The ‘dangerous’ ways people are trying to get rid of their ear wax
You can use paper clips, toothpicks or CANDLES to remove your ear wax.
- Report says that people have had to resort to unsafe solutions because of the removal of the GP service.
- Due to hearing loss, some people have had to use a notepad for communication.
- 25% of people with a buildup said they couldn’t afford private treatment.
Reports warn that many GPs are no longer offering the treatment and people are using ‘dangerous’ methods to remove earwax, such as paperclips or toothpicks.
People are forced to look for unsafe solutions because of the loss of this service that was once offered by the NHS.
Some people are forced to use a notepad in order to communicate because of temporary hearing loss.
More than a quarter of those who have suffered from ear wax building up said they could not afford to get it removed privately, which can cost between £50 and £100, especially given that it can need professional removal three or four times a year.
A report says that many GPs are no longer offering the treatment and people are resorting to ‘dangerous methods’ to remove ear wax. People are turning to dangerous solutions in desperate situations after the NHS discontinued offering the service.
WHAT IS EARWAX BUILD UP?
Earwax is usually removed on its own, but in certain cases it can be blocked.
It is impossible to prevent it as the wax serves to protect your ears from dirt, water germs, infection, and foreign bodies.
It is more likely that you will suffer from buildup if you are:
- Wax naturally produces more
- Your ear canals are either narrow or hairy.
- Older people are considered to be elderly as wax becomes harder with age
- Wearing a hearing aid, headphones, or earbuds pushes wax in further.
Earache, difficulty listening, itchiness and dizziness can all be symptoms.
To soothe your ears, you can use warm water or over-the-counter wax-softening drops.
If that fails, you should seek professional medical assistance in the event of an infection.
Source: Mayo Clinic
According to a survey of 1,400 people, two-thirds of those suffering from ear wax problems were told that ear wax removal is no longer available by the NHS. This was found in a survey conducted by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.
Many GP practices have stopped offering this service because of a lack in targeted funding and continuing pressures from the NHS following the Covid-19 pandemic.
While private treatment is recommended for many, some are opting to use make-do techniques such as hair clips, toothpicks, or Hopi ear candle to get the job done.
The survey revealed that 71% of respondents tried to remove ear wax by themselves, despite the fact that two-thirds admitted they were not confident.
Most people’s ear wax will naturally move out over time. However, 2.3 million people in the UK need their ear wax removed by professionals every year.
If untreated, ear wax accumulation can lead to temporary hearing impairment, tinnitus, and earache.
To treat the condition yourself, you can put two to three drops (medical-grade olive or almond oil) in your ear three to four times per day for three to five consecutive days.
RNID has called for ear wax extraction services to be reintroduced into primary care or in the community.
Crystal Rolfe (RNID associate cirector for Health) said that’many people with earwax buildup are at risk of permanently damaging both their hearing and their ears. This is because they cannot access ear wax removal services through the NHS.
“We’ve heard stories of people suffering from pain and despair, and being depressed by the lack support they received from their doctors.
“Some people cannot leave their house or use a notepad to communicate.
“People with ear wax buildup used be treated in a week at the GP. However, now this service has been withdrawn.
“People who cannot afford private treatment are left without options. This is not good enough.
“Ear wax removal services should be made available to all patients on the NHS.”
