ENT outpatient appointments are proceeding with restricted numbers due to social distancing. ENT Outpatients Department are endeavouring to facilitate and prioritise all patients within these restrictions. All urgent appointments and oncology services for new and review patients are continuing as normal. Some appointments may be held as telephone consultations.

DO NOT ATTEND ANY APPOINTMENTS IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19. SHORTNESS OF BREATH/TEMPERATURE/SORE THROAT/NEW COUGH.

You will receive an appointment letter with the details of your appointment. To reduce footfall within the hospital you will be requested to attend the appointment alone if possible. You will also be asked to attend only 10 minutes before you allotted time and you must wear a face covering while you are in the hospital.

Should your appointment for review or treatment be deferred as a result of the current corona Covid 19 pandemic we would like to reassure you that we remain here to support you and are available to answer any queries you  may have in relation to your care.

Urgent ENT enquiries

In cases of Emergency please contact A/E 01 664 4600 Monday- Friday 08.00-16.00 and a pathway will be formatted for you. It would be helpful if you could have your hospital number/ DOB available when you call.

For ENT appointment and waiting list enquiries please phone 01 664 4600 and ask for the appointments department.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Ears)

My ears are itchy /blocked with wax what can I do?

The nurse led ear microsuction clinics are temporarily restricted.

Instill two to three drops of olive oil twice a day. For correct watch this video with instillation advice.

Ears tend to get itchy if wax is dry so this may provide you with some relief. You may feel when you instill the olive oil that your ear is blocking up more. Please continue with the drops. The idea of the drops is to moisturise the ear canal and soften the wax. Do not use cotton buds or stick anything into your ears.

I have a piece of a hearing aid lodged in ears. What should I do?

Please Telephone A/E or ENT clinic for advice. 01 664 4600 Monday- Friday 0800-1600.

Can I ask my GP to syringe/irrigate my ears?

Do not irrigate your ears if you answer yes to any of the questions below.

  • Have you any history of ear surgery including grommets?
  • Have you any history of ear perforation (Hole in your ear drum) present/past?
  • Do you have long term/congenital deafness in one ear? ie Are you reliant on one ear for hearing?
  • Is your ear discharging presently?

My ears are discharging / painful what can I do?

There are currently no routine ear microsuction clinics during the covid 19 pandemic. If you can get an appointment with your GP, seek same. They may prescribe you antibiotic drops/ antifungal drops or anti-inflammatory drops. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact A/E or the ENT clinic for advice.

 – How to instil ear drops correctly – Video

I have had ear surgery in the past and I cannot get irrigation carried out on my ear? What should I do?

Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice

I am experiencing a sudden hearing loss what should I do?

Please visit your GP or contact Eye and Ear A/E enquiry line on 01 664 4600

Monday to Friday 0800-1600.

Audiology (hearing) testing is proceeding as normal. You will receive a phone call or a letter if you are booked to attend for a hearing test. The check-in desk is located to the left of the main building in the Eye Outpatients Department.

Most short term ear pain and discharge should resolve with antibiotic ear drops/ tablets from your GP.

PLEASE PHONE A/E HELPLINE ON 01 664 4600

MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 0800-1600 OR ENT OUTPATIENTS 01 664 4600 ask for appointments department, MONDAY–FRIDAY 0900-1700 IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

VERY SEVERE PAIN AND DISCHARGE ASSOCIATED WITH:

  • Facial Palsy
  • Headaches
  • Visual Disturbances
  • Severe (Disabling) Vertigo
  • Temperature Spikes
  • Abscess behind your ear or in your neck
  • Vesicles (Painful rash with fluid filled blisters/bumps) on/ in your ear.