Earwax Removal
Frequently Asked Questions

Ear wax is a natural lubricant and antibacterial material that’s produced by sebaceous glands within the ear canal. Ear wax can help to clean, lubricate, and protect the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and stopping water from entering the ear canal.

Ear wax also creates a sticky barrier that prevents foreign objects from entering, including bacterial and fungal infections of the ear canal and ear drum. It also traps dead hair, skin and dust, which it then carries out of your ear.

Earwax helps to prevent fungal and microbial infections in the ear canal, because it is acidic

Unfortunately, many people have reported no longer being able to access free earwax removal services from their GP. Your best choice will often be an independent ear wax removal specialist.

No, it is strongly advised against trying to remove impacted earwax yourself at home with DIY kits as there’s a high risk of causing permanent damage to your ears. Earwax removal by a professional is required in case of impacted ears or ear wax blockages.

When you have ear wax blocking your canal it can lead to multiple symptoms such as:
• A feeling of fullness in the ears
• Change in hearing levels (Muffled hearing or lower hearing levels)
• Tinnitus (noises being heard without external source e.g. ringing, buzzing etc.)
• Ear aches

If excess ear wax is not removed, the symptoms you are experiencing can worsen. If you are suffering with any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to book in to determine whether ear wax removal is necessary.

Some people are prone to producing too much ear wax, in fact, the most common cause of earwax blockage is DIY home removal. Using cotton swabs (cotton buds), bobby pins, or other objects in your ear canal can also push wax deeper, creating a blockage.

You are more likely to have a wax build up with frequent use of earphones and spending time in dusty environments.

Other reasons for the excessive ear wax include, the normal aging process, swimming, frequent exposure to loud environments and certain skin conditions e.g. eczema.

In most cases, it takes about 15-30 minutes to perform microsuction on both ears.

No. Ear wax removal by professionals is safe, comfortable and pain-free. Microsuction and water irrigation are the two most commonly used methods of wax removal.

Yes. When carried out by an experienced and qualified ear wax removal specialist.
Microsuction is an ear wax removal technique that’s more comfortable and effective than ear syringing.

A fine sterile suction device is used to remove the earwax with a low level of pressure – the sensation is a little like a gentle vacuum cleaner inside your ear, sucking out the ear wax.

Microsuction is the safest and best ear wax removal method, as ear microsuction may be used even in the presence of an ear drum perforation.

Microsuction is also the only technique that’s safe to use for ear wax removal in the event of an external or middle ear infection.

Yes it is very effective. Microsuction involves the use of a binocular microscope which provides a clear and magnified view of the ear canal. A fine low-pressure suction device is then used to remove any ear wax obstructions safely.

Water irrigation involves a machine to remove ear wax with a carefully controlled flow of water. This machine pumps water at a controlled and steady rate through a specially designed nozzle. The water simply washes the ear wax away. This is not the same as the old syringe method which is no longer used.

If the ears are naturally prone to produce excessive wax, then a quarterly appointment is likely to be needed. Hearing aid users should also have their ears checked at least every 6-12 months.

Yes, all our methods of wax removal are suitable for senior patients.

Yes. Microsuction is a safe method of removing wax from children`s ears. The equipment used is small and causes no damage to the ears. This method does not use water irrigation and children can return to their regular daily activities straight away.

Excess ear wax build-up in children can cause mild or moderate symptoms. Children may communicate these symptoms if they are able, otherwise the typical signs of wax build-up are trouble hearing, itchiness, feeling of fullness and earache.

We would advise that children`s ear wax removal using microsuction is performed on children aged 7 or above as they need to be able to stay still during the procedure. Younger children may be seen depending on an assessment, please contact us if your child is below 7 years of age.

Yes, it is highly recommended. Hearing aid users experience more earwax build-up because the devices block the ears, which hinders the natural progression of wax. It is important to have regular ear checks as excess earwax doesn’t just stop the sound from being delivered to the ears, there is also a risk of the of the hearing aids being blocked by the wax. Regular cleaning of the hearing aids is advised as receivers can be permanently damaged by too much wax.

Yes, if excess ear wax and vertigo are persistent problems, then having regularly scheduled microsuction appointments can help to relieve these symptoms of vertigo and reduce recurrences. Dizziness, balance issues and vertigo generally should also be reported to the GP.

Yes, if the tinnitus is caused by an ear wax blockage.  When the wax is removed, most people find their perception of tinnitus decreases.

Yes, but the procedure is not risk free. If you are taking anti-coagulant medications (bloodthinners, such as aspirin, apixaban, warfarin), there is a slightly increased risk of bleeding from the procedure. Wax removal specialists hold the relevant qualifications and training to perform aural microsuction, and they are fully insured to carry out the procedures offered. Questions regarding medication and medical history are discussed before the procedure is carried out.

Yes, microsuction ear wax removal is the safest method of clearing the ears of wax, if you have a perforated eardrum. Patients who have perforated eardrums must not have their ears irrigated with water or syringed.

Yes it can. If the ears are blocked with ear wax, then swimming pool or sea water can get stuck behind the plug of ear wax. This trapped water can lead to infections as it is unable to drian because it is trapped behind the earwax. If there are any wax issues suspected, book an appointment with us before going swimming or on holiday.

This is safer, gentler and more effective technology than the old “syringing” method. With water irrigation, body temperature (37°C) water is used to flush debris out of the ear canal at a low pressure. This method is ideal for removing larger quantities of soft ear wax.

The most used ear wax removal method which does not use water is Microsuction.

Yes and No. Softening ear wax before microsuction is not essential, but using olive oil drops to soften the wax before the procedure may make it faster and more comfortable.

No, we don’t recommend the use of DIY home use kits and they should be avoided, even if they have a camera as they have a high risk of causing pain and permanent damage. Please do not trust these kits even if they have lots of positive reviews.

Visit a professional wax removal clinician to be assisted with wax removal.

Yes, most of the time wax removal is completely painless and does not hurt, as reported by patients. However, patients who have years of wax buildup in their ears which has led to the wax compacting and drying or hardening, can sometimes be more challenging to remove and can cause some slight discomfort. Regular ear health checks are advised, especially for those who are prone to excess wax buildup. Using olive oil from time to time, can also help the wax stay soft and more easily removable.

Using a camera (video endoscope) to remove earwax at home yourself may seem like a good idea, and a great way to save some money. However; it is just another dangerous tool for removing earwax.

Professionals qualified to remove ear wax have in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the ear, the specific methods of removing wax and have the correct equipment to remove wax. Without these, attempting to remove wax at home can be very dangerous.

Yes and No. It is not possible to prevent ear wax. Regularly using olive oil will help soften earwax buildup. This can help the wax fall out on its own. Olive oil can also help soften the wax before microsuction or irrigation procedure is carried out.

No, it is not safe to use Q-Tip/cotton buds in the ears. Putting anything in the ear canal can push wax and other debris inwards, preventing sound from reaching the eardrum effectively.

Wax is produced in the outer ear canal and naturally works its way outwards, but if it gets pushed further in, it goes in deeper than it is supposed to, carrying bacteria inwards to where the skin is very thin and fragile.

Although Q-tips may look soft, they are abrasive on the sensitive skin deep in the ear canal. There is also risk of rupturing the eardrum.

No, avoid using Hydrogen Peroxide in your ears to try to remove ear wax. It is not safe and can cause irritation and damage to the ears.

No, absolutely not! Ear candling is a procedure believed to remove debris and wax out of the ear and there is no scientific evidence to support their efficiency or success.

There are many images on the internet showing the insides of ear candles with ‘wax’ inside, however ear candles do not seem to be successful in removing wax from the ears, and do not help with tinnitus, sinuses or other issues related to ear, nose and throat. In fact, research showed it was more likely that candle wax was deposited into the ear rather than earwax being removed.

Common risks of using ear candles that have been reported include burns to the face and ear, candle wax blocking the ear and even hot wax attaching to the eardrum causing permanent damage.

Once the booking is completed, the clinician will confirm the appointment via phone call.

Unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional, the recommendation is that olive oil spray, such as Earol is used once the ear is suspected to be compacted with wax. This is to help soften your ear wax so it’s easier for the clinician to remove.

At the appointment, before starting the procedure, medical history and general ear health will be discussed with the clinician. If any contraindicators or referable conditions are detected, referrals can be made to your GP.

Before the wax removal can begin, the clinician will go through a few steps at the start of the appointment to determine the level of wax build-up and the most suitable method of removal. The clinician will provide advice of any risks and considerations before progressing with the appointment.

The examination of the ear canal is carried out with a manual and a video otoscope. This will give an indication of the level and location of excess ear wax, and the patient is also able to see the status of their ear. A consent form is also mandatory to be signed prior to the appointment.

The clinician then chooses one of three methods (manual, microsuction or irrigation) to remove the excess wax from the ear canals.

Otoscopy and video otoscopy will then be repeated, to check if all wax has been removed. In some cases, this may not be achievable in one appointment, in which case another appointment will be arranged free of charge.

Following the successful ear wax removal, the clinician will then conduct a hearing health screening to check the overall health of your hearing.