Ear Wax

Ear wax is a natural substance that is produced inside the ear.

It occurs as a way of protecting the inner ear from dirt and germs. Earwax is harmless and will usually fall out of the ear by itself, but a build-up can block the ears and cause some discomfort. 

Some people will naturally produce more earwax than others, that can often be harder or drier than others may experience. Hard and dry earwax that causes a blockage can often be a concern for older people as earwax can become drier with age.

Blockages in the ear can also become common for those who have a small ear canal (the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum) that is particularly hairy.

Bony parts that appear on the ear canal’s outer part can also inhibit effective earwax disposal, contributing to a blockage. It is recommended that the ears are allowed to clean themselves, as putting objects (like cotton buds) into the ear can often act to push the earwax further into the ear. 

An ear wax accumulation can often cause earache, hearing loss, itching, infections, vertigo (a spinning sensation) or tinnitus (ringing sounds in the ear). Usually, a minor case can easily be rectified through the use of ear drops.

A range of products can be purchased from a pharmacy which helps to soften hardened earwax. It is often the case that symptoms can worsen before they improve, and the earwax falls out. 

If the condition does not seem to improve or worsens, then intervention may be necessary. Although earwax removal can be done through various techniques, our therapist uses the irrigation method, where the earwax is flushed out with warm water. A pre-treatment consultation will ensure your suitability and give you an understanding of what the procedure can achieve.