Ear wax removal should only ever be performed by a qualified medical practitioner. Our vastly experienced practitioner pharmacists routinely carry out ear examinations to diagnose and sometimes prescribe medication for minor outer and inner ear infections.
The gold-standard method of ear wax removal is endoscopic microsuction. Using a high-resolution ear-endoscope, we can diagnose and treat in the same visit, to safely remove and unblock impacted ears. Attempting to remove the wax yourself can damage the eardrum and inner ear. See for further benefits of professional ear wax removal.
The Risks of Self-Treatment
The ear is very delicate, with the eardrum and tiny bones located close to the entrance of the ear canal. Inserting objects like cotton buds and pins into the canal can perforate the eardrum and cause significant injury. Blind use of ear drops bought over the counter often contain substances that irritate inner ear and push wax in deeper. For guidance on how to use ear drops correctly, click here.
Is Microsuction better than Ear Syringing?
Endoscopic Microsuction is the safest and leading method of ear wax removal. A specialist microscope is used to visualise the blockage and a gentle suction device removes it. This controlled method prevents contact with the ear drum, safely allowing the removal of long-standing stubborn wax plugs that other methods fail to treat. It is safe for those who have had ear surgery and does not disrupt the lining of the ear canal.
Water irrigation devices force water deep into the ear with enough pressure to rupture the ear drum and significantly increase risk of an ear infection, potentially leading to serious complications including hearing loss, dizziness, ringing.
Who is at Risk for Earwax blockage?
Earwax impaction often can have no symptoms and can occur when earwax is produced faster than your body can remove it. Here are just some factors that may predispose you to earwax impaction:
Age over 50 years – the prevalence of earwax is higher in older individuals, especially after the age of 50.
Use of Cotton Buds – Can push ear wax further into canal
Headphone Use – Similarly to cotton buds, constant use of earbuds can push wax further into the ear canal.
History of recurrent ear wax blockage – Some people are just more prone to overproduce ear wax and are suffer from ear wax impaction.
Down Syndrome - up to 40–50% of newborns with Down's syndrome have narrow ear canals, predisposing them to earwax impactions.
Improved Hearing
Ear wax removal can restore hearing impaired or muffled by a blockage. Once the excess wax is removed, hearing should return to normal. A build-up can develop slowly over months or years, so hearing loss is often gradual. Having the wax removed can provide an immediate improvement in hearing. If your hearing does not return to normal levels, an underlying sensorineural hearing loss may be present requiring hearing aids.
Relief from Discomfort
An excess of ear wax touching the eardrum can cause pain, discomfort, ringing, dizziness, and itching sensations. Having the blockage removed by microsuction brings immediate relief from these symptoms in most cases. The specialist will also check inside the ear canal for sources of irritation or infection that could be causing discomfort.
Preventative Care
Regular preventative microsuction every 6 to 12 months will stop the wax from becoming impacted and symptomatic. Microsuction only takes around 10 minutes for each ear canal, so is a quick and easy cleaning procedure. Recognising excessive wax early and removing it before impaction occurs is the best way to prevent blocked ears and associated problems.
Earwax removal Don’ts
Don’t clean your ears too often - Over-cleaning can lead to irritation of the ear canal and often leading to wax build up and sometimes ear infection. Your ears are self-cleaning!
Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, paper clips, etc. to clean or scratch your ears. These can cause damage to your ear canal — such as a cut, or even puncture of the eardrum — which can lead to many other issues.
Don’t use ear candles. Evidence has shown candling does not reduce the amount of wax in individuals’ ear canals and is very unsafe
Don’t forget to clean your hearing aids - as recommended by your hearing healthcare professional. Click here for more information on how to clean your hearing aids.
Microsuction performed with our high-res ear-endoscope and non-invasive suction device is the safest and most effective method of ear wax removal. The benefits are instant relief from ear blockage, improved hearing, relief from discomfort, and preventative care for wax-prone ears. With several trained and experienced professionals, we have extensive availability throughout the week to book in for an ear examination.
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