Letter to the Editor: crisis in ear wax services
Dear Editor,
As an audiologist, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in ear wax services in England. Shockingly, more than eight million people live in areas where NHS ear wax removal is non-existent, with millions more facing patchy or inadequate service provision.
The consequences are significant. Buildup of ear wax can cause painful and distressing symptoms, completely preventable hearing loss and tinnitus and lead to isolation and depression. Yet thousands are left with no choice but to self-manage wax at home, or pay for private treatment multiple times per year, which can be prohibitively expensive.
This situation is unacceptable and must change. For those with a medical need for wax removal – more commonly older adults and hearing aid users – access to this service is essential for their health and wellbeing.
That’s why RNID has launched the Stop the Block campaign. You too can take action by writing to your MP and together we can ensure millions get access to the vital services they need. Visit www.rnid.org.uk/stoptheblock
Yours sincerely,
Crystal Rolfe,
Director of Health,
RNID
