Ear wax is completely natural and plays an important role in protecting your ears. However, when wax builds up and becomes impacted, it can cause a blocked sensation, muffled hearing, discomfort, itching and sometimes tinnitus.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Clarion Ear Care may be able to help.
But why does ear wax build up in the first place? And why do some people seem to suffer from blocked ears much more often than others?
Looking for professional ear wax removal in Milton Keynes or North Bedfordshire?
What is ear wax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced inside the ear canal.
It is made from a mixture of substances including oils, secretions from glands in the ear, dead skin cells and tiny particles of debris.
Although many people regard ear wax as something that needs to be cleaned away, it actually has an important job.
Ear wax helps to:
- Protect the delicate skin inside the ear canal
- Trap dust and small particles
- Keep the ear canal from becoming excessively dry
- Provide some protection against bacteria and fungi
- Help transport dead skin and debris towards the outside of the ear
In most people, the ear has its own natural cleaning mechanism. Old wax gradually moves towards the entrance of the ear, where it can eventually fall out or be wiped away.
The problem isn’t normally having ear wax — it’s having too much wax or wax that has become impacted.
Why does ear wax build up?
There isn’t always one single reason for excessive ear wax.
Some people naturally produce more wax than others, while other factors can interfere with the ear’s normal ability to remove it.
1. You naturally produce more ear wax
Just as people differ in the amount of oil their skin produces, people also differ in how much ear wax they produce.
Genetics can influence the amount and consistency of your ear wax.
Some people have relatively soft wax, while others naturally produce wax that is drier and harder.
If you regularly experience blocked ears despite taking good care of them, you may simply be someone who is naturally prone to wax accumulation.
2. Your ear canals may make wax more likely to accumulate
The shape and size of the ear canal varies considerably between individuals.
Some people have relatively narrow or curved ear canals. This can make it more difficult for wax to naturally migrate out of the ear.
Consequently, even a relatively normal amount of wax can sometimes cause a blockage.
3. Cotton buds can make the problem worse
One of the most common causes of impacted ear wax is actually trying to remove it.
Cotton buds can push wax further into the ear canal rather than removing it. Here at Clarion Ear Care we do not recommend putting anything in your ear that is smaller than your elbow!
Repeatedly inserting cotton buds into the ear can also irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal and, in some circumstances, cause injury.
NICE specifically advises adults not to insert cotton buds or other small objects into the ear canal because they can damage the ear canal or eardrum and push wax further down the ear.
So although it may feel satisfying to clean your ears with a cotton bud, it can actually contribute to the very problem you’re trying to solve.
If you need to clean your ears, concentrate on the outer ear rather than putting anything down the ear canal.
Can earbuds cause ear wax build-up?
They can contribute to the problem for some people.
In-ear headphones and earbuds sit inside or close to the entrance of the ear canal. Regular use may interfere with the normal outward movement of wax.
You may have also asked yourself ‘Can hearing aids cause ear wax build up?’. The same issue can indeed occur with hearing aids.
NICE notes that excessive ear wax is particularly common among people who use hearing aids and earbud-type earphones.
This doesn’t mean you need to stop using earbuds or hearing aids.
However, if you regularly suffer from blocked ears, it may be worth considering whether they are contributing to your recurring wax problems.
Does getting older cause more ear wax?
Age can be another factor.
As we get older, ear wax can become drier and harder, while the natural movement of wax towards the entrance of the ear may become less effective.
Older adults are also more likely to use hearing aids, which can further contribute to wax accumulation.
This means that recurring ear wax problems can become more common with age.
Can skin conditions cause ear wax problems?
Skin conditions affecting the ear canal can sometimes contribute to wax accumulation.
For example, people who experience eczema, psoriasis or very dry or irritated skin may find that their ears don’t clear wax as effectively.
Repeated irritation or scratching of the ear canal can also disrupt the normal skin-shedding process.
If your ears regularly become itchy, irritated or blocked, it is important not to assume that ear wax is always the cause.
What are the symptoms of impacted ear wax?
Not everyone with ear wax build-up experiences symptoms.
However, when wax becomes impacted, you may notice:
- A blocked feeling in one or both ears
- Muffled hearing
- Reduced hearing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ear discomfort
- Itching
- Tinnitus or ringing
- Earache
- Increased awareness of your own voice
NICE identifies hearing loss as the most common symptom associated with impacted earwax, with blocked ears, discomfort, fullness, earache, tinnitus and itchiness also reported.
Sometimes the change can seem surprisingly sudden.
You may have had wax sitting in your ear for some time without noticing it. Then the wax moves position and suddenly blocks more of the ear canal.
How do you know if ear wax is causing your hearing loss?
This is an important question.
A blocked ear does not automatically mean you have an ear wax problem.
Hearing changes can have many different causes. That’s why looking inside the ear before treatment is important.
A professional ear assessment can help determine whether wax is actually blocking the ear canal and whether removal is appropriate.
If the ear is blocked with wax, removing it may allow your hearing to return to its previous level.
If symptoms remain after the wax has been removed, further assessment may be appropriate.
What is the best way to remove ear wax?
There isn’t necessarily one single method that is best for every person.
Depending on the individual and the condition of the ear, professional ear wax removal may involve:
Microsuction
Microsuction involves using a small suction device to remove ear wax from the ear canal.
The practitioner can examine the ear while removing the wax, allowing them to work carefully within the ear canal.
Microsuction is one of the methods NICE recommends considering for adult ear wax removal when performed by an appropriately trained practitioner with suitable equipment.
Ear irrigation
Ear irrigation involves using a water irrigation device to introduce warm water into the ear canal to help remove wax.
NICE recommends that an appropriate wax softener (we recommend Earol spray) is used before ear irrigation and that practitioners are aware of contraindications and have suitable training and equipment.
Manual removal
In some circumstances, ear wax may be removed manually using appropriate instruments.
The most suitable approach depends on the individual ear, the amount and consistency of wax, and any relevant medical history.
What happened to ear syringing?
You may remember visiting a GP surgery for ear syringing, and you may very well still hear the term ‘ear syringing’ widely used today.
However, traditional manual syringing is no longer the recommended approach.
NICE specifically states that adults should not be offered manual syringing for ear wax removal. Instead, appropriately trained practitioners may consider methods such as ear irrigation, microsuction or manual removal.
This is why you are increasingly likely to hear about microsuction and ear irrigation when searching for professional ear wax removal.
Should you use ear drops before ear wax removal?
Ear drops can be useful for softening ear wax, and we recommend that medical grade olive oil is used.
Softening the wax can make subsequent removal easier, although the appropriate approach depends on the individual and whether there are any reasons why particular drops or removal methods should be avoided.
Olive Oil ear drops are widely available, however here at Clarion Ear Care we recommend using an olive oil spray such as Earol, as this is much easier to use effectively. 5-7 days of using an olive oil spray or ear drop twice daily before ear wax removal is usually enough to soften up the wax such that it can be more easily removed.
If you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum, previous ear surgery, ear infection or other ear problems, you should seek appropriate professional advice before attempting treatment yourself.
Can I remove ear wax myself?
It is best to avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
In particular, don’t use:
- Cotton buds
- Hairpins
- Pens
- Keys
- Tweezers
- Other household objects
These can push wax deeper into the ear and potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum.
If you regularly suffer from impacted wax, professional assessment may be a safer and more effective option.
When should you seek professional ear wax removal?
Consider seeking professional advice if you have:
- Persistent blocked ears
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ear discomfort caused by suspected wax
- Recurring wax build-up
- Hearing aids that are repeatedly affected by wax
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus that you think may be associated with wax
NICE recommends removing ear wax in adults when it is contributing to hearing loss or other symptoms, or when it prevents examination of the ear.
However, not all ear symptoms are caused by wax.
If you have significant pain, discharge, bleeding, sudden hearing loss, persistent dizziness or other concerning symptoms, you should seek appropriate medical assessment rather than assuming that wax removal is the answer.
Professional Ear Wax Removal in Milton Keynes and North Bedfordshire.
If you are searching for ear wax removal in Milton Keynes, Clarion Ear Care provides professional ear-care services for people experiencing troublesome ear wax.
Our approach is centred around careful examination of the ear, discussion of findings, and removal of wax where required.
Whether you have noticed a blocked ear after using hearing aids or earbuds, are experiencing muffled hearing, or simply know that you are prone to recurring wax build-up, an assessment can help establish whether ear wax is responsible for your symptoms.
Why choose professional ear wax removal?
Professional ear wax removal can offer several advantages over attempting to remove impacted wax yourself.
A trained practitioner can:
- Examine the ear canal using proper medical grade equipment
- Establish whether wax is present
- Assess the condition of the ear
- Identify whether removal is appropriate
- Use an appropriate removal technique
- Avoid unnecessarily inserting objects into the ear
- Advise you about reducing recurring wax problems
The aim isn’t simply to remove every trace of wax.
The aim is to keep your ears healthy and remove wax when it has become problematic.
Ear Wax Removal Milton Keynes – Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ear wax removal cost in Milton Keynes and North Beds?
The cost of professional ear wax removal varies between providers and can depend on the treatment required.
For the most up-to-date information about Clarion Ear Care’s ear wax removal prices in Milton Keynes, please see our current pricing information on the main page or contact us directly via WhatsApp.
Is microsuction or irrigation painful?
If you experience pain during treatment, tell the practitioner immediately. Many providers will boast that the procedure is “pain free”, however there can be some pain as the wax tugs at tiny hairs inside the ear canal during removal. Some people may find the noise and sensations involved with either technique uncomfortable. If you are finding the procedure uncomfortable please tell the practitioner, as we will always allow breaks or switch to the other method if necessary.
How long does ear wax removal take?
The time required depends on the amount, location and consistency of the wax and whether one or both ears require treatment.
Some ears can be cleared relatively quickly, while heavily impacted or particularly hard wax may require more time or preparation. Typically an ear that is well prepped with olive oil can clear in a as little as a few seconds with irrigation. However, in some cases up to 20 minutes may be needed for stubborn wax.
How often should I have ear wax removed?
There is no universal schedule.
Some people rarely need ear wax removal, while others are prone to recurring build-up.
If you regularly experience impacted wax, your ear-care practitioner can advise you about an appropriate ongoing regime to prevent ear wax build up.
Can ear wax cause tinnitus?
Impacted ear wax can be associated with tinnitus.
However, tinnitus has many possible causes. If tinnitus persists after wax has been removed, or is otherwise concerning, appropriate medical assessment may be required. You can read further information about tinnitus at https://tinnitus.org.uk/
Can ear wax cause hearing loss?
Yes. Impacted ear wax can cause conductive hearing loss by blocking the ear canal.
NICE recognises hearing loss as the most common symptom associated with impacted ear wax.
If your hearing does not improve after wax removal, further assessment may be recommended.
Is ear irrigation better than microsuction?
Neither method is automatically best for everyone.
The appropriate technique depends on the individual, the condition of the ear, the amount and type of wax and any contraindications.
NICE recommends considering irrigation, microsuction by a practitioner who has suitable training and equipment. Syringing (as noted earlier) is an outdated method and should not be used.
Ear Wax Removal in Milton Keynes and North Beds.
If you think ear wax may be affecting your hearing or causing a blocked or uncomfortable ear, Clarion Ear Care can assess your ears and advise whether professional ear wax removal is appropriate.
Don’t spend hours trying to remove stubborn wax yourself with cotton buds or other objects.
A simple professional assessment may be all that’s needed to establish whether wax is responsible for your symptoms.
Looking for ear wax removal in Milton Keynes? Contact Clarion Ear Care to arrange an appointment.
[Book your ear wax removal appointment →]
A final word about your ears
Ear wax is not something that your body needs to get rid of completely.
It is a natural part of a healthy ear.
The problem occurs when wax builds up, becomes impacted or starts affecting your hearing or comfort.
If you’re regularly searching for “ear wax removal Milton Keynes”, there’s a good chance you’re looking for a straightforward answer to a straightforward problem: Is ear wax causing my blocked ear, and can someone safely remove it?
A professional ear examination can help answer that question.
Healthy ears don’t need to be completely wax-free — they just need to work properly.
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