingcare.co.uk/

 If you would like information about ear wax and products available over the counter please read our leaflet below.

CARING FOR YOUR EARS 

• Wax is normal – it protects and lubricates the Ear Canal. 

• It is a mixture of Cerumen (a sweat-like substance) and Sebum (an oily substance), both are secreted by glands in your Ear Canal, which combines with dust, debris, hair, etc. to form Ear Wax. It is normal to have Ear Wax, and it usually only becomes a problem when it has been pushed deeper into the Ear Canal. 

• Your ears are self-cleaning – if you use cotton wool buds or similar objects to try to remove the wax, it will only be pushed further into the Ear Canal, become impacted and block your ear. 

• If you have repeated problems with wax blocking your ears, using Olive Oil ear drops – two drops once a week – may prevent this. 

• If you have ear problems such as dry skin, eczema, dermatitis or “runny ears”, you will find keeping your ears DRY will improve the condition. Avoid shampoo, shower gel and hairspray, etc. in your ears. 

• The easiest way to keep your ears dry when bathing or showering is by using ear plugs or a piece of cotton wool smeared with Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly. 

• Your ear canals should only be cleaned by a nurse trained in Ear Care as they can see into your ear canals – you are unable to do this!