Ear Wax Care

Ear wax is a natural protectant that helps to lubricate the canal and keep it free from dirt and bacteria. Too much ear wax can become an issue and lead to discomfort, pain, difficulty hearing and in some severe cases tinnitus, dizziness and an infection.

Some people unfortunately produce more wax than others and the shape (narrow, bendy) of their ear canal can prevent the wax from coming out naturally. The use of earplugs, earphones, hearing aids, working in dusty, dirty environments and having hairy ear canals can also be factors.

The old saying ‘nothing smaller than your elbow goes in your ear’ applies. Your ear canal is self-cleaning and does not need you to interrupt this process by sticking cotton buds, bobby pins, pen lids etc. in your ear to clean out the wax. This can be detrimental as it will push the wax too far into the canal and it can become impacted.

The ear canals skin grows outwards and like a conveyor belt, it will move the wax out of your ear naturally.

Aqueous solutions, such as ‘Waxol’ will soften the wax and allow it to be removed more easily by a professional and should be used as instructed, 2 days prior to your appointment. The main removal techniques are irrigation, scooping and micro-suctioning. Our audiologists will scoop any ear wax prior to your hearing test and fitting as the wax can affect your hearing results and hearing aids. We can refer you for micro-suctioning at a local GP who specialises in ear wax removal.

Debunking the myth of Ear Candling is one of the first lessons taught at university. Some countries have banned Ear Candling as it has been proven to be both ineffective and dangerous. If you light an Ear Candle and leave it to burn in a glass, then open it up, you will see the supposed ‘ear wax’ inside. This is what is shown to people to trick them into believing that this wax was from their ear. Save your ears, time and money.