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Earwax is often overlooked, but changes in its colour can provide insight into your ear health. While typical earwax ranges from yellow to light brown, unusual shades can sometimes indicate infections or other underlying issues. Understanding Earwax Known medically as cerumen, earwax is produced naturally by glands in the ear canal to trap dust, bacteria, and other irritants. It protects your ears while helping maintain a clean canal. Changes in colour, texture, or volume may signal that your ears need attention. Red or Bloody Earwax Earwax tinged with red or blood can result from minor scratches or irritation. However, persistent bleeding or unusual discharge should be checked promptly. In rare cases, it could be a symptom of serious conditions, including tumours in the ear canal, so it’s important to seek professional advice if bleeding continues. Green and Black Earwax Green earwax may suggest a bacterial infection, often accompanied by itching, swelling, or pus. Black earwax could indicate a fungal infection, accumulated debris, or simply older wax that has not been removed for some time. Dark brown or orange wax is sometimes caused by dry skin or prolonged exposure to dust. While these changes are not always serious, sudden shifts in colour, consistency, or smell warrant attention. When to See a Professional If you notice unusual earwax accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or discharge, it’s important to get it checked by a qualified medical professional or audiologist. Excess wax can sometimes contribute to temporary hearing difficulties or tinnitus, but professional removal by an audiologist is safe and effective. Contact us to book a wax removal appointment by microsuction today! Key Points If you’re suffering from blocked ears due to a wax build up or perhaps you are concerned about the colour of your ear wax, contact us today to book a microsuction ear wax removal appointment on 0333 011 7717 or email us at hello@gatwickaudiology.co.uk. References

With statistics showing that 47% of people have never had a hearing test, yet with deafness being the second most common disability in the UK with over one in five people living with a hearing loss over 25dB, the promotion of hearing health and deaf awareness is more crucial than ever before. The Open Day on Tuesday, November 12th will include: FREE ear examinations 50% off wax removal (on the day only if pre-booked) FREE hearing tests (to be pre-booked) 10% off hearing aids purchased on the day and Special offers from Signia The Open Day will showcase the latest advancements in hearing care and provide invaluable insights into maintaining hearing health. More people are living with hearing loss than diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer put together! The number of people with hearing loss is also expected to rise to 14.2 million people by 2035. Whether you’re seeking expert advice, curious about cutting-edge hearing aid technology, or simply interested in learning more about your hearing health, the Open Day is the perfect opportunity to connect with expert audiologists and explore the world of better hearing. Don’t become part of these statistics, take action today! As part of Gatwick Audiology’s commitment to promoting early detection and intervention for hearing loss. These evaluations provide valuable insights into your current hearing health and help you to take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal auditory function. Supported by leading hearing aid manufacturer Signia, the Open Day will provide the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in hearing technology. Plus, take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts available only during this time. Ignoring a potential hearing loss can impact our emotional well-being as well as our physical health and quality of life. It can also have a knock-on effect on our family and friends. Living with an undiagnosed hearing loss can make it difficult to keep up with conversations, making social interactions extremely difficult. This can lead to misunderstandings and social isolation. Routine hearing tests provide an opportunity to identify any changes in hearing which can be recognised and if needed, hearing aids can be used to restore the level of hearing. To book contact us on 0333 011 7717 or email hello@gatwickaudiology.co.uk.

It is important to protect your ears against loud noises and ear infections, which you may already know, but did you also know that certain foods can help prevent age-related hearing loss and the progression of hearing loss?i Read which groceries to add to your shopping list to support healthy hearing. Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D The high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D in salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines can have a positive impact on your hearing. Omega 3 benefits the cardiovascular system and reduces inflammation, which can damage sensitive tissue that is also found in the earii. Antioxidants and folic acid Eating antioxidants and especially folic acid regularly can reduce the risk of hearing loss by up to 20%!iii Foods like spinach, asparagus, beans, broccoli, eggs, liver and nuts contain folic acid. Antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals in the body that can harm the nervous system in the inner ear. This might be because the body uses folic acid to combat metabolic homocysteine – which is an inflammatory connection that reduces the blood flow in the body. Good blood flow is important to keep the hair cells in the inner ear healthy and functioning correctly. Vitamin C, E, and glutathione Vitamin E protects blood vessels and nerves around the ears, while Vitamin C strengthens the immune system which helps prevent ear infections. Like antioxidants, both Vitamin C and E keep free radicals at bay and strengthen the immune system. These vitamins can be found in fruits and vegetables like oranges and peppers. Eat healthy to reduce the risk of hearing loss Most of these dietary supplements are easy to access and completely safe to eat for most people.

Christmas evokes a variety of unique feelings, smells, tastes and sounds that bring each one of us into the holiday mode. Have you ever noticed how many Christmas carols include lyrics about hearing and listening? A popular Christmas classic played worldwide, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne in 1962. Others include “Silver Bells”, a song full of the sounds of winter, “Angels We Have Heard on High” about singing and listening, and “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” both describe the sound of sleigh bells. Can you think of others?

We hear from many patients who say they find themselves lip reading without realising before having a hearing loss diagnosed. Lip reading can be a game-changer for people with hearing loss in challenging listening situations, especially social gatherings such as family and friends getting together over the festive season. Try to position yourself in a place where you can see people’s faces. Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, they’ll give you additional clues about the conversation. Most hearing aids come with smartphone apps designed to assist in hearing. These can feature simple sound amplifiers which be used to filter out background noise and enhance speech. As a hearing aid user, you’ll find that educating your friends and family about your needs can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the festive season. Communication is key, so let them know about the challenges you face and how they can help. For example, reducing background noise can make conversations easier for you to follow. Don’t hesitate to let people know you’re using a hearing aid and may need them to speak a bit louder or slower. Remember, the goal is to enjoy.

Are you feeling isolated through hearing loss? With Deaf Awareness Week (May 5-11, 2025) approaching, we’re excited to support this important initiative to raise awareness and challenge perceptions about hearing loss in the UK. At Gatwick Audiology, we believe that hearing well isn’t just about sound; it’s about staying connected, involved, and confident in everyday life. To celebrate the occasion, we’re pleased to invite you to a series of Open Days at our Nutfield, Pulborough and Dorking Ear Care Centres, in partnership with Starkey, showcasing the very latest in hearing aid technology. Hearing Loss & Social Isolation: Let’s Talk About It Did you know that more than 10 million people in the UK are living with some form of hearing loss? From missing conversations in noisy places to avoiding phone calls, hearing loss can cause many to feel left out, anxious, or withdrawn. As we age, this isolation can lead to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and dementia. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. Discover Starkey Edge AI: From its pure, clean sound and dependable durability to its multiple health, wellness and convenience features, Starkey Edge AI puts you in control of each day. 30% more accurate at identifying speech Maintains our 51 hours of battery life Available in a range of discreet styles Stream calls, music and more straight to your ears Includes smart features that count steps, translate languages and more!