Every week, patients ask us questions about ear wax, blocked ears, microsuction, and ear syringing. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below. 

How can I remove wax from my ears at home? 

The safest way to soften ear wax at home is by using olive oil ear drops or a clinically approved ear wax softener. Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ear canal, as these can push wax deeper and cause blockages. 

What methods are there for wax removal?  

Professional ear wax removal methods such as microsuction, use gentle suction to safely remove wax from the ear canal. Other methods such as ear irrigation use water to flush soft wax out of the ear canal by rebounding off the ear drum. Experienced clinicians can also use small tools to manually remove wax from the ear canal, this is not recommended for home removal due to risk of injury.  

What dissolves hard earwax? 

Olive oil and specially formulated ear drops, containing hydrogen peroxide or sodium bicarbonate, can help break down and soften hardened wax, making it easier to remove naturally or during a professional ear wax removal appointment.  Sensitive or eczema prone skin can react to over the counter ear drop preparations. If you are experiencing itching or pain, stop using the drops and seek advice from a clinician before continuing. If you have reacted to an ear drop preparation in the past, almond oil, sunflower oil and unfragranced baby oil can be a good alternative to soften wax whilst avoiding irritation.  

How do I know if my ear is full of earwax? 

Common symptoms include: 

• Muffled hearing 

• A blocked or full sensation in the ear 

• Feeling blocked after swimming or bathing, as if water is trapped in your ear 

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) 

• Earache or discomfort 

• Dizziness in some cases 

A professional examination of the ear (Otoscopy) will confirm if wax is causing your symptoms. Otoscopy can be carried out by your GP, Practice Nurse, and in some cases Pharmacists with additional training.  Although we advise patients have an ear examination confirming wax before attending appointments, we understand access to these services can be difficult. In cases where otoscopy is not available or you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, Bath Ear Care can provide assessments with or without wax removal as needed and give advice on other conditions affecting the ear. 

Can you flush out ear wax yourself? 

Home irrigation kits are available, but they are not suitable for everyone and can cause problems if used incorrectly. Water-based removal methods are not suitable for patients with a history of ear infections, perforations, or ear surgery. If you have pain or discomfort in the ear, do not use home irrigation and seek professional advice as this may worsen an existing infection or perforate the ear drum.  

What happens if you don’t remove earwax? 

In many cases, ear wax causes no problems and does not need removing. However, excessive wax can lead to hearing loss, discomfort, tinnitus, dizziness, and ear infections if left untreated. 

How do I flush earwax out at home?  

If you’re considering home irrigation, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Softening the wax with ear drops for several days  5-7 days beforehand can help. If symptoms persist, professional removal is recommended. 

What are the risks of ear wax removal? 

When performed by a trained professional, ear wax removal is generally very safe.   Potential risks include temporary discomfort, dizziness, irritation of the ear canal, and, in rare cases, infection or damage to the ear. 

What causes a big ball of earwax? 

Ear wax can build up over time when it doesn’t naturally migrate out of the ear canal. Wearing hearing aids, earplugs, earbuds, or using cotton buds can increase the likelihood of wax becoming compacted. 

How do I unblock my ear if it’s full of wax? 

Using olive oil drops for several days can help soften the wax. If your ear remains blocked, a professional assessment can determine whether ear wax is the cause and recommend the most suitable treatment. 

Why is my ear completely blocked with wax? 

Some people naturally produce more ear wax than others. Wax can also become compacted due to narrow ear canals, hearing aids, earbuds, or the use of cotton buds. 

Can I get my ears syringed at a pharmacy? 

Some pharmacies offer ear wax removal services, although availability varies by location. Many providers now favour microsuction because it is considered a safe and effective method of ear wax removal. 

Is it painful to have ear wax removed? 

Most patients find ear wax removal comfortable. Microsuction is generally well tolerated, although some people may experience mild discomfort if the ear canal is inflamed or the wax is particularly hard. 

Is it worth getting ear wax removed? 

Almost always yes. If ear wax is causing symptoms such as hearing loss, blocked ears, tinnitus, or discomfort, removal can provide significant relief and improve hearing almost immediately. 

What causes excessive ear wax buildup? 

Factors that may contribute include: 

• Naturally producing more ear wax 

• Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals 

• Hearing aids and earplugs 

• Frequent earbud use 

• Cotton bud use 

• Certain skin conditions 

Does the NHS offer ear wax removal? 

NHS ear wax removal services vary depending on your local area. Many GP surgeries no longer provide routine ear syringing, and patients are often referred to community services or private clinics. 

Can a GP remove ear wax? 

Some GP practices may offer advice or assessment, but many no longer provide ear wax removal services directly. Availability varies by location. However most GPs in Bath no longer provide ear wax removal services directly

Is ear syringing no longer recommended? 

Many healthcare providers have moved away from traditional ear syringing and now prefer microsuction or controlled irrigation methods. Microsuction allows the clinician to see inside the ear during treatment and is widely used in modern ear care clinics. In some cases water based methods are more appropriate due to individual patient factors such as noise sensitivity or reactive tinnitus. The safest method takes into account the patient’s individual risks, medical history and comfort with the procedure.  

Need Professional Ear Wax Removal? 

If you’re experiencing blocked ears, hearing loss, tinnitus, or discomfort, Bath Ear Care offers professional ear wax removal using safe and effective microsuction techniques. Contact us today to book an appointment and get your hearing back to its best.