Ear wax is a normal and useful substance. It helps protect the delicate skin of the ear canal, traps dust and debris, and usually works its way out naturally. However, wax can sometimes build up, become hard or impacted, and affect your hearing or comfort.
When this happens, professional ear wax removal can provide a safe and effective solution. At Barnes Pharmacy on Welwyn High Street, our ear wax removal service offers an opportunity to have your symptoms assessed and suitable treatment discussed.
What are the signs of impacted ear wax?
Ear wax does not always cause symptoms, but a build-up may block the ear canal and interfere with the way sound reaches the eardrum. Common symptoms include:
- Muffled or reduced hearing in one or both ears
- A feeling of fullness, pressure or blockage
- Earache or mild discomfort
- Ringing or other noises in the ear, known as tinnitus
- Itching or irritation in the ear canal
- Occasional dizziness or a sense of imbalance
- An increase in hearing-aid feedback or difficulty wearing a hearing aid
Symptoms can develop gradually, so you may not realise how much your hearing has changed until the wax is removed. Some people notice the problem after using earbuds, wearing hearing aids, swimming, or when water becomes trapped behind a wax blockage.
When should you seek professional advice?
It is sensible to arrange an assessment if symptoms persist, affect your daily activities, or make it difficult to use hearing aids. Professional removal is particularly helpful when wax is hard, deeply positioned, recurrent, or has not responded to suitable softening drops.
However, not every ear symptom is caused by wax. Before removal, a trained professional should consider whether the symptoms could be related to an infection, a perforated eardrum, a foreign object, skin irritation, or another hearing problem.
Seek urgent medical advice rather than booking routine wax removal if you have sudden hearing loss, severe or worsening pain, fluid or pus coming from the ear, significant dizziness, fever, or swelling around the ear. Sudden hearing loss can require urgent assessment and should not be assumed to be wax.
Why cotton buds and ear candles are not safe solutions
Cotton buds, hair grips, matchsticks and similar objects can push wax further into the ear canal. They may also scratch the skin or injure the eardrum. Even if a cotton bud appears to remove some wax, it can leave a deeper blockage behind.
Ear candles are not a safe or proven method for removing wax. They can cause burns, allow hot wax to enter the ear, and potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum. Vacuum devices and home irrigation kits may also be unsuitable, particularly if you have an ear condition or cannot see clearly into the ear.
The safest approach is to avoid putting objects into the ear and to obtain advice if you think wax is impacted.
What are the safe options for ear wax removal?
Wax-softening drops
Ear drops can soften and loosen wax, making it easier for the body to remove it or for a professional to remove it. Products may contain oil-based ingredients or other wax-softening substances. Follow the product instructions and ask a pharmacist for advice if you are unsure which option is suitable.
Do not use ear drops if you may have a perforated eardrum, have had recent ear surgery, or have been advised to avoid them. If drops cause significant pain, irritation or worsening symptoms, stop using them and seek advice.
Professional removal
Depending on the condition of your ears and the position of the wax, a trained practitioner may use an appropriate method such as microsuction or manual removal. In some circumstances, irrigation may be considered, but it is not suitable for everyone. The method should be chosen after discussing your medical history and examining the ear.
Professional removal avoids inserting unsuitable objects into the ear and allows the practitioner to stop if there are signs that the problem may not be wax. If removal is not appropriate, you may be advised to contact your GP or another healthcare professional.
Who may need additional assessment?
Tell the practitioner about any relevant ear problems before treatment. This includes a history of a perforated eardrum, grommets or other ear surgery, recurrent ear infections, significant tinnitus, severe eczema affecting the ear, or previous problems with ear wax removal.
People who take blood-thinning medicines, have a bleeding disorder, or have conditions affecting balance should also mention this. These details do not necessarily mean that professional removal is impossible, but they may affect which method is safest or whether further clinical advice is needed.
If you use hearing aids, bring them with you or follow any instructions about removing them before your appointment. Wax can contribute to feedback, but hearing changes may have more than one cause, so persistent hearing difficulties may require a hearing assessment even after the ears are clear.
What to expect at an ear wax removal appointment
Your appointment should begin with questions about your symptoms, medical history and any previous ear problems. The practitioner will look into the ear to assess the wax and the condition of the ear canal, where possible.
If removal is appropriate, the chosen method will be explained before treatment begins. You may hear a gentle buzzing or suction sound during microsuction, and the ear may feel briefly sensitive afterwards. Manual removal may involve carefully removing visible wax with suitable instruments. Treatment should not be forced, and you should tell the practitioner if you experience pain, marked dizziness or discomfort.
Many people notice improved hearing or a reduction in the blocked sensation immediately, although this is not guaranteed if another condition is contributing to the symptoms. The practitioner may recommend further softening drops, a follow-up appointment, or medical assessment if wax cannot be removed safely in one session.
Looking after your ears afterwards
Once the ear is clear, avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects. The outer ear can be cleaned gently with a damp cloth, but the ear canal usually does not need cleaning. Try to keep water out of the ear if it feels sore or if you have been given specific aftercare advice.
Wax can build up again, especially in people who use hearing aids or naturally produce more wax. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional whether occasional softening drops are appropriate for you. Do not use them routinely if you have been told you have a perforated eardrum or another condition that makes drops unsuitable.
Book professional ear wax removal at Barnes Pharmacy
If blocked ears, muffled hearing or persistent ear discomfort may be caused by wax, Barnes Pharmacy can help you explore a safe next step. Visit our ear wax removal service page to find out more and book an appointment.