NEW EAR WAX REMOVAL SERVICE FOR WEARDALE
Now that most GP’s no longer offer wax removal routinely, it can be difficult to access this service.
Many people are having to resort to over the counter treatments which often do not work and
more worrying purchasing expensive DIY kits for wax removal which can be harmful and cause
damage to the ears.
However, a new business has opened that can help. Alison Rippon has worked as a Registered
Nurse in the NHS for over forty years. She began her career on a busy surgical ward and loved her
professional nursing career, working in both hospital and community settings. She worked for almost
20 years in the community and then on to endoscopy,
Alison has more recently been employed as a treatment nurse in her local GP surgery in Stanhope
where she performed ear irrigation on a regular basis for patients. She said, “I regularly consulted
with patients who have problems with hearing loss and associated symptoms caused by the build-up
of ear wax.
“Patients who require referral to audiology services need to have wax removed prior to a hearing
assessment and provision or review of hearing aids.”
Alison added, “historically patients could go to their GP surgery for ear wax removal – but
increasingly practices are no longer offering this service. Sadly, ear syringing is no longer considered
one of the core services of the NHS.”
There is an increasing need for the provision of prompt, easy access ear care and wax removal
especially in Weardale where there is a significant elderly and housebound population who are
unable to access ear care and wax removal due to poor transport links and their rural location.
“I have witnessed first-hand the detrimental impact that hearing loss can have on a person’s life,”
she continued.
“People with hearing loss can become socially isolated, feel excluded from conversations and
withdraw socially. This can lead to loneliness, frustration and embarrassment especially for older
people. Hearing loss can cause a drop in self-esteem and confidence.”
Research has also shown that whilst hearing loss does not cause dementia it can contribute to
cognitive decline Wax ‘build up’ can also cause other problems such as a feeling of fullness or
blockage of the ears, ringing noises in the ears (tinnitus), earache, dizziness or itching in the ears.
There is a need locally for accessible ear care and wax removal and Alison said, “as a health care
professional, it was upsetting to have to turn people away especially as many required wax removal
before they could have hearing aid assessments.”
She has founded her own business -Weardale Ear Care – in order to provide what she considers
to be an essential service to those who are struggling to access ear care and wax removal in
Weardale and beyond.
Her aim is to provide safe, accessible care to the Weardale folk who are unable to access this
service. She provides home visits to elderly and housebound clients and those who cannot access
transport in the Dale.
“I am committed to providing an excellent and safe standard of care with a friendly caring and
compassionate approach and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of my clients at all times,” she said.
“I am fully trained with a lifetime of NHS experience. I am DBS checked and fully insured.
Your wellbeing is my top priority.
“For those clients who prefer a clinic appointment I hold twice weekly clinics in Blackhill Consett. I
look forward to seeing you.”
Alison can also be contacted on 07928 935640 or she can be found on Facebook and you can
also visit her website for further information at www.weardaleearcare.co.uk
