Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax micro-suction

Micro-suction is the safest and easiest way to unblock earwax from a blocked ear. The procedure uses a microscope or magnifying loupes to provide a clear view of the ear canal.

Our audiologists safely remove your earwax using a fine suction tube. This method is highly effective and comfortable, solving most earwax blockages in around 60 minutes. Widely considered the best earwax removal method, our earwax micro-suction appointments are offered in all of our nationwide hearing centres for just £60 (for 1 or 2 ears).

Ear wax water irrigation

This process replaced the outdated technique of ‘ear syringing’. We use an electronic machine to deliver a controlled flow of water to your ear canal to remove any wax. The warm water breaks down the wax into small pieces and is flushed out into a collection cup

Ear wax removal at home – what you need to know

There are a number of home remedies that promise to help manage or treat earwax blockages. While olive oil and over-the-counter ear wax treatments can help to soften and treat mild blockages, if symptoms progress or persist, an earwax removal appointment can help.

Self-remedies, such as earwax removal tools, have grown in popularity, particularly on social media. The use of tools, especially those that enter the ear canal, can push earwax further down the ear canal, making symptoms worse. This can also increase the risk of rupturing and damaging your eardrums, which can lead to irreversible hearing damage. If you’re experiencing loss of hearing or issues with blocked ears, always speak to a professional. Our friendly experts are here to help; get in touch via 0800 298 7261 or info@healthyhearing.co.uk

Book your appointment

Book an appointment at your nearby hearing centre.

Prepare your ear with olive oil

Using medical-grade olive oils can help soften earwax, making the removal process smoother and faster.  We recommend using Cl-ear olive oil a few days prior to your appointment – we can mail it to you for only £5.99; call us on: 0800 298 7261.

Hear clearly again

We will aim to remove your earwax in one go and on the same day, using methods that are safe and effective.

Book your ear wax removal today

To arrange your earwax removal appointment, find your nearest Healthy Hearing centre and book a wax removal at a time and date best suited to you.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with our friendly team by calling us on 0800 298 7261 or via email info@healthyhearing.co.uk. If you have a history of ear infections, have had a recent ear surgery, have a perforated eardrum, are experiencing ear discharge, or have underlying health conditions, please speak to a member of our team before booking.

What causes ear wax to become blocked?

Under normal circumstances, earwax (or cerumen) naturally leaves the ear canal. This is aided by the movement of the jaw through speaking or chewing, and the migration of skin from the inner ear to the outer ear that carries earwax. 

A build-up of earwax can prevent this, however. Build-ups can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, as well as lifestyle and work-related factors, such as:

Narrow or hairy ear canals : 

Narrow ear canals or hair in the canal can trap wax, making its movement out of the ear restricted, leading to a higher tendency to blockages.

Overproduction of earwax: 

Some people produce more earwax than others. Excessive earwax can increase the likelihood of an earwax buildup if this is not cleared. This can be caused by skin conditions such as eczema.

Age:

As we age, our earwax tends to become harder and drier. This can reduce the ear’s ability to remove earwax, which can lead to buildups.

Use of hearing aids: 

Hearing aids that fit inside the canal can restrict earwax movement, making earwax buildups more likely.  Browse our wide range of hearing aids from reputable brands to find the model for you.

Use of earphones or earplugs: 

The use of in-ear monitors, earphones, earplugs and any devices that fit inside the ear canal can block the progression of earwax; pushing devices too deep in the ear canal can also impact any earwax in the canal, making current blockages worse. Learn more about our hearing devices designed for musicians, runners and TV Speakers.

Use of cotton swabs or inserting objects into the ear: 

Cotton swabs should only be used to clean the outer ear; use of cotton swabs in the ear canal can push wax deeper in the canal and also risk damage to the eardrum.

Why does a blocked ear hurt or cause dizziness?

If you’re experiencing a blocked ear, noticing signs of discomfort and dizziness are not uncommon. But why? Well, when earwax builds up and becomes blocked in the ear canal, the earwax can increase pressure on the eardrum. It is this pressure that can lead to discomfort and pain. As our hearing and inner ears are highly responsible for our sense of balance, when our ears become blocked, this can lead to disorientation from our vision and hearing.

Can a blocked ear cause a cough?

It is possible that a blocked or impacted ear can lead to a persistent cough.

The ears, nose, and throat are connected through the Eustachian tubes and a series of nerves. A blocked ear can increase pressure on the vagus nerve, or Arnold’s nerve in particular. This can be misinterpreted by the brain as a stimulus in the throat, which can lead to a persistent dry cough.

A blocked ear from an ear infection can also lead to a persistent cough, as fluid builds pressure, blocking the Eustachian tube in the middle ear. If you’re experiencing a blocked ear, you can arrange a fast and effective earwax removal appointment from any of our Healthy Hearing centres across the UK.

Does blocked earwax need to be removed?

While earwax performs a necessary role in protecting our ears against infections and bacteria, a build-up of earwax can cause pain and complications. Leaving a build-up of earwax can lead to tinnitus (ringing ears), ear irritation, ear infections, hearing loss, and a number of avoidable issues. If you’re having trouble with a blocked ear, you can book a safe and professional earwax removal at any of our Healthy Hearing centres across the UK.

To prevent further hearing issues, do not leave a blocked ear for more than 1 week.

What does olive oil do for blocked ears?

Olive oil, specifically medical-grade olive oil, can help to soften earwax, which can help hardened wax progress naturally out of the ear canal. It is often recommended to use olive oil to soften earwax before an earwax removal appointment, as softened earwax can be removed more easily, making the process more comfortable.

Olive oil should not be used if you have a perforated or damaged eardrum or a history of ear infections. Always seek the advice of a qualified audiologist.