The Dangers of Unregulated Ear Wax Removal

A new website has been created to help people requiring ear wax removal to connect with clinicians that are fully trained.

It has been launched by the Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP), as part of a new campaign which will also help educate individuals about aural care and the importance of finding properly trained clinicians to undertake the procedure.

Through blockedears.co.uk, AIHHP hopes to engage with members of the public and connect them with clinicians who are fully trained and have attended accredited wax removal training. The aim is this will ensure they receive the highest possible standard of care.

A common problem

Ear wax is something that most of us prefer not to think about. According to the charity the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) more than two million people each year have ear wax removed.

However, the procedure is becoming difficult to access on the NHS.

People are increasingly turning to private providers, who don’t have the experience, skills or training, that offer wax removal services. This could put patients at risk of infection or permanent damage to their hearing.

AIHHP Chairman Oliver Wright, said: “Our members are increasingly hearing stories about patients’ experiences with untrained private providers of ear waxing services, including one patient who was seen in a dentist’s practice by a dental practitioner, where the treatment was extremely painful and resulted in bleeding in the ear.

“It is important to emphasise that professional audiologists are also able to conduct comprehensive hearing tests once ear wax has been removed successfully. 

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to be seen by a suitably qualified specialist so that any underlying issues affecting a person’s hearing can also be identified through the ear wax removal process and/or by conducting a hearing test. This underscores the necessity in entrusting only specialists who are adequately and appropriately trained in such procedures.

“Ear wax removal should always be carried out by a fully trained professional where the procedure forms part of their scope of practice, enabling them to practice safely and legally, otherwise the public are putting themselves at risk of possible serious damage to their hearing.”

Find out more

To find out more about AIHHP’s Blocked Ears campaign, visit blockedears.co.uk.

Find out more about the different causes of hearing loss here.