Vincent Cumberworth BSc FRCS Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon

Clementine Churchill Hospital Sudbury Hill Harrow Middlesex HA1 3RX
Private Secretary: Tel: 020 8872 3866 Fax: 0208872 3861

Information is supplied only upon the condition that the viewer will make their own determination as to the suitability of the information for its purposes prior to use. There will be no responsibility for information that is misused or misinterpreted and the information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a health care professional. It is not possible to answer questions regarding individual cases or to enter into individual correspondence.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH EAR PROBLEMS

• Keep your ear canals dry when washing your hair, showering or swimming. This can be down by using earplugs or cotton wool covered in Vaseline. Before going swimming check with your doctor or nurse that swimming will not harm your ears.
• Do not use cotton buds, hairgrips, matches etc., to clean or dry your ears. These may damage the delicate lining of your ear canal or may even perforate your ear drum.
• Do not scratch your ears as this may spread infection.
• If you suffer from excessive wax, regular use of olive oil can help the ear clean itself. For details, please see your nurse or doctor.
• If you are to have your ears syringed to remove excess wax, you must inform the nurse before she starts if you have a perforated eardrum or have had any previous ear surgery.
• If your symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if they get worse, consult your nurse, doctor or ENT surgeon.
  
  
  
  © Vincent Cumberworth 2005