Ear Wax Removal
Sound Advice Hearing was one of the first private hearing centres in the UK to provide a private ear wax removal service.
Paul Scigala was one of a small group of 4 Hearing Aid Audiologists chosen to be trained by the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) to be Clinical Ear Care Practitioners and then to go on and become BSHAA Clinical Ear Care trainers to help educate and train other Audiologists in this field. Sound Advice Hearing offers a very comprehensive clinical ear care wax removal service, expert ear care and advice on wax management.
What is ear wax?
Wax is an important and natural secretion found in the ear. It protects the ear against dust, dirt and bacteria, so it helps to prevent infection. Wax, or cerumen as it is also known, is composed of epithelium (skin cells), dust and oily secretions from the sebaceous and ceruminous glands in the ear canal.
These secretions lubricate the ear canal and prevent it becoming too dry. The composition of wax varies from individual to individual depending on diet, age and environment.
What should you do about ear wax build up?
If wax is not causing any problems, it is best left alone. The ear is self-cleaning and the wax should clear naturally, so it is unnecessary to try to remove the wax yourself.
If wax is noticed on the outer ear, a wipe with a clean flannel may be all that is needed. Sometimes, however, wax may build up, particularly if it is very dry or if the person has a narrow or hairy ear canal. Wax may also build up if it has been pushed down the canal by cotton buds, hearing aids, etc.
Cotton buds can also irritate the ear canal, stripping it of its natural oils and causing it to feel itchy. When water gets into the ear during swimming or showering this may cause the wax to expand, giving a sensation of ‘blockage’ in the ear and increasing the perception of tinnitus.
If wax build up is causing deafness, problems with hearing aids, or is uncomfortable, it may need to be removed. Some people with tinnitus feel that their tinnitus is more troublesome when their ears are full of wax.
What clinical methods are used to remove ear wax?
Ear Wax Removal FAQ's
What is Irrigation?
One of the most frequent ways to remove wax in general practice is by ear irrigation. This is generally a quick and painless procedure but cannot be carried out if the person has had any ear surgery, recent infections or a perforation of the ear drum.
During this procedure, the person sits in a chair and the ear is rinsed with warm water from an electronic irrigator. The wax and water is collected in a small tank which the patient holds under their ear. In the past clinicians used a large metal syringe; however the new electronic irrigators, which have controlled pressures, are gentler and safer. Ear irrigation does make some noise but this is not excessive or uncomfortable. Most people who have irrigation find it to be a fairly pleasant procedure.
What is Micro-Suction?
Wax can also be removed by micro-suction. This is a less invasive procedure compared to irrigation and can be carried out on people with whom irrigation is not suitable, or for those that prefer not to have water in their ears. For this procedure the ear canal is suctioned via a small nosel connected to a vacuum pump which gently suctions the earwax. The procedure is quick, safe and painless, and doesn’t involve putting water into your ear. Like irrigation, there is some noise but it is not excessive or uncomfortable.
What is Endoscopic Micro-Suction?
E-suction™ gently vacuums ear wax out of the ear under direct vision using a specially developed iCLEARscope™ endoscope. This provides an alternative method of visualising the ear wax with an endoscope rather than using loupes or an operating microscope commonly used for micro suction
N.B This procedure is currently only performed at our Clinic in Washingborough, Lincolnshire.
What Instrumentation do you use?
Wax may also be removed by a clinician using a headlight / endoscope and instruments. Instrumentation may be used in conjunction with the above procedures to provide an effective method in removing earwax.
Do i need to make an appointment?
Due to high demand, we recommend scheduling your appointment ahead of time. To prepare, we suggest using olive oil drops for a maximum of 3 days before your visit to soften the wax. If your ear wax is already sufficiently soft, same-day appointments may be available. For personalized advice or to book your appointment, contact us by phone or use our convenient online booking system
Why do our ears produce too much wax?
Ears naturally produce wax as a protective mechanism, but several factors can lead to excessive production. Genetics plays a significant role, as some people are simply predisposed to generating more ear wax. Certain ear canal anatomies, particularly narrow or hairy canals, can trap wax more easily, creating buildup. Aging often increases wax production, as do skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis affecting the ear canal. Environmental factors such as regular exposure to dust or debris can trigger increased wax production as your body attempts to trap these particles. Improper cleaning methods—especially using cotton swabs that push wax deeper—often worsen accumulation rather than removing it. Some hearing aid users experience more wax buildup, as the devices can stimulate production and block natural migration. Stress and anxiety may also contribute to overproduction of ear wax through complex hormonal mechanisms affecting your body’s secretions.
How to tell if your ears are full of wax?
Common signs of ear wax buildup include muffled hearing or a sensation of fullness in your ears. You might experience ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), earache or discomfort, or persistent itchiness inside your ear canal. Dizziness or a feeling of being off-balance can also occur when wax impedes your ear’s natural functioning. If you notice discharge or detect an unusual smell coming from your ear, these may indicate excessive wax accumulation. Some people experience coughing due to stimulation of the vagus nerve when wax presses against the eardrum. If you’re struggling to hear conversations clearly or frequently turning up the volume on devices, it might be time for a professional ear wax assessment.
Can hear better after ear wax removal?
Many patients experience significant hearing improvement immediately after ear wax removal. When excessive wax builds up, it can block sound waves from properly reaching your eardrum, causing temporary hearing loss. Once removed, sounds often become clearer and louder as the ear canal is no longer obstructed. This improvement can be particularly dramatic if the blockage was substantial. Some patients describe the sensation as ‘opening a door’ to a world of sounds they had been missing. If you’ve been struggling with muffled hearing, ear wax removal might provide the clarity you’ve been missing.
What not to do after earwax removal?
Following your earwax removal procedure, avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs or fingers. Don’t expose your ears to water for at least 48 hours—no swimming, and use caution when showering. Skip activities that could cause pressure changes in your ears such as flying or deep diving. Avoid loud environments for several days, and refrain from using earbuds or headphones until any tenderness subsides. If you experience unexpected pain, discharge, or hearing changes, contact your audiologist immediately.
Is ear wax removal painful?
Ear wax removal typically causes minimal discomfort rather than pain. Microsuction, one of our primary removal methods, may feel unusual but is rarely painful. The procedure is quick and performed without anesthesia. Should you experience actual pain during or following the treatment, this could indicate an infection or underlying condition that requires professional medical attention.
With all of the procedures that we perform we are able to accommodate patients without lengthy delays.
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