Selection of Videos about Ear Wax

Which Ear Drop is Best for Wax?

In this video, I'll test different ear drops on ear wax samples collected in test tubes, using a time-lapse camera to capture the results. By comparing how each product performs, we aim to identify the best solution for removing ear wax.

You may be suprised by the results for olive oil.

Dr Vik Veer discusses how to treat ear wax

How to use Ear Drops Correctly.

Using ear drops correctly is essential for maintaining ear health and ensuring effective treatment. Proper use helps prevent complications and maximises the medication's benefits. Misuse can lead to ineffective treatment, further ear problems, or even potential infections.

Understanding and following the correct procedure is crucial in achieving the best results and keeping your ears in good condition.

Dr Vik Veer discusses how to treat ear infections with ear drops

What is Cholesteatoma?

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin cells that occurs behind the eardrum, in the middle ear, or within the mastoid bone. This growth can gradually expand, leading to the destruction of nearby structures, such as the bones of the middle ear, which are crucial for hearing. If left untreated, they can cause hearing loss, dizziness, and even more serious complications. Surgical removal, such as a mastoid operation, is often needed to prevent further damage and restore ear health.

Watch this video to learn more.

Dr Vik Veer discusses how to treat cholesteatoma

Watch a Mastoid Operation

A mastoid operation for cholesteatoma involves surgically removing the abnormal skin growth located in the middle ear and mastoid bone. The cholesteatoma is carefully extracted, taking care to preserve essential ear structures to maintain hearing function. In some cases, a tympanoplasty, or repair of the eardrum, is also performed to restore the integrity of the ear.

Watch this operation in this video.

Dr Vik Veer discusses how to treat cholesteatoma with mastoidectomy

Otosclerosis and Stapedectomy

Otosclerosis is a condition affecting the bones in the middle ear, leading to progressive hearing loss. It occurs when abnormal bone growth develops around the stapes, one of the tiny bones in the ear that helps transmit sound to the inner ear. This bone growth prevents the stapes from vibrating properly, resulting in reduced sound transmission and hearing difficulties.

Watch this video to learn more about treatment operations.

Professor Vik Veer discusses how to treat ear Otosclerosis and Stapedectomy

Fixing a Hole in the Ear (Tympanoplasty / Myringoplasty)

Tympanoplasty is a surgery to fix a hole in the eardrum. This hole can be caused by infections or injuries. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a small piece of tissue, usually taken from the patient, to cover and close the hole. This helps to improve hearing, stop ear infections, and keep the ear healthy. In this video, you will see the step-by-step process of how tympanoplasty is done.

Watch this video to see the operation and description.

Professor Vik Veer discusses how to treat ear hole tympanic perforation holes

Treating Ear Wax

Why do we have ear wax?

Ear wax is a substance that the ear produces to prevent against infections. The ear wax is slightly acidic which like stomach acid kills bacteria and other organisms. Ear wax is constantly being produced by the ear canal, and specialised cells on the surface of the ear canal transports this ear wax microscopically outside the ear.

Why do ears get blocked with wax?

ear wax This system works extremely well in most people, however some people have trouble with the transport system of cells in their ear canals and the wax therefore is not transported out. If the transport system is not working the ear wax builds up and makes it harder for the cells to drag the larger mass of ear wax out of the ear.

Infections of the ear canal (also known as swimmer's ear or Otitis Externa), stop these migratory cells from removing wax from the ear. It is important that the ear wax does not build up as it will itself become a source of infection.

Using cotton bud or hair pins scratches these cells off and therefore disrupts these migratory cells as well. Cotton buds actually worsen the problem of ear wax, but many people still try and use them. Many people use cotton buds to actually scratch the ear canal. This is happening because when the cells start growing back after being scrapped off, it itches intensely in the ear canal. This is similar to the itchiness one experiences with a scab on the elbow or knee.

It is therefore extremely important NOT to scratch your ear canals. It makes the itchiness and ear wax worse.

To remove ear wax is extremely easy, but to remove it without causing harm requires care and a delicate approach. Mr Vik Veer teaches nurses and other doctors how to remove ear wax correctly and has developed courses to learn this technique properly. He uses a microsuction technique to carefully remove ear wax without damaging the ear drum or canal.

How do you treat ears blocked with wax?

To avoid ear wax from building up again and causing problems requires more experience and repeated microsuction itself is normally not enough. Mr Vik Veer will be able to explain the treatments available to stop ear wax from becoming a lifelong problem. The vast majority of patients can be treated without surgery.

When it comes to treating earwax blockages, it is crucial to avoid the common pitfall of using ear buds (cotton swabs). Although they might seem convenient, ear buds often push earwax further into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem. This practice can interfere with the natural epithelial migration system responsible for transporting earwax out of the ear. Repeated use of ear buds can damage this delicate system, leading to more persistent blockages and potential harm to the ear canal.

Ear drops are a more effective and safer alternative for softening earwax. Among the various options available, sodium bicarbonate and steam distilled water are particularly recommended. These solutions help to break down and dissolve the earwax, making it easier for the ear to expel naturally. In contrast, using olive oil or other oils has been found less effective, and may not produce the desired results in alleviating earwax blockages.

For more stubborn earwax that does not resolve with ear drops, microsuction removal is a highly effective procedure. This method involves using a small, gentle suction device to remove the earwax under the guidance of a specialist. The process is quick, safe, and usually well-tolerated by patients. Microsuction is especially useful when conservative treatments like ear drops have failed to clear the blockage.

In cases where the ear canal is naturally narrow and prone to recurrent blockages, surgical options are available to create more space within the ear canal. These operations aim to widen the canal, reducing the likelihood of future blockages and making it easier for earwax to exit the ear naturally. Consultation with an ENT specialist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs.



Read more

If you would like to know more, please use the links on this page to understand better what the treatment options for these conditions are.


If you would like more information please contact Prof Vik Veer via his team of secretaries:

Private secretary: 0207 458 4584



Email: Secretary@Consultant-Surgeon.co.uk





Press on the buttons below, if you want to narrow down your options.

A diagram showing the flow of air when a person is snoring.

Overview of Snoring & Sleep Apnoea

Hearing loss is a terrible burden on the individual and for those around them. There are so many different reasons why you might have hearing loss.

Read More

Contact Mr Vik Veer

Alternatively contact Mr Vik Veer and his secretarial staff directly using the form below.