ENT - Ear Wax

What is Ear Wax?

Earwax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, and foreign material such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal.

The amount of earwax produced varies greatly from person to person. The movement of your jaw while eating and talking naturally moves the wax along the canal.

A plug of earwax is not a serious problem. You only need to remove earwax if it is causing symptoms such as dulled hearing or when fitting a hearing aid.

Ear Wax build-up

You can’t prevent earwax. It’s there to protect your ears from dirt and germs. However, you can keep using ear drops to soften the wax. This will help it fall out on its own and should prevent blocked ears.

If you are prone to repeated wax build up you can continue to use olive oil drops twice a week to prevent recurrence.

Try and keep your ears dry. When washing your hair, showering or swimming, put some Vaseline on a ball of cotton wool and gently place in your ear, or place Vaseline around the inner part of your ear. Do not put your head under the water when bathing.

Do not clean the ear canal with cotton wool buds. This can make things worse, as you will push some earwax deeper inside. It may also cause an ear infection. Do not use objects such as hair grips, knitting needles, keys etc. this can cause trauma and possible infection.

If your ears are itchy do not scratch or rub them with your fingernails or any other objects.

Ear drops

Olive oil ear drops are the best way to treat ear wax. These are available in supermarkets, high street shops and pharmacies. Speak to your pharmacist for advice.

Ear drops should be administered 2-3 times a day with 4-5 drops in the affected ear(s). You can continue this for up to 3 weeks with most cases resolving in 2 weeks.

If olive oil does not work or you would like an alternative, speak to your pharmacist. You can buy sodium bicarbonate drops or Cerumol® from the pharmacy if it’s right for you. The pharmacist may also be able to give you some additional information.

If there is any preparation left in the container after you have finished your course of treatment, do not keep it to use later. Ear drops should not be used if the bottle has been open for longer than four weeks. Speak to your pharmacist for advice if you’re not sure.

Do not use any ears drops if you have a hole in your eardrum called a perforated eardrum.

There may be some stinging or discomfort at first, this is normal and should go away after a few seconds. If it persists, speak to your pharmacist. You may not see wax come out, but symptoms should improve.

Your carer, care home staff or family member can help you use ear drops correctly. 

Visit

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/ear-care- service for patient information leaflet and videos demonstrating how to correct use ear drops.

Ear Irrigation

First line treatment should be self-care with olive oil. Only in the event of this not clearing the problematic earwax should ear irrigation be considered.

If symptoms persist after using ear drops for up to 3 weeks, your GP may feel that ear irrigation is appropriate. It is important to soften the wax with olive oil ear drops for up to 5 days before ear irrigation for the best possible results. See above section on how to use ear drops.

Olive oil ear drops are available in supermarkets, high street shops and pharmacies. Speak to your pharmacist for advice.

When to see your GP

If you are experiencing pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, sudden deafness or dizziness contact your GP.

Further information can be found at NHS website or dial 111 for any emergency concerns.