1. Otoscopy

2. Hearing Check

3. EarWax Removal

You will be asked to sign a consent form on the Tympa system before proceeding with otoscopy, wax removal and/or a hearing check to confirm you have read and understood the information contained within this document.

Otoscopy (Examining your ears)

The Ear Care Practitioner(ECP) will ask for your permission to examine your ear(s) using the digital video otoscope called the Tympa device. This allows examination of the ear canal and eardrum.

Otoscopy risks

Common (Might happen)

• Mild discomfort when the otoscope is introduced / removed from the ear.

Rare (Probably won’t happen)

• Severe discomfort

• Trauma to the ear canal

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Hearing Check

A hearing check involves placing headphones over both ears. The Tympa device will play a range of different sounds at varying loudness and pitch through the headphones. The aim of the test is to establish the quietest sounds you can hear and identify any potential hearing weakness. If you have a device called Programmable Ventriculo-Peritoneal (PVP) shunt then you MUST inform your ECP and NOT proceed with hearing assessment.

Hearing Check risks

Common (Might happen)

• Discomfort to some loud or high pitch sounds in the test, but this tends to be temporary.

• Temporary increased awareness of pre-existing tinnitus

Rare (Probably won’t happen)

• Dizziness

• Permanent increased awareness of pre-existing tinnitus

• Triggering the onset new awareness of tinnitus

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Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax removal may be necessary to relieve fullness/blocked sensation of the ear, and/or to enable otoscopy and hearing assessment. If the wax cannot be fully removed, a second or third appointment may be required with further softening of the wax for a few days between visits using alternative softeners as advised prior to the Procedure. Two methods of wax removal may be used during your appointment, microsuction and/or manual removal using an instrument. Your ECP will choose the most appropriate method.

Ear Wax Removal risks

Your ECP has undertaken training and is certified as competent in ear care and wax removal and will use best practice procedures to minimise any risk. However, even when performed with the utmost care, there are some risks involved in wax removal. These risks include:

Common (Might happen)

• Complete wax removal cannot be achieved

• Stimulation of cough reflex Uncommon (Unlikely to happen)

• Discomfort (minimised by application of olive oil prior to appointment)

• Damage to skin ofthe ear canal (minimised by application of olive oil prior to appointment)

• Bleeding from ear canal

• Ear infection

• Temporary change in sensitivity of hearing

• Temporary increased awareness of pre-existing tinnitus

Rare (Probably won’t happen)

• Damage to the ear drum during the procedure

• Feeling lightheaded

• Temporary dizziness

Extremely rare (Probably won’t happen)

• Permanent hearing loss • Increased awareness of pre-existing tinnitus • Sustained awareness of tinnitus • Fainting during or shortly after the procedure

✅ Purpose:

• Olive oil helps to break down and soften hardened earwax.

• This makes microsuction more comfortable and effective, reducing the risk of trauma to the ear canal or eardrum.

🕒 When to use:

• Most professionals recommend using olive oil spray once or twice daily for 3–5 days before your microsuction appointment.

💡 How to use:

• Tilt your head so the affected ear faces up.

• Spray 1–2 pumps of olive oil into the ear canal.

• Stay in that position for a few minutes to let it soak in.

• Wipe away any excess oil from the outer ear.

• Repeat as advised for the other ear if necessary.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Use only medical-grade olive oil sprays designed for ears (e.g., Earol®).

• Do not use if you have a perforated eardrum or active ear infection unless advised by a healthcare provider.