Clear Ear to Hear

30/09/2024

This business is unfortunately now Closed.

08/09/2024

After 3 years running my little clinic it is with great sadness that I am closing on Saturday 28th September due to office building closing and health issues.

Many thanks for all of the support and kindness I have been given over these years. I have loved looking after each and every one of you.

There are now other services in the area whom I’m sure will be more than happy to look after you.

Take care
Rachael 🤗

09/07/2024

Why does ear wax become a bigger issue when you are on holiday?

There are a few reasons why ear wax might cause problems, and these can be pre-empted by having microsuction ear wax removal before you travel.

The first reason that ear wax can cause you problems on holiday is because of the hotter temperatures. The hotter weather can cause the ear wax to melt as it is made of sebum (grease from your skin) and reform in a plug that seals the ear canal, causing discomfort and problems with your hearing.

The second reason is because we tend to do a lot more swimming while on holiday. If your ears are blocked with ear wax, then swimming pool or sea water can get stuck behind the plug or ear wax. This trapped water can lead to infections if it is not able to escape because it is trapped behind the ear wax.

The third reason is also swimming related. There is nothing better than jumping in a cold swimming pool when the weather is hot. The water pressure of jumping into the pool can push a plug of ear wax further into the ear canal worsening a blockage. Or as described above the water pressure can cause water to get trapped behind a plug of ear wax.

Whatever you do, if you suffer from ear pain or think your ears are blocked with ear wax while on holiday don’t use cotton buds or the end of a Bic biro as this will just make the situation worse.

If you suspect you might have ear wax issues, the best thing to do is to book in for an appointment for microsuction ear wax removal before you go away on holiday. If you come back from holiday experiencing discomfort or loss of hearing because of ear wax, then get in touch and for microsuction ear wax removal treatment as soon as possible.

08/07/2024

As many of you are off on your holidays soon.

Ear barotrauma (airplane ear) typically happens when people fly in airplanes, but it may also affect people who scuba dive. Here are some suggestions that may help prevent ear barotrauma during air travel:

Take a decongestant before your flight (only if it will not cause issues with your other medications please check this with your pharmacist). Reducing congestion will help prevent ear barotrauma (airplane ear).
Remember to swallow and yawn during plane takeoff and landing. This helps your eustachian tubes open. The more they open, the more your tubes can even out the air pressure.
If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, encourage them to drink fluids during takeoff and landing. That ensures they’ll swallow and avoid ear barotrauma.
Chew gum (I always opt for airwaves as this also has menthol which also helps to keep your nose clear) during the flight, especially during takeoff and before the plane begins its descent, to help equalize the pressure.
Blow your nose gently into a tissue to alleviate pressure.
Blow air through your nose while closing your mouth and pinching your nose (Valsalva manoeuvre). This simple exercise allows more air to get into your eustachian tubes.
Wear earplugs to help regulate pressure within your ears.
If you scuba dive, make sure you know and follow diving safety best practices, including how to manage water pressure changes.

What can I expect if I have ear barotrauma (airplane ear)?

Many symptoms ease as soon as your eustachian tubes can manage air or water pressure changes. In some cases, you may need medication to manage congestion or inflammation. In that case, it may be a few days before your ears feel normal. Rarely, airplane ear causes ruptured eardrums. In that case, you may need surgery however this will often heal by itself with care.

Living With

How do I take care of myself?

A little foresight goes a long way toward preventing ear barotrauma. For example, if there’s an airplane trip in your future, plan ahead to reduce your risk of airplane ear. Such as ensuring that your sinuses are clear. If you scuba dive, make sure you know and follow diving safety best practices, including how to manage water pressure changes.

When should I seek medical advice?

In general, ear barotrauma is a temporary issue. Contact your GP if your ears still feel full or stuffed even after your flight is through or you’ve finished scuba diving.

Rarely, ear barotrauma may cause a ruptured eardrum. Seek medical advice if you notice fluid coming from your ear.

23/06/2024

Ear Wax and Vertigo

Can earwax cause vertigo? Wondering if ear wax or blocked ears might be the cause of your dizziness?

How Does Impacted Ear Wax Cause Vertigo?

Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness that gives people a false sensation of movement. Ears are integral to our ability to stay balanced. Blocked ears may cause symptoms of imbalance and dizziness. Understandably, this feeling can be uncomfortable and can be potentially dangerous for people who experience it. It can also lead to people feeling nauseous and vomiting. There are many different causes of vertigo. If you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical assessment and advice.

For vertigo caused by wax impaction, your local Earworx Registered Nurse is here to help.

When impacted wax is pushed up against the eardrum it can impact on the signals sent from the ear to the brain which in turn may cause issues with balance.

Elderly people often experience ear wax build-up due to hearing aid usage and not having regular ear cleaning. Vertigo due to wax impaction may make the elderly more susceptible to falls.

Surfers, swimmers, and people who generally spend a lot of time in the water are also known to suffer from impacted ear wax regularly. This is because wax build, when exposed to water may absorb and swell, resulting in an ear wax blockage which may cause vertigo symptoms.

Impacted Ear Wax Symptoms

Other than vertigo, there are many other symptoms which indicate that you might have impacted wax:

A feeling of blockage
Itchiness
Tinnitus, or ringing in your ear
You ear feeling like it is full
Odour
Discharge
Hearing loss or everything sounding muffled
Waking with a blocked ear that clears over the course of the morning but re-blocks again overnight is another sign of wax build up. As is an ear that does not drain after swimming or showering.

Alleviating Vertigo by Removing Impacted Ear Wax

If your vertigo is caused by wax build-up, you may need to have your impacted wax removed. An effective and safe method for removal of excess earwax; the method endorsed by Ear Nose and Throat surgeons, is micro-suction and curettage. At Clear Ear to Hear , this procedure is performed by qualified and highly trained Registered Nurse who will help to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.

The process involves small instruments such as curettes and micro-forceps, as well as a gentle suction device (like a tiny vacuum) being used to carefully extract the wax. The nurse performing the procedure uses binocular magnifying glasses fitted with a bright light, to maintain direct vision into your ear canal throughout the entire procedure, enhancing safety.

If vertigo remains after a professional clean, there may be other underlying problems that should be addressed with a health professional.

24/05/2024

Just in case anyone is struggling with wax over the bank holiday, I am open tomorrow and also Monday. Just let me know what time would work. Thanks

18/05/2024

Are you struggling to hear the birds cheeping? Although sometimes early morning this may be a good thing could possibly need your ears dewaxing. Please do get in touch.

09/05/2024

My cousin has these beautiful puppies for sale, after spending the bank holiday weekend with them I am in love. Unfortunately as I already have two cuties I can’t have one but if you are interested at all please do contact me or my cousin. This is the only litter that Tilly will be having as she is a loved pet and not a breeding girl. Many thanks 🥰

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our beautiful Tilly’s first litter of puppies born 01/04/2024. Tilly (Whalley Rose) is a red and white, black masked 4-year-old natural bob tail. Dam (Mother) - Heart score 0, DM clear. Dad, Maverick (Top Gun) is a 2-yr old long tailed red and white bla

27/04/2024

Clear Ear to Hear is your local microsuction dewax service. I have a small clinic on Preston Farm Industrial Estate which has free parking. I am also able to offer home visits for clients with mobility issues. I worked for an ENT Hospital Unit as a Staff Nurse for 6.5 years prior to setting up my own clinic up in October 21. I have already provided treatment for many lovely clients. Returning their hearing to the way it should be. Please do get in touch if I can help you at all. Thanks Rachael 😊

13/04/2024

Was needing a sugar fix so popped in treated my nephew, his friend who has nut allergies and myself to some delicious fresh plaited donuts. The ladies were so lovely and their advice was great. The donuts were very quickly destroyed. Yum 🤤 they kindly put the toppings separate so that we could have a variety and I could have the white hazelnut one which was totally delicious. Thanks so much 😜

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Stockton-On-Tees
5️⃣⭐️ Food Hygiene Rating
Council Registered and Insured 👍🏽

16/03/2024

Could this be hiding in your ears🙈? Could this be the reason you’re getting in trouble for not listening? Get in touch and I can sort that for you. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about at the end of the day it’s only grease and we all produce it. Some gets trapped and causes a blockage. If I can’t answer the phone immediately it’s usually because I am looking after someone else, but please do leave me a message and I will get back to you asap. I can often get you in the same day but please do make an appointment. Thank you 😁

16/03/2024

Thank you ever so much for all of the kind comments and also the support for my small business. It truly means a lot.