Kay Herdsman BSc (Hons), MSc

Clinical Audiologist

Kay earned her undergraduate at the University of Liverpool where she achieved a first class Bachelor of Science with Honours. She went on to graduate with a distinction in her Master of Science degree in Audiology at the University of Manchester in 2009. She has worked as an audiologist for over 10 years and continues to work for the NHS as well as running Clear Ears.

At present, wax removal is not regulated by the Care Quality Commission. This means that anyone can undertake the procedure with minimal training. Kay is a degree qualified audiologist with more than ten years experience.

Earwax removal can be extremely dangerous if not carried out properly. You can rest assured that you are in safe hands with Kay as she is a member of the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists and is insured to practice; the equipment is regularly checked; strict hygiene policies are adhered to and Kay always keeps up-to-date with the latest and safest practices.

Services

Microsuction

Microsuction is one of the safest forms of wax removal. It involves a tiny vacuum that extracts the debris and the procedure is pain-free. It usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes per ear, but if the wax is being stubborn, it can take longer. Most people are suitable candidates as it can be performed even if you have an infection present or a perforation (a hole in your eardrum). It is considered the safest option as I ensure the tip of the suction tube is never near to your eardrum. Another reason it is considered to be so safe is because a healthy thin layer of wax that coats your canal wall is left intact, so it can continue to protect you from infection.

Ear Irrigation

You may know this procedure better as ‘ear syringing’. However, it has changed a lot over the years. It’s now safer than ever before and is not really a syringe at all, it’s much more gentle! Like microsuction, irrigation is not a regulated procedure so be wary of having it performed by someone other than a qualified health professional. We adhere to strict safety protocols and hygiene standards. All equipment is sterilised before and after each procedure. The water used is safe for the skin in your ears and has to be a set temperature so as not to cause dizziness. Some patients are not suitable for irrigation. We will only use this method under certain circumstances and if safe to do so and will always gain your consent first.

Mechanical Removal

There will be occasions when microsuction may not be possible and irrigation may not be safe. In such cases we will refer to dry removal instruments (like they use in the Ear, Nose and Throat department at the hospital). Once again, these instruments must only be used by a fully trained professional in order to manually remove wax. The procedure is completely safe when carried out by a competent clinician, it is a painless procedure and always carried out according to strict safety protocols.