Experiences of treatment for earwax in Brighton and Hove
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During 2023-2024 Healthwatch Brighton and Hove have received feedback about patients experiencing increasing challenges in obtaining treatment for earwax removal. They heard that it is getting harder to find a GP practice that will offer earwax removal, and that patients with earwax problems are increasingly having to turn to the private sector to access treatment. They undertook a survey to which 58 people responded.
The survey results show how significant the impact of an earwax issue can be on a person’s life. The results also reveal a mixed picture when it comes to finding information about, and then accessing earwax removal through GP practices.
It is positive to hear that some local people manage to access earwax removal on the NHS, and that for the majority of people the quality of their treatment once they receive it is good (whether they receive it through the NHS or private health providers).
However, Healthwatch also heard that respondents are increasingly reporting that their GP practice no longer offers earwax removal, and some people are having to resort to paying for treatment privately because they have no alternative.
Of most concern, are the people who are unable to access earwax removal through the NHS and are also unable to afford private earwax removal treatment.