President's Blog
Monday 17th March 2025
Last week, the RNID published an update on their previous wax campaign. The new report highlighted the inequity for patients across the UK, with over half the people who need wax removal not being able to access this service on the NHS. Whilst we know this is causing frustrating backlogs in NHS Audiology and ENT services, it also leads people to try potentially risky DIY methods to remove their wax. For a significant proportion of people, private wax removal is unaffordable. They are left with no option but to try self-administered methods; the report states that 1 in 3 will try cotton buds and 1 in 20 ear candles or hairpins. All these can potentially worsen their situation or, in some cases, cause permanent harm.
BAA is backing the RNID’s Stop the Block campaign, which aims to encourage the Government to intervene to ensure everyone who needs wax removal can access it on the NHS.
We are also aware that a by-product of the unavailability of NHS wax removal services is the increase in wax removal training being offered and other non-audiology or ENT professionals training to deliver a private service. We are still working with the National Aural Care Strategy Group to address this, with minimum training standards, regulations, and education for the public about the risks of going to someone who may not have the full audiological knowledge backing their services.
If you offer wax removal, either as part of your NHS role or as a private provider, I encourage you to join the Academy of Healthcare Science’s community of interest—this is the first necessary step towards proper registration and regulation within this part of our community.
We are endeavouring to be more transparent with many aspects of the work we undertake on your behalf. One way we will do this is by sharing some insight into the meetings we are invited to participate in. You can read about a few of these meetings from the last couple of weeks here: BAA Board Meetings
As ever, you can contact me or any of our board directors here: admin@baaudiology.org
Take care
Claire Benton
BAA President
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