With the summer season just around the corner, people will soon be heading off on their holidays at home and abroad. For most, the last thing on their mind will be a trip to the audiologist as part of the preparations and quite rightly so. However, if you suspect that your ears have a wax build up, this may be primed to turn into a problem, potentially with a lot of pain. The reason for this is that water from the sea or pool expands previously dry wax to create a total blockage in the canal. The blockage in itself can cause pain through pressure but there is now the significant risk of infection as water can easily get trapped in the canal behind the wax. When this happens abroad you may have no options open to you apart from painkillers and antibiotics. To add insult to injury the flight home will be less than pleasant with the cabin pressure adding to your discomfort.Pre-empting the problem is the key to eliminating any ear issues on holiday. Here is a check list of people who will be at risk for wax problems and should book for a check up prior to flying.
1. You have had ear wax removed in the past: If you have had blockages in the past you will have them again. The only question is the time period.
2. You wear ear buds or plugs frequently: Unfortunately these items stop wax escaping as nature intended so prolonged use may cause a blockage.
3. You wear hearing aids: Unless you know you are not a wax producer as a hearing aid wearer you should keep on top of earwax so as not to block your hearing aids.
4. You believe you can clear ears with cotton buds: Every time you think you have got some wax out with your cotton bud you have compacted the problem deeper into the canal.
5. You have surfers / swimmers ear: The bony growth that closes your ear canal is a big problem for wax build up and trapping water. Swim plugs in the water are a must to stop the growth process and infections.
Be sure to see an experienced audiologist, ear wax microsuction is not regulated so you should ask your service provider what training they have completed and how long they have been doing it. This applies whether you are inquiring with individuals or high-street brand providers. Aside from the fact the ear canal is very delicate, if something more sinister is causing your hearing loss, the problem needs to be identified and dealt with quickly. When you book with Joy, you are assured to be seeing a BSc qualified senior audiologist with 20 years experience in the NHS and private sector.