Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural, oily substance produced by your ears to protect and clean them. It's actually an important part of your ear's defense system, working constantly to keep your ear canals healthy.

How earwax works:

• Traps dust, dirt, and other particles before they can reach the eardrum
• Contains antibacterial properties that help prevent infections
• Moisturizes and protects the delicate skin of the ear canal
• Naturally migrates outward, carrying debris with it

Normally, earwax works its way out of your ears on its own through jaw movements like talking and chewing. However, sometimes it can build up, leading to discomfort or hearing difficulties.

While a small amount of earwax is beneficial and necessary, excessive build-up can cause problems, especially for those with narrow ear canals, who wear hearing aids regularly, or who produce particularly thick or dry wax.

Earwax build-up can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to significant hearing problems. If you're experiencing any of the following, earwax build-up could be the cause:

• Hearing loss: Sounds may seem muffled or distant, particularly in one ear
• Ear pain or earache: Discomfort or pressure in the ear canal
• Itchiness: Persistent irritation inside the ear
• Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ears
• Feeling of fullness: A sensation that your ear is blocked or plugged
• Hearing aid issues: Devices whistling, not working properly, or becoming uncomfortable
• Dizziness or vertigo: In some cases, severe build-up can affect balance
• Coughing: The ear canal shares nerves with the throat, which can trigger coughing

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's worth having your ears checked by a healthcare professional. However, remember that these symptoms can also indicate other ear conditions, so proper examination is important.

Earwax often clears on its own without any intervention. However, professional removal may be necessary if earwax build-up causes:

• Hearing loss: Significant reduction in hearing ability affecting daily life
• Earache: Persistent pain or discomfort in the ear
• Tinnitus: Continuous ringing or buzzing sounds
• Itchiness: Ongoing irritation that doesn't resolve
• Issues with hearing aids: Devices not functioning properly or causing feedback
• Difficulty with medical examination: Preventing a specialist from examining your ears or performing a hearing test
• Complete blockage: The ear canal is fully obstructed

Important: If your ear canal is completely blocked, it could lead to an ear infection or more serious complications, so it's important to seek advice from your GP or a qualified ear care practitioner promptly.

For care home residents or individuals with mobility challenges, Clear Ear Cheer provides mobile ear care services that bring professional assessment and removal directly to you.

If you suspect earwax build-up but aren't experiencing severe symptoms, there are safe home management steps you can try:

Using Ear Drops or Sprays:

Your GP or pharmacist may recommend olive oil ear drops, available at most pharmacies, to soften the wax. Here's how to use them safely:

• Use 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days, following the instructions provided
• Tilt your head to the side and gently pull your ear up and back
• Allow the drops to work their way into the ear canal
• Stay in position for a few minutes to let the drops penetrate
• Wipe away any excess that runs out

This can help the wax loosen and it may fall out naturally over a couple of weeks. If symptoms persist after this treatment, consult your GP or a qualified ear care practitioner for further advice.

For safe use of ear drops or sprays, always follow your healthcare professional's advice or refer to ENT UK patient information leaflets for detailed guidance.

If ear drops don't resolve the issue, or if you have contraindications to self-treatment, your GP may recommend professional removal. The most common and safest methods include:

1. Microsuction

A specialist uses a small suction device with microscopic or loupe magnification to gently and safely remove wax. This is considered the gold standard method because:

• It's performed under direct visualization
• It's safe for most people, including those with perforated eardrums
• It's typically quick and comfortable
• There's minimal risk of complications

2. Ear Irrigation

A gentle, controlled water-based technique that flushes out wax using an electronic irrigator. This method:

• Uses body-temperature water to prevent dizziness
• Is effective for softer wax build-up
• May not be suitable if you have a history of ear problems
• Often requires pre-treatment with ear drops to soften wax

3. Manual Removal (Instrumentation)

Using specialized tools to carefully remove wax under direct vision. This method is useful for:

• Hard, impacted wax that doesn't respond to other methods
• Situations where microsuction or irrigation aren't suitable
• Removing foreign objects alongside wax

Access to NHS Services:

At Clear Ear Cheer, we support campaigns to ensure consistent, safe NHS advice and access to earwax removal services. Unfortunately, many people struggle to access these services on the NHS in certain regions, and we're actively working to change that through advocacy and awareness.

Choosing Private Ear Care:

If you choose a private provider, ensure they are properly qualified and follow best practices:

• Registered as an Registered Ear Care Practitioner, audiologist, nurse, or doctor trained in earwax removal
• Use safe, evidence-based methods like microsuction or irrigation
• Take a complete medical history before the procedure
• Examine your ears with an otoscope to confirm removal is safe and necessary
• Have appropriate insurance and follow clinical protocols
• Provide aftercare advice and follow-up if needed

At Clear Ear Cheer, we're proud to offer mobile ear care services across Essex and Suffolk, bringing professional, qualified care directly to your home or care facility. Contact us to learn more about our services.

For hearing aid users, earwax management is particularly important as it can significantly affect device performance and comfort.

Common problems caused by earwax build-up:

• Whistling or feedback: Wax can block sound, causing hearing aids to produce feedback
• Reduced performance: Sound quality deteriorates as wax blocks the speaker or microphone
• Discomfort: Wax build-up combined with hearing aid use can cause irritation
• Device damage: Wax entering the hearing aid can damage internal components

Prevention and maintenance:

• Clean your hearing aids daily using the cleaning tools provided
• Check and replace wax guards regularly
• Remove hearing aids before using ear drops
• Schedule regular professional ear checks
• Consider professional hearing aid cleaning and maintenance services

Why hearing aid users are more prone to wax build-up:

Hearing aids can interfere with the ear's natural self-cleaning process. The device creates a physical barrier that prevents wax from migrating naturally out of the ear canal. Additionally, the presence of a hearing aid may stimulate increased wax production in some individuals.

If wax builds up in the ear canal despite regular hearing aid cleaning, professional removal may be needed. Wax that has entered the hearing aid's tube or speaker may require specialized servicing to restore full function.

Clear Ear Cheer provides specialized services for hearing aid users, including ear health checks, wax removal, and device maintenance to keep you hearing clearly and comfortably.

At Clear Ear Cheer, we're passionate about raising awareness of safe ear care practices and ensuring everyone has access to the services they need.

We're committed to:

• Providing evidence-based, professional ear care services across Essex and Suffolk
• Campaigning for better access to NHS earwax removal services
• Supporting RNID's Stop The Block campaign for improved ear health services
• Delivering clear, reliable advice that empowers people to make informed decisions
• Bringing mobile ear care services to those who need them, including care home residents
• Advocating for consistent clinical standards across all ear care providers

We believe that ear health is fundamental to quality of life, communication, and independence. Unfortunately, access to NHS ear care services varies significantly across regions, leaving many people struggling to find the help they need.

Through education, advocacy, and professional mobile services, we're working to ensure that everyone in our community can access safe, effective ear care when they need it.

Stay connected: Follow our updates as we continue to support ear health improvements across the UK and join us in advocating for better services for all.