This means patients do not need to be referred to a specialist ear,
Earwax can be removed using an electronic machine that pumps water into the ear at a controlled pressure, known as ear irrigation.
Patients should be given ear drops to soften the wax before irrigation, the draft guidance says.
Other methods of removing earwax include
Ear syringing, where a manual syringe pumps water into the ear, is potentially harmful and should not be used.
Katherine Harrop-Griffiths,
“Ear irrigation is an effective method of removing earwax. Ear drops should be used to soften the wax before irrigation, either immediately before or for up to five days before the procedure.”
If people have hearing difficulties that are not caused by earwax or an infection and are presenting for the first time, they should be referred to an audiology service for an assessment regardless of their age, the draft guidance recommends.
Early and appropriate management of hearing difficulties is also important. Particular reference is made to those with learning or cognitive difficulties such as dementia who may not be aware of their hearing problems.
For someone with
Other recommendations focus on audiological care including assessment, when to provide hearing aids,
Professor Mark Baker, director of the
UPDATE: The final guideline can be found here. We have also published a draft quality standard on hearing loss (adult onset), which is out for public consultation until 12 March 2019.