Manual Wax Removal
Ear wax can be gently removed using microscopic glasses and extraction tools. This method is often useful to dislodge any ear wax that may be too dry for water irrigation to flush out or micro suction to latch on to. Oiling your ears 3-5 days prior to the appointment normally softens the wax enough for microsuction or water irrigation to be successful without the need for manual extraction.
 
What to expect at your wax removal appointment
Our specially trained clinician will use the safest method of wax removal to help you hear again.

1. Your wax removal appointment will take around 30 mins.
2. After asking a few questions to get a better understanding of the health of your ears, our clinician will examine your ear canals and ear drums by using an otoscope (magnifier with a light). They will record this information to help keep track of any changes in your ear over time.
3. We’ll then talk you through the procedure and show you the equipment that will be used and explain how it works. You’ll need to sign a consent form before we remove any wax from your ears.
4. Once you are happy to go ahead, our clinician will use a magnifier and suction tube to gently remove any wax that’s in your ear.
5. After our clinician has performed the procedure, they will then check the health of your ears and record this information.
6. If we are unsuccessful in removing any wax, we’ll advise you on your next steps.

 
Before you come in...
Things to note about safety
Give us a call to before your appointment if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• Any pain within the last 90 days
• Any middle ear infections within the last 90 days
• Any current or recurrent ear infection
• Any past operations in or around the ear
• Suspect you have any foreign bodies in the ear canal
• Suspect you have a perforated eardrum
• Any fluid or discharge from inside your ear within the last 90 days.

 
Softening the wax for your appointment
It may take more than one attempt to remove your wax. It’s important that the wax has been softened to make the procedure as comfortable and effective as possible – so to prepare for your appointment, we’d recommend using olive oil to soften it.
 
A spray known as Earol is ideal for this. Read the instructions leaflet carefully and use for 7-10 days between 2-4 times daily before your appointment. Other sprays or drops are not always suitable and may prevent us from being able to carry out the removal.
Your ears might feel more blocked up after using olive oil and might reduce your hearing – this is because the wax will soak up the oil.
 
If you wear hearing aids, avoid wearing them after you put olive oil in your ears as you could damage your hearing aids (which wouldn’t be covered by your warranty).
If you experience a foul taste after using olive oil, stop using it as this might be a sign that there is a hole in your eardrum. If this happens, get in touch with your GP and let us know.
For some people, olive oil use might cause some mild discomfort or irritation. If you have any doubts or concerns, just give us a call, or speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Alex Seymour
Alex graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic with a First-Class Master’s degree in Chiropractic. After living and growing up in Stroud, he has always had a keen interest in sports, in particular swimming and Water Polo. Alex competed at a high level in his swimming, including becoming National Champion and qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials.
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Chiropractic treatment facilitated Alex throughout his sporting career, making him motivated to help all people suffering with musculoskeletal pain.
 

Alex enjoys treating all types of pain and injuries, including adults and children. Alex utilises a range of techniques for his treatment including Chiropractic manipulations and mobilisations, soft tissue techniques (including dry needling), rehabilitation and home stretches. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising in the gym, travelling to new places and attending local football matches.
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Alex is a member of the General Chiropractic Council and the British Chiropractic association and will be available for treatments on Mondays from 8.15 – 1pm and Thursdays 8.15 -6pm.

Erica (MacCallum) studied Beauty Therapy Sciences, qualifying in 2006. Very early in her career, Erica found her love of nurturing combined with her instinctive massage skill had her earmarked as the go to masseuse wherever she worked. Throughout her 16 years of experience, Erica has trained extensively in further techniques and is regularly asked to conduct massage training for brands and Spas across the UK & overseas. 

With qualifications in Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Indian Head Massage, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Aromatherapy Massage, Erica’s treatments will always combine a variety of techniques and movements to target and treat areas of tension and tightness.

She will be working with you to seek out the cause of any pain or discomfort you are experiencing and make appropriate recommendations to achieve continual improvement. 

Erica’s treatments are always bespoke, depending on your needs at the time. Massage treatments will always incorporate warming and relaxing movements as well as targeted techniques to achieve the best results and ultimate relaxation for you and your body. 
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Treatments available on Monday and Tuesday’s 10-6pm - Commencing October 10th