Ear health

Problems with your ears can be painful and frustrating. Without treatment it can effect your balance and hearing. There are some simple ways to keep your ears healthy. Speak to your GP if you need more help.

Ear wax

Ear wax is how your ear protects and cleans itself.  Wax usually falls out of your ear.

Don’t put things in your ear or use a cotton bud to try to remove ear wax. You can make the problem worse or hurt your ear.

Ear wax can build up and cause problems with:

• dizziness or nausea
• falling over
• hearing

NHS information on how to prevent and remove a build up of wax at home

Royal National Institute for deaf people (RNID) has more information about common ear problems and how to look after your ears.

Ear wax removal

Not all GPs offer ear syringing or micro suctioning services. You can get advice from your:

• Pharmacist
• Doctor or GP
• NHS 111

Private ear cleaning services

You can pay to have your ear wax removed at places such as:

• Specsavers
• Boots
• private audiologist or hearing aid services

Change in your hearing or deafness

Your hearing can change over time. Support is available in Newcastle if you need it.

Read more on InformationNOW about deaf or hard of hearing support.

Ear problems, injuries or emergencies

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) at the Freeman Hospital is the specialist department who treats ear problems and ENT urgent care for emergency situation. To use this service you need to referred by your GP or NHS 111. This is not a walk in service.

Last updated: June 1, 2023