Earwax plays a vital role in protecting your ears from dust, bacteria, and foreign particles. While it might not be the most glamorous topic, ear health is essential – and that includes understanding when and how to remove earwax safely.
Hampstead Hearing specialise in safe, effective microsuction earwax removal , providing expert care for those suffering from blocked ears or hearing difficulties due to wax build-up.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of professional earwax removal, the potential dangers of DIY methods, and how our team can help restore your hearing and comfort with safe, clinically approved techniques.
Why is earwax important? Before diving into removal methods, it’s worth knowing why earwax exists in the first place. Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal and serves several protective functions:
Traps dust and debris: Preventing foreign particles from reaching the eardrum.
Has antibacterial properties: Helping to prevent infections.
Keeps the ear canal lubricated: Reducing itchiness and dryness.
In most cases, earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal on its own. However, for some people, earwax can build up and become impacted, leading to discomfort, muffled hearing, and in some cases, ear infection.
Signs of earwax build-up While not everyone experiences symptoms, there are several common signs that may indicate you need earwax removal .
You might notice a sudden or gradual loss of hearing, which can be caused by wax blocking the ear canal. A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear is another tell-tale sign, often described as a sensation of having ‘something stuck’ inside the ear.
Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus , can also be triggered by a build-up of wax. Some people experience earache or general discomfort, which may be mild or more persistent. In more severe cases, excessive wax can affect your balance, leading to dizziness or a sense of unsteadiness.
You may also hear a crackling or popping noise in the ear, particularly when chewing or moving your jaw, which can be a result of shifting wax. Some people find that wax build-up becomes worse after swimming or showering, as moisture can cause the wax to expand, intensifying the blockage. These symptoms can interfere with everyday activities like talking on the phone, enjoying music, or socialising in noisy environments.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a hearing professional rather than reaching for the cotton buds!
The dangers of DIY earwax removal Searches for how to remove earwax often bring up a plethora of home remedies – from ear candling to using cotton buds or at-home irrigation kits. However, these methods are not only ineffective, but can also be dangerous!
Here’s why DIY earwax removal is not recommended and should be avoided at all costs:
Risk of injury: Using cotton buds or hairpins to ‘dig out’ wax can cause trauma to the delicate ear canal or even puncture the eardrum. Pushing wax further in: Instead of removing wax, you’re likely to push it deeper into the ear canal, causing further impaction and potentially worsening the blockage. Infection risk: Home remedies that involve inserting foreign objects or liquids into the ear can introduce bacteria and lead to ear infections. Ear candling is a myth: Despite persistent online claims, ear candling has been widely debunked by medical professionals. It poses a serious burn risk and does not effectively remove wax.
In short, DIY ear cleaning is not worth the risk. Professional assessment and treatment will ensure your ears remain healthy and clear.
The benefits of professional earwax removal Microsuction earwax removal is widely considered the safest and most effective method for removing excess wax. It involves using a gentle medical suction device to remove wax under direct visualisation with a specialised microscope.
Unlike syringing or irrigation, it does not introduce moisture into the ear, making it a cleaner and more precise method.
The benefits of microsuction include:
Safe: Performed under magnification by a trained audiologist.
Quick: Typically takes just 20-30 minutes.
No mess: No water is involved.
Immediate relief: Most patients report an immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.
Our earwax removal service is tailored to your needs and comfort, ensuring you’re receiving the best hearing care in Hampstead.
What to expect during your appointment We start with a consultation and visual assessment, during which we examine your ear canal using an otoscope or video otoscopy. We will also discuss your symptoms and medical history. This ensures we understand your needs and can tailor the procedure accordingly.
Next comes the wax removal via microsuction. Using a precision suction device, we gently extract the wax while monitoring the process through a high-resolution microscope. This ensures accuracy, safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Finally, we provide aftercare and advice to help you maintain healthy ears and reduce the likelihood of future wax build-up. This may include tips on ear hygiene and guidance on how often you might need check-ups.
Many patients find the process to be comfortable, and even relaxing, with minimal to no discomfort. Most notice an immediate improvement in hearing and overall ear comfort.
Our commitment to safe and expert care If you’ve been searching online for how to remove earwax, let us save you the guesswork. We understand how frustrating blocked ears can be. That’s why our audiologists are specially trained in earwax removal and equipped with the latest technology to ensure a comfortable, stress-free experience.
We follow strict hygiene protocols and offer same-day appointments where possible, so you don’t have to wait to hear clearly.
Think you’re experiencing signs of earwax build-up? Book your earwax removal appointment today or call 020 3657 8121 to speak to one of our helpful receptionists. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want peace of mind, our friendly team is here to help.
Hampstead Hearing, part of the renowned Harley Street Hearing group, is a leading provider of independent, expert hearing and ear healthcare in the UK. We specialise in comprehensive hearing assessments, state-of-the-art hearing aids, tinnitus management, and a wide range of personalised services designed to support your hearing health.
