Dr Jeff Davies - Audiologist

Ear wax removal: water irrigation versus microsuction

Current NICE guidelines recommends both water irrigation and microsuction as effective methods of ear wax removal. Here, I will take the opportunity to briefly define each method. Water irrigation: pumping water into the ear canal to flush out any ear wax (wet method). This is typically performed using an electronic machine which regulates water temperature and pressure. Please note “old school” syringing with a large metal syringe is considered obsolete and is not NICE recommended and should not be performed...

Why does impacted ear wax cause tinnitus?

Many people seem to notice their tinnitus arise or heighten in line with an ear wax blockage. This often promotes the question "Does the presence of ear wax cause tinnitus?" In this article, we explore this very question.  Tinnitus may be described as the phantom perception of sound heard within the ears or head. Characteristics of the tinnitus sound can vary between and even within persons. Most typically, it may sound like a “ringing”, “buzzing” or “whistling”. It can be...

Who is removing your ear wax?

Did you know that the NHS has undertaken a widespread de-commissioning of their ear wax removal service? Which has led to a huge shift of ear care provision over to the private sector. Likewise, patients who may have previously been seen via ENT for ear cleaning are often being told to go private, as departments continue to battle with long waiting lists, clinical priorities and staff shortages. As NHS staff aren't permitted to make recommendations about private healthcare providers, patients are...

Here to help you hear

Former senior university lecturer in audiology and expert audiologist, Dr. Jeff Davies has launched his independent hearing & tinnitus clinic here in the heart of Nottingham. Situated on The Ropewalk, Ear Care Specialists offers a range of specialist audiology services. With NHS waiting times still soaring from the pandemic and many GP's no longer offering services such as ear wax removal, Ear Care Specialists have seen a continued rise in patient referrals and bookings. Many patients see Dr. Jeff for ear...