Many of you that come across this site will be looking for earwax removal via microsuction. GPs stopped offering water syringing as the procedure risks damaging the eardrum. You may get referred to the hospital but waiting times are at record levels. This is where private audiologists have come into play, with knowledge of ear anatomy and years of training, it was a natural step to fill the gap in services.
So this brings me to why I am writing this post: we have been getting reports of people having bad experiences with other providers. The ear canal is a sensitive and delicate area and if the eardrum is damaged it may be irreversible. When Joy took her earwax removal course it was only available to Audiologists and medical staff at the time. Even with the years of experience behind her, it took some time to get competent at microsuction. Fast forward 5 years and the word is out that microsuction is, currently, unregulated and courses are popping up all over the place. There is no pass or fail.. in fact you don't even need to do a course at all...caveat emptor!
The next time you book a wax removal appointment ask your treatment provider what level of training they have done and how long have they been doing it. This applies whether you are inquiring with individuals or high-street brand providers. Just because there is a sign in the window saying “audiologist”, it does not mean the staff member you are actually seeing is an audiologist, in fact it is unlikely.