Earwax is meant to be there. It traps dust, keeps the canal from drying out and normally clears itself. Problems start when it builds faster than it clears, which is common if you wear hearing aids or earphones for long stretches, or if you have narrow ear canals.
Signs your ears are blocked
- Muffled hearing that came on gradually
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in one ear
- Ringing, itching or mild discomfort
- Hearing aids whistling or fitting badly
- Dizziness when the blockage is complete
What not to do
Cotton buds push wax deeper and can scratch the canal. Ear candles do not work and carry a burn risk. If your ear is painful, discharging or you have a perforated eardrum, come and speak to us before putting anything in it.
How the appointment works
We look inside first with an otoscope so you know what we are dealing with. Removal is done under direct vision using gentle suction, which means no water flushed into the ear and no mess. Most appointments take around twenty minutes for both ears, and hearing usually improves immediately.
Softening drops for a few days beforehand make the difference between one appointment and two.
Preparing at home
Use olive oil or a softening spray two or three times a day for three to five days before your appointment. If the wax is very hard we may ask you to continue for a few more days and see you again rather than force it.
Book a check
You do not need a GP referral. Book at Safys Chemist on Melton Road and we will tell you honestly if your ears are clear and nothing needs doing.
