A Manchester University study entitled Ear wax management in primary care: what the busy GP needs to know has highlighted the need for better access to ear wax removal services.

Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, the study found that more than eight in 10 participants reported an immediate improvement after the earwax was removed.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that earwax removal services should be available in primary care. However, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) they are scarce and non-existent in some locations.

The RNID estimates that more than two million people a year need ear wax removal treatment in the UK. Its report published in November last year described how some people are paying £50 to £100 every time they need ear wax removed.

Crystal Rolfe, Associate Director for Health, said:

“We’ve heard of people in agony with pain, and depressed at the lack of support they’ve received from health professionals. Some people are unable to leave the house, or are left using a notepad to communicate. Someone with ear wax build-up used to be treated in a week at their GP, but now the service has been withdrawn people who can’t afford private treatment are left with no options. This isn’t good enough. Ear wax removal services must be available on the NHS for everyone who needs them.”

The Manchester University report's author, Kevin Munro, professor of audiology, said:

“Perhaps one solution is that GP surgeries could collaborate as a network as the portable nature of modern ear wax removal equipment is ideal for moving to different locations.”