Ear wax (also called cerumen) plays an important role in protecting our ears, but when it builds up and causes discomfort, it's time to take action.

In fact, over 2.3 million people in the UK require ear wax removal each year. Despite being an important bodily function, ear wax can cause issues, including blocked ears, discomfort, or stopping water from draining from the ears. Unfortunately, an estimated 10 million people in the UK can no longer access ear wax removal through the NHS, leaving many unsure of where to turn for help. 

In this guide, we’ll explain why ear wax is necessary, the signs of a blockage, safe removal methods, and why some DIY remedies may do more harm than good. 

What is Ear Wax and Why Do We Need It? 

Ear wax is not dirty or unhygienic as some might believe. It’s made up primarily of secretions from your cerumen and sebaceous (sweat) glands, as well as dead skin cells and dust, and keeps the ears healthy and clean. Wax is actually antibacterial and acts as a barrier, protecting the ear canal from dirt, debris, and small insects. 

When Does Ear Wax Become a Problem? 

While ear wax is essential, too much of it can cause blockages, leading to symptoms such as: 

• A feeling of fullness or "blocked-up" ears 

• Muffled hearing 

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) 

• Discomfort or earache 

• Water stuck in the ear after swimming or showering 

• Dizziness or Vertigo 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek help. Ear wax blockages can interfere with hearing and may make conditions like tinnitus and vertigo worse. 

How is Ear Wax Safely Removed? 

At Hawthorn Hearing, we offer three safe and effective methods for ear wax removal: 

1. Microsuction – This is a gentle, vacuum suction method performed with specialized equipment that allows us to accurately remove wax while viewing the ear canal in detail. 

1. Irrigation – Under certain conditions we can use water irrigation to safely flush out wax, without discomfort or harm to the ear canal. 

1. Manual Removal – Sometimes, manual tools are necessary to remove wax buildup or a foreign body, especially when it’s close to the entrance of the ear canal. 

As qualified audiologists, we don’t just remove ear wax. We also conduct a full assessment of your ear health, allowing us to identify potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Treatments to Avoid 

Many people try at-home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, but not all are safe. For example, Hopi ear candles, despite their popularity, have been proven to be ineffective at treating or removing ear wax and can even cause burns or damage to the ear canal. 

Other DIY methods, like cotton buds, often make the problem worse by pushing wax deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of impaction and even injury. If ear wax needs to be softened before removal, we advise against using harsh chemical drops like Otex or Earex, which can damage the delicate skin inside the ear, leaving it susceptible to infection. Instead, we recommend using natural oils like olive, avocado, or almond oil to gently soften the wax. There’s no need to heat up any oil before use, as the temperature doesn’t affect its effectiveness. 

The Best Way to Clean Your Ears 

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How do I clean my ears?” The answer is simpler than you think—in most cases, your ears clean themselves. Wax naturally moves out of the ear, carrying debris with it. However, if you feel the need to clean your ears, you can: 

• Gently rinse your ears in the shower for up to 10 seconds using warm water. 

• Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any visible wax around the outer ear. 

Why Choose Hawthorn Hearing for Ear Wax Removal? 

At Hawthorn Hearing, our audiologists have seen thousands of patients and have in-depth knowledge of the ear and its systems, so you can trust that your ear care is in expert hands. We are trained to recognize a wide range of ear conditions, such as otosclerosis, acoustic neuroma (a harmful tumour), and Meniere’s disease, and can provide the most appropriate care and/or onward referral where necessary. 

Here’s what one of our patients had to say: