Experienced local audiologist, Simon Swindells, is sounding the alarm over a worrying trend in the wake of declining NHS earwax removal services: patients across Somerset and Wiltshire are increasingly resorting to dangerous DIY methods to clear their ears, putting their hearing health at risk.

Driven by limited access to earwax removal services on the NHS, individuals are turning to cotton swabs, olive oil, and even makeshift tools, often with serious consequences.

"Earwax removal may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to understand the delicate nature of the ear canal," warns Simon, who runs the independent audiology business, South West Hearing Care. "Improper attempts at removing wax can lead to a cascade of problems, including infections, hearing loss, and even perforation of the eardrum."

This week a report from hearing loss charity, the RNID, showed that almost 10 million people in England can no longer access free NHS earwax removal services.

Simon cites a concerning rise in the number of patients in his Street and Westbury clinics, presenting with complications arising from DIY earwax removal. These range from mild irritation and temporary hearing loss to serious infections and permanent hearing damage. "I'm deeply concerned to see people risking their hearing health because they lack access to proper care," he emphasises.

Without easy access to an NHS service, many people are having to seek out private services for help, which Simon says in turn is causing its own problems.

"If you go via a private service, I urge that you look for a qualified practitioner who completely understands the ear anatomy, has the required qualifications, practices in a clinical environment and knows what they are looking at," says Simon.

"There are many practitioners who have found a route to offering this service by buying a machine, taking a 1- or 2-day course, and practicing only on a manikin head, with little or no prior experience with ears."

For more information please visit www.swhearingcare.co.uk

RNID_ear-wax-report_January-2024.pdf