Our Ear Wax Removal Service

• What is ear wax?
• Should I remove earwax?
• How often should I remove ear wax?
• How to remove earwax at home
• What happens if earwax is not removed?

Formed in the outer ear canal, the natural wax our ears produce forms a defensive layer in the ear canal. As it is produced it moves slowly from the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear. 

Earwax has several uses: protecting the ear canal against dust, dirt, bacteria, and foreign bodies. It also helps to fight infection and prevents dry or itchy ears by moisturising the skin inside your ear.

Your ears are self-cleaning, so there shouldn't be any need to remove your earwax. However, if your body produces too much wax, it can cause issues such as muffled hearing. 

It’s important to check that this isn’t being caused by any other conditions, such as an ear infection or something as simple as a common cold, before you attempt to remove earwax.

Everyone develops different amounts of wax, and at different speeds. While some people need regular appointments to manage their earwax, others never experience any issues and don’t require any medical assistance. 

If you’re worried about the amount of earwax your body is producing, it’s a good idea to contact your GP or local hearing health professional as they will be able to assess your ears and recommend the best treatment for you.

There are several ways to clean your ears and remove your earwax safely at home. Washing regularly should be enough to keep your ears clean, but you can also use a damp washcloth to gently clean the outside of your ears, or an ear irrigation kit along with wax softeners and preventers to combat buildup and moisturise the ear canal.

However, removing your earwax is only advised if your symptoms aren’t urgent and you haven’t noticed any other issues such as pain or a change in your hearing. 

If you are considering removing earwax at home, avoid inserting any objects into your ear canal, as this can actually push the wax in further and may cause permanent damage. We also wouldn’t recommend the use of ear candles as they can cause injuries, burns or perforation of the eardrum.

If your ears are producing normal amounts of earwax, it’s likely that nothing will happen if it isn’t removed. In fact, you shouldn't need to remove earwax at all, as it acts as a natural barrier for your ear canal, trapping dust, dirt and bacteria and preventing any injuries to the delicate area.

However, if you do have an excess or a buildup of earwax, if it’s not removed it can cause a number of symptoms such as irritation and hearing loss, while it can also become impacted. 

Impacted earwax is common, especially in older adults, as wax becomes harder as we age, and can be caused by several issues - from certain skin diseases such as eczema to wearing hearing aids. Impacted ear wax can cause a range of symptoms, either in one or both of your ears, including:

• Dizziness

• Tinnitus

• Earache

• Trouble hearing

• Itching

If you’re concerned about your earwax and are looking for some advice on how to remove it, book an appointment with our specialists today or give us a call on 0345 270 1600 to chat with our team.