People, you probably just see earwax as something to remove. But its role is crucial: it’s your ear’s natural defence system against foreign particles and bacteria. The problem only happens when this protective barrier eventually dries up and turns into a blockage. Understanding Hardened Earwax Hardened earwax develops when it dries up and becomes firmly lodged, or impacted, inside the ear canal. This impaction isn't just a physical blockage; it can trigger a range of symptoms that severely impact your well-being: A persistent feeling of blocked ears or fullness Tinnitus (a distracting ringing or buzzing) Occasional dizziness or balance issues Noticeable reduction in hearing or muffled hearing . The hardening is often due to factors outside your control, such as age, genetic predisposition, the unique anatomy of your ear canals, or certain past medical events. Gentle Ways to Soften Wax at Home (Exercise Caution) Before seeking professional intervention, you may try softening the wax yourself. However, we must stress that safety and caution are paramount. 1. Medical-Grade Olive Oil Drops Gently warm some medical-grade olive oil (it should feel lukewarm, never hot) and place a few drops in the affected ear. Leave the oil to work for 10–15 minutes, then tilt your head to drain the excess. Repeating this 3–4 times daily for several days can significantly soften the blockage. 2. Over-the-Counter Drops Ask your local chemist for non-prescription drops designed to help break down earwax. If you prefer a ready-made solution, the pharmacist can guide you. The Absolute Rule of Ear Care This is vital: Never insert objects like cotton swabs, hairpins, or rolled-up tissue into your ear canal. These objects do not remove wax; they inevitably push the wax deeper against the eardrum, worsening the impaction and risking serious injury to the delicate inner ear structures. The Experts' Choice: Professional Ear Wax Removal in Ealing When home remedies prove insufficient, or if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms like pain, persistent ringing, or sudden hearing loss, consulting an expert is the safest course of action. Our professional services guarantee safe, accurate, and hygienic removal.

Hearing loss is gradual and often worsens with age. Our philosophy, built over 35 years, is that a simple 'one size fits all' approach will inevitably fail when it comes to effective treatment. As expert audiologists, we understand the vital role excellent hearing plays in your daily life. That's why we provide professional, comprehensive hearing tests in Stanmore and the surrounding community. Our tests help us locate the precise cause of your hearing problem, and from there we deliver the right treatment. Which Type of Hearing Test Do You Need? Hearing tests are essential diagnostic tools that allow us to evaluate the specific type of hearing loss you may have: sensorineural , conductive , or mixed . We will detail these types below. The right approach depends entirely on your individual situation. We use our extensive experience to tailor our assessment to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. 1. Pure Tone Audiometry During this foundational test, you will simply relax in a comfortable, sound-treated room. While you listen through the headphones, we'll ask you to signal every time you hear the various tones or speech. Your response will help us fully understand the pattern and severity of your hearing loss. Bone Conduction: We also use a small device called a bone vibrator placed behind your ear. This sends sound vibrations directly to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum and ear canal. This step allows us to specifically evaluate how well your cochlea (the part of the inner ear that translates sound into electrical signals for the brain) is working. 2. Impedance Testing (Tympanometry)