If your ears feel blocked, your hearing seems muffled or you have a feeling of fullness in your ear, you may wonder whether you can remove ear wax yourself.
Earwax is completely normal and plays an important role in protecting the ear canal. In most cases, it naturally works its way out of the ear without needing to be removed. However, sometimes ear wax build-up, and become troublesome, affecting your hearing or causing a blocked or uncomfortable feeling.
There are some things you can safely try at home, but other popular methods, including cotton buds and ear candles, are not recommended.
If home treatment has not cleared the blockage, professional ear wax removal in Upminster can provide another option.
Can I remove ear wax at home?
You may be able to manage a build-up of earwax at home, depending on your circumstances.
The NHS advises that earwax usually falls out on its own. If you have a build-up that is causing symptoms, olive or almond oil drops can be used to help soften the wax and make it easier for it to work its way out naturally. Almond oil should not be used if you have an almond allergy, and ear drops should not be used if you have a perforated eardrum.
If you are unsure whether ear drops are suitable for you, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before using them.
It is important not to keep trying different methods if your ear remains blocked. If you have persistent symptoms, booking a professional ear wax removal appointment can be a safer option than attempting to remove the wax yourself.
Why shouldn’t I use cotton buds to remove ear wax?
Cotton buds are one of the most common things people use when they want to clean their ears, but they are not recommended for removing earwax.
Rather than bringing the wax out, inserting a cotton bud into the ear can push the wax further into the ear canal. It can also irritate the delicate skin inside the ear.
The NHS specifically advises against putting fingers or objects such as cotton buds into the ears because they can push earwax further into the ear.
If you have already tried using cotton buds and your ear now feels more blocked, resist the temptation to keep trying to clear it yourself. Professional ear wax removal may be more appropriate if the blockage persists.
Do ear candles remove ear wax?
Ear candles are sometimes advertised as a way to remove earwax, but there is no evidence that they work.
The NHS states that there is no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums remove earwax.
Using an unproven method can also delay getting the correct advice if your symptoms are actually being caused by something other than earwax.
If your ear is blocked and you think wax is responsible, an assessment can help determine whether earwax is actually the problem and whether professional removal is appropriate.
Do ear vacuums remove ear wax?
Ear vacuums are another product that may be marketed for removing wax at home. However, the NHS says there is no evidence that ear vacuums remove earwax.
You should therefore be cautious about relying on these products to clear a blocked ear.
If you have tried appropriate ear drops but your ear remains blocked, rather than repeatedly attempting to remove the wax yourself, consider arranging an appointment for professional ear wax removal in Upminster.
What if ear drops don’t remove the wax?
Ear drops can help soften earwax, but they do not necessarily clear every blockage.
If your ear continues to feel blocked after using suitable ear drops, or your hearing remains affected, professional ear wax removal may be the next step.
The NHS lists several methods that healthcare professionals may use to remove problematic earwax, including electronic ear irrigation, microsuction and manual removal. The most appropriate method depends on the individual and their circumstances.
At Excel Physiotherapy in Upminster, ear wax removal is carried out by highly experienced senior nurses. Depending on the individual assessment, microsuction or ear irrigation may be used.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction is a professional method of removing earwax using gentle suction through a small probe.
UCLH explains that microsuction is performed under direct vision using appropriate equipment and can be used to remove wax, debris or foreign objects from the ear canal. For most people, the procedure is pain-free, although the suction can be noisy.
For someone who has a persistent blockage that has not cleared with suitable self-care, microsuction can provide a professional way of removing troublesome wax.
If you would like to know whether microsuction is suitable for you, you can book an ear wax removal appointment with Excel Physiotherapy in Upminster.
When should you book professional ear wax removal?
You may want to consider booking professional ear wax removal if:
- Your ear still feels blocked after using suitable ear drops
- Your hearing has become muffled
- You have recurring problems with earwax build-up
- You have tried to manage the blockage yourself without success
- The blocked feeling is affecting your day-to-day life
- You would prefer to have your ears assessed and the wax removed professionally
You should not assume that every blocked ear is caused by earwax, however.
Earache, hearing changes, tinnitus and dizziness can have several different causes. If you have significant pain, discharge, bleeding or sudden hearing loss, seek appropriate medical advice rather than attempting to remove the wax yourself.
For less urgent symptoms where you suspect earwax is the cause, a professional ear wax assessment can help determine whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.
What happens during professional ear wax removal?
At Excel Physiotherapy, your ears can be assessed before treatment takes place.
Where earwax is identified as the cause of the blockage and removal is appropriate, the treatment can be carried out using microsuction or ear irrigation depending on your individual circumstances.
There is no need to prepare your ears before your appointment, and advice can be provided following treatment.
If an issue is identified that requires further medical attention, onward referral can also be arranged where necessary.
This means you do not have to keep trying to remove stubborn wax yourself when professional help is available.
How much does ear wax removal cost at Excel Physiotherapy?
At Excel Physiotherapy in Upminster, ear wax removal costs £55.
If you book an ear investigation and no procedure is required, the cost is £20.
Home visits are also available for people who require this service, subject to availability.
If you are unsure whether you need ear wax removal, you can contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and appointment options.
Why choose professional ear wax removal?
Trying to remove stubborn earwax yourself can sometimes make the blockage worse, particularly if you use cotton buds or other objects to try to reach the wax.
Professional removal means your ears can be assessed and the appropriate method used rather than repeatedly trying to clear the blockage at home.
At Excel Physiotherapy, ear wax removal is provided by highly experienced senior nurses, with appropriate treatment selected according to the individual.
The service is available in Upminster, Essex, making it a convenient option for people looking for professional ear wax removal locally.
Book ear wax removal in Upminster
If your ears feel blocked and you think earwax could be the cause, you do not necessarily need to keep trying to remove it yourself.
While suitable ear drops may help some blockages, persistent or troublesome earwax may require professional removal.
Excel Physiotherapy provides professional ear wax removal in Upminster, with microsuction or ear irrigation used where appropriate following assessment.
If you are struggling with blocked ears or hearing affected by suspected earwax, contact Excel Physiotherapy to arrange an appointment.
Call 01708 226622 or visit the ear wax removal service page to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove ear wax myself?
Some earwax can clear naturally without treatment. Suitable ear drops may help soften a build-up, but you should not put cotton buds, fingers or other objects into your ear to try to remove wax.
What is the safest way to remove ear wax at home?
The NHS advises that olive or almond oil drops can help soften earwax for some people. However, they are not suitable in every situation, including if you have a perforated eardrum. If you are unsure, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Should I use cotton buds to clean my ears?
No. Cotton buds can push earwax further into the ear canal and potentially make a blockage worse. The NHS advises against putting objects such as cotton buds into your ears.
What should I do if ear drops don’t work?
If your ear remains blocked after appropriate self-care, consider speaking to a healthcare professional or booking a professional ear wax removal appointment. Excel Physiotherapy offers ear wax removal in Upminster using microsuction or ear irrigation where appropriate.
Is microsuction painful?
UCLH states that microsuction is pain-free for most people, although the suction can be noisy.
How much is ear wax removal in Upminster?
Ear wax removal at Excel Physiotherapy costs £55. An ear investigation costs £20 if no procedure is required. Contact the clinic for further information or to arrange an appointment.
Where can I book professional ear wax removal in Upminster?
Excel Physiotherapy provides professional ear wax removal at 10 Moor Lane, Cranham, Upminster, Essex RM14 1EB. You can call 01708 226622 or visit us to find out more and arrange an appointment.
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