BEFORE AND AFTER CARE ADVICE
Please read this before your appoinment. It will help you prepare and know what to expect afterwards, whichever method is used.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
USE OLIVE OIL IF YOU CAN
We recommend warm olive oil drops (or a pharmacy spray such as Earol) twice a day in the affected ear(s) for 3–5 days before your appointment. This softens the wax and makes removal quicker and more comfortable — with both microsuction and irrigation.
To apply: lie on your side, place 2–3 drops into the ear canal, stay in position for 5–10 minutes, then allow excess to drain onto a tissue.
If you haven't managed to use drops, do not cancel. We can often still treat effectively.
COMPLETE YOUR FORMS IN ADVANCE
You'll receive a link to your health questionnaire and consent form after booking. Please complete these before your appointment — your answers help us make the right clinical decision about your treatment.
ON THE DAY
• Allow 30–45 minutes for the full appointment
• Have a comfortable upright chair ready in a well-lit room
• Secure any pets in another room
• Let us know of any access issues at your address
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
WHAT IS NORMAL?
After ear wax removal it is common to experience:
- Slightly altered hearing as your ears adjust — usually settles within a few hours
- Mild, temporary tinnitus (ringing) — resolves on its own
- Brief dizziness immediately after treatment — normal and passes quickly
- A feeling of openness or sensitivity — your ears may feel more sensitive to sound for a day or two
- If irrigation was used, you may notice a small amount of water draining from the ear for a short time — this is completely normal.
- If you feel like there is a bubble in your ear, let us know, we can resolve that on the day.
AFTER CARE TIPS
- Keep ears dry for 24–48 hours — avoid swimming and take care in the shower
- Do not insert anything into the ears, including cotton buds
- If you wear a hearing aid, you can reinsert it after treatment
WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR GP
- Significant pain in the ear
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear
- Worsening or prolonged dizziness lasting more than a few hours
- Sudden or significant loss of hearing
LOOKING AFTER YOUR EARS GOING FORWARD
- A few drops of olive oil once or twice a week keeps wax soft and helps natural migration, good maintenance if you are prone to build-up
- Never use cotton buds inside the ear canal
- Arrange regular ear checks every 6–12 months