Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, has launched a new ear and hearing health service as it has experienced an increase in young people accessing its pharmacies with ear and hearing health related challenges.
Well Pharmacy’s new service uses the latest TympaHealth technology that provides high definition imagery and video to look inside the ear. This allows for an accurate ear and hearing health assessment with safe, and gentle ear wax microsuction and a hearing check.
43-year-old Marc Foley-Comer from Hertfordshire, thought his hearing problems were age-related when he began struggling to follow conversations in social settings. Instead, his GP consultation revealed that his daily use of wireless earbuds had pushed wax deeper into his ears, causing hearing issues.
Marc said: “I never thought ear buds could be the culprit! I assumed I was just getting older, but it turns out my ears were just full of wax.
“The wax removal treatment was quick and painless, and I could hear properly straight away, Marc explained. It was like switching from muffled radio to crystal-clear sound.”
Research by TympaHealth has found over a quarter (29%) of people haven’t considered the impact of earbuds or loud music on their ear and hearing health. The research also showed that 53% of people either occassionally or often avoid social situations due to unaddressed hearing loss, highlighting the impact of ear and hearing health challenges on social interactions and mental well-being.
The news comes as doctors and GPs warn that the use of wireless earbuds and headphones may be a contributing factor that could lead to an increase in wax build up, with extended use potentially contributing to hearing loss.
Dr Krishan Ramdoo, Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon and founder of TympaHealth, said:
“It’s a myth that ear and hearing health challenges only impact older people as it can affect us all at any age.
“When it comes to using wireless earbuds, its vital that people practice safe listening habits.
“People should take regular breaks from their listening to prevent any long term issues with their ear and hearing health.
“If you’re experiencing new symptoms such as ringing, or difficulty keeping up with conversations, then you should get an assessment.”
George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said:
“For too long, blocked ears have been seen as an issue affecting older people, but we’re seeing more and more younger patients come in with related ear and hearing health challenges.
“By launching this service, we hope to help adults of all ages with their ear and hearing health.”
