The Earwax Lady

About Me:

My name is Kate Ebdon and I am The Earwax Lady.  I live in beautiful Torbay with my Husband and cockapoo Ozzy!  I have over 21 years NHS experience (and counting) serving the local adult communities of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham as an Occupational Therapist.  I feel passionately about falls prevention, improving and maintaining safe independence and social inclusion.  An excessive build up of ear wax has been proven to contribute towards the risk of falls, social isolation, behavioural changes or difficulties (due to hearing loss and discomfort) and an increase in the risk of developing dementia and depression.  Microsuction therefore dovetails perfectly with my values and experience,  I can even offer advice and education regarding falls risk reduction during my visit if you wish.  

 

About Ear wax:

The presence of ear wax is normal and our ears are usually self-cleaning.  However, excessive or impacted wax can be a problem for some, particularly for older individuals.  You only need it removing if it is causing you a problem.  You may have an earwax problem and benefit from microsuction to remove your ear wax if you experience any of the following:

• hearing loss

• earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked

• ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)

• vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)

OR

• If you are about to have an audiology or hearing aid fitting appointment

 

About My Service:

I am a qualified ear health practitioner based in Torbay offering a mobile  inclusive home visiting service to assess your ear health and remove problematic earwax using microsuction.  With next to no waiting list, this will be carried out in the comfort of your own home using the “gold standard” microsuction technique with the latest video endoscope technology (Tympahealth).  I can even show you photos or videos of your ear canal before, during and after the procedure. The duration of the appointment will be around half an hour to remove wax from both ears.

TympaHealth clinicians are trained by experts in Audiology and ENT and are officially accredited by by ENT UK, The British Society of Audiology (BSA) and The British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA). No other programme in the UK offers this unique level of accreditation.

 

About Microsuction:

Microsuction is the "gold standard" process of removing wax from your ears by using a small suction tube to gently remove any excess wax in the ear This is aided by the use of a video endoscope.

Microsuction can be a little noisy but should never be painful, it does not involve the use of water.  I recommend using medical grade olive or almond oil spray following the manufacturers instructions for 7 days before your appointment to soften the wax.  This will ease the wax removal should you need it.  Oil sprays such as Earol are effective, convenient and easy to use

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Prices: 

£20 for the initial consultation and ear health exam using the video endoscope.  If you have wax which needs removing this will cost an additional £45 for one or both ears.  This should all be possible in one half hour appointment, however a second appointment may be needed in some instances.

Care homes: can make contact with me please to learn more about the special rates available for your treasured residents.

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FAQs:

What should I do before my appointment?

You should use medical grade olive oil wax softener (such as Earol), following the instructions on the bottle, to soften your wax for 7 days prior to your appointment. I do not recommend the long term use of hydrogen peroxide (Otex express) drops, although they can be useful for short term use with severely impacted wax. You should not use wax softener and should keep your ears dry if you have an infection or perforated eardrum.  Please see the Patient Information leaflet below and always read product instructions carefully prior to use.

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What will happen at the appointment?

The appointment can last up to half an hour.  You may wish a friend or family member to be with you.  You will need a comfortable and calm place to sit. Please ensure any excitable dogs etc are looked after during the appointment. 

First, I will listen to any problems you are having regarding your hearing or ear health in order to build a relevant medical history and I will discuss any potential risks with you.    Then with your consent, I will then sit next to you and take a look inside your ear canal using the digital endoscope (just like the one in the picture) to see if you have any wax. I will then use a tiny suction tube in the ear canal to remove the wax.  Microsuction will sound loud in your ear.  You must be able to keep your head still for the duration of the appointment but we can take breaks if you need them. After, If necessary I can seek a second opinion from the Tympa ENT specialist/consultants or refer on to your GP regarding any problems found eg, infection.  I will provide you with written advice regarding aftercare. 

 

What about after the appointment?

Afterwards, because of the sound of the suction machine you may experience some new noise in your ears, this should clear up within a week.  You should keep your ears dry for a minimum of 24 hours after microsuction. If you have any problems you can contact me, or I may arrange to contact you to follow up.  You may need to book another appointment for 6 or 12 months time or just contact me when you feel the need for another ear check.

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Why don't you have an address on your website?

I don't have a clinic address as I come and see you at home, where ever your home may be! I operate from my own home in Paignton, Devon.

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