Page 27 - Primary Care Audiology
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Wax
Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal.
However, when it builds up – known as impaction – it can cause
hearing loss and earache, contribute to infections, and increase the
risks of stress, social isolation and depression. It can also prevent
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adequate clinical examination of the ear, requiring repeat visits to
audiologists, GPs and ENT, and delay assessment and management. 58
People with impacted earwax will often seek help. With an
estimated 2.3 million people doing so each year and a reported
4 million ears treated annually, earwax removal is the most
common ENT procedure in the UK.
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Earwax
The number of people seeking help
each year for impacted earwax.
Scotland
188,000
Northern Ireland
65,500
Wales
106,500
England
1,940,000
UK
2,300,000
Endnote 59
Primary care audiology – accessible ear and hearing care for all 27
