How Home Comfort Ear Care Started
History:
Getting earwax removal for an elderly relative was becoming a logistical and lengthy challenge. GP surgeries were no longer able to provide the service and the NHS waiting list was 18 weeks at that time. Having provided earwax removal via irrigation in the past, as part of a previous community health professional role, I decided to complete a refresher course and purchased an irrigation machine to support my relative.
Word of mouth brought in more enquiries and requests. This led to completing an in-depth course run by Audiologists through the Health Care Professional Institute (formerly Meduc8ion) covering otoscopy and ear health examination, irrigation, microsuction and manual wax removal. In February 2023, I left nursing to set up Home Comfort Ear Care as a full-time role supporting my community.
I’ve since completed further training using HD digital otoscopes and microsuction techniques. (Training accredited by the BSA).
In January 2025, I left Cambridgeshire after 25 years and moved back home to the beautiful Waveney Valley area to support elderly relatives. Naturally the service moved with me. I do still support a few lovely clients in the Cambridgeshire Fens though. Just can't leave them stranded.
Signs to Look Out For
These can be signs that a change has occurred in your ears, and you should get them checked.
- Loss of hearing
- Earache
- Discomfort
- Discharge
- Ears feeling full
- Ringing
- Itching
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Turning up the volume
- Moving closer to those talking to you
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Concentrating harder than normal to listen
Why Do I Need an Ear Care Practitioner/Wax Removal Specialist?
Due to the service rarely being offered by GP practices, there has been an increase in the market for products to assist people with removing their own earwax. Unfortunately, this can result in damage to the fragile anatomy of the ear and, in some cases, can result in permanent damage or hearing loss requiring ongoing support via ENT Clinicians.
Ear Care Practitioners/Wax Removal Specialists have been specifically trained in ear health checks and wax removal following guidelines set by the British Society of Audiologists (BSA) 2020 and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). This includes assessing ear anatomy, choosing the most appropriate form of wax removal (microsuction, irrigation, manual) for the individual based on their medical history, giving onward advice and adhering to infection control procedures.
The Ear Care Practitioner will only work within their scope of practice, are insured and can evidence their training. TympaHealth clinicians are trained by experts in Audiology and ENT. TympaHealth is officially accredited by ENT UK, The British Society of Audiology (BSA) and The British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA).
Accreditations
