Ear syringing is no longer a free service on the NHS in England. This change occurred because syringing is considered an outdated practice. Concerns have also been expressed that this procedure carries certain risks, such as potential damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
Ear wax plays an important role in protecting the ear by trapping dirt, dust, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching deeper parts of the ear. It also acts as a lubricant, keeping the ear canal moist, which helps prevent infections and irritation.
What does the NHS recommend?
The NHS now recommends at-home self-care methods like using ear drops to soften the wax in an attempt to draw it out. This is simple and easy to carry out. You should consult with your GP if there are complications, such as hearing loss.
In cases where ear wax is severely impacted, your GP might refer you to a specialist for safe removal. Forbes warns that user-generated TikTok tutorials on ear wax removal can be dangerous, as non-medical people are giving irresponsible and possibly erroneous medical advice.
Can I organise an appointment with a professional myself?
If you’re struggling with the discomfort of impacted earwax and it’s affecting your daily life, it’s advisable to first try ear drops and speak to a healthcare provider for guidance.
Alternatively, you can seek professional ear cleaning services privately. For ear wax removal Bristol, professionals from a clinic such as https://www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/bristol/ can use specialist tools to resolve the issue.
Is the NHS likely to resume an earwax removal service?
There are at present no plans for the NHS to revisit and reinstate the free ear wax removal service that it previously offered. In 2022, the leading hearing charity The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) called for the restoration of ear wax removal services. The charity highlighted the importance of the service and asked for it to be put back in place. It warned that the loss of this service led to patients resorting to dangerous methods as they tried to deal with the problem at home.
