Millions lose access to free earwax removal
People in Gloucestershire will no longer receive free earwax removal on the NHS.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has warned almost 10 million people can no longer access NHS earwax removal treatment.
It is feared people will turn to dangerous self removal methods as many cannot afford private healthcare.
According to the NHS 2.3 million people in the UK need earwax treatment every year.
It is more common amongst older people, hearing-aid users, and those with a learning disability.
Simon Wendland, director of Imperial Hearing in Gloucestershire, said he's treating patients who have been waiting years for an appointment.
He said: "I saw one teenager last year, her and her family had been looking for 2 years to get someone to clear her ears. She was absolutely desperate."
"It can be a huge problem, the discomfort and social isolation that comes from having your ears blocked is often described as toothache for the ear."
Mr Wendland is warning people against treating the problem with home remedies.
He said: "The ear is a very sensitive and complicated part of the human anatomy, one wrong move can result in a perforation."
Imperial Hearing are seeing an increase in people relying on their services. But Mr Wendland fears many will not be able to afford private treatment.