COMMUNITY PHARMACIES: THE FRONTLINE OF EAR AND HEARING HEALTH
Ear health is an often-underappreciated aspect of wellbeing, yet problems such as impacted earwax are among the most common issues patients face.
By Mohammed Kadva, Audiologist, Clear Clinics
A
round 2.3 million people in the UK require earwax removal every year (1)
. While often dismissed as minor, untreated earwax
can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness – all of which affect daily life (1)
. Community pharmacies are
increasingly stepping forward to address this need, playing a vital role in supporting both physical and mental health.
Hearing Health and Mental Wellbeing The link between hearing and mental wellbeing is clear. Difficulty hearing can lead to social withdrawal, loss of confidence and heightened anxiety. In older adults, untreated hearing loss is associated with isolation and even cognitive decline (2)
. Something as simple as clearing
blocked ears can restore hearing, rebuild confidence and prevent more complex challenges from taking root.
Pharmacists often hear first-hand how distressing ear problems can be for patients. Many describe being unable to hear family conversations, feeling embarrassed in social situations or struggling at work. Quick access to ear care in a familiar community setting can therefore have a disproportionately positive impact on overall quality of life.
Pharmacies: Accessible and Trusted Pharmacies are ideally placed to provide this support. Accessible, trusted and embedded in local communities, pharmacy teams are often the first professionals patients turn to. By offering earwax removal, they can deliver fast relief, reduce unnecessary GP and ENT referrals and improve quality of life for patients almost immediately (3)
.
This accessibility is particularly important in rural and underserved areas where hospital audiology departments may be several miles away. Pharmacies often bridge the gap by offering same-day appointments, reducing pressure on NHS waiting lists and giving patients reassurance close to home.
They are also uniquely positioned to normalise conversations around hearing health. Just as they encourage patients to check blood pressure or manage long-term conditions, pharmacists can raise awareness of ear care as a routine part of staying well.
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