Wrexham Ear Wax Removal

Wrexham ear wax removal

When earwax becomes impacted, it can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes distressing symptoms. These include a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, tinnitus (ringing sounds), dizziness, itchiness, and even pain. An impaction also creates a moist environment that can increase the risk of ear infections. While it might be tempting to try and remove it yourself, methods like using cotton swabs, ear candles, or sharp objects are risky and can make the situation worse by pushing the wax further in or damaging the ear canal or eardrum.

Wrexham audiologist

Seeking professional help

It's safer to seek professional help. Safe removal methods performed by a clinician include irrigation, micro-suction, or curettage. You should always seek medical advice if you experience symptoms like sudden hearing loss, severe pain, or discharge from the ear, especially if you have a history of ear surgery or a perforated eardrum.

Wrexham earwax removal

Excessive earwax

Dealing with a build-up of earwax can be uncomfortable, but it's a common issue that can often be managed at home. Dealing with a build-up of earwax can be uncomfortable, but it's a common issue that can often be managed at home. Your body is designed to clear earwax naturally, so it should fall out on its own. However, if you notice symptoms like temporary hearing loss, an earache, or a blocked sensation in your ear, it might be a sign of excessive build-up. The good news is that you can often take the first steps to resolve this yourself without needing to see a professional straight away.

For simple self-care, you can try softening the wax at home. If you do not have an almond allergy, you can use either olive oil or almond oil. Place two to three drops into the affected ear, three to four times a day. Continue this for three to five days. This process helps to soften the hardened wax, making it easier for it to come out naturally. Over the following two weeks, you might find that small lumps of wax fall out, and your symptoms should start to improve.

If your symptoms haven't cleared after about five days of using drops, it's a good idea to speak to a pharmacist. They can offer advice and may suggest specific medicines designed to dissolve earwax. If your ear still feels badly blocked after this, you can see a nurse at your GP surgery. Should you still be experiencing hearing loss from the wax after three weeks of trying drops or bulb syringing, you should then make an appointment with your doctor or a nurse for further assessment.

When professional removal is needed, you have several options. Access to earwax removal services through NHS GP surgeries can be limited, so you may need to consider a private provider. Specialist clinics such as The Hearing Care Partnership, Bupa, Integrate Hearing, and Benenden Hospital offer procedures like microsuction. You can also find services on the high street at retailers like Boots, Specsavers, and Peak Pharmacy. It's important to note that many of these providers will advise you to soften the wax with olive oil for several days before your appointment to help ensure the removal is successful.

Earwax removal in Wrexham

Professional ear wax removal

Accessing professional earwax removal has changed in recent years. Many NHS GP surgeries no longer offer this service routinely due to shifts in funding and moving away from traditional methods like ear syringing. As a result, you will likely need to arrange treatment through a private provider. This means you will have to pay for the procedure yourself. The cost for private earwax removal typically ranges from £50 to £100, depending on the specialist and the method used for the removal.

Preparation before the appointment

  • To help prepare for your earwax removal appointment, many professionals suggest softening the wax for several days beforehand.
  • A common method is to apply 2 to 3 drops of olive oil or almond oil (if you have no allergy) into the affected ear. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days. This helps soften the wax so it can come out on its own or be removed more easily.
  • Some clinics, especially those performing microsuction, may suggest using olive oil drops or a spray just once or twice a day for up to five days. This is particularly useful if the wax is very hard.

Please note that certain providers state that no preparation is necessary before a microsuction procedure. Always follow the specific advice given by your clinic.

Audiologist in Wrexham

Consultation and examination

When you arrive at the clinic, your appointment will typically include:

  • Personalised consultation

    - your clinician will have a friendly conversation to understand your ear health concerns and medical history. They may ask about past eardrum perforations or any prior experience with this procedure.

  • Safety check

    - to ensure the service is appropriate, the clinician will screen for contraindications such as current ear infection, recent ear surgery (within 90 days), sudden hearing loss (within one week), ear pain, or discharge. If you’re on blood thinners or have conditions like diabetes, you may need to consult the clinician in advance.

  • Visual examination

    - using an otoscope or video imaging, the clinician will examine your ear canal to confirm the presence of earwax and assess its amount and location. You may be able to view the images before removal begins.

  • Procedure explanation and consent

    - the clinician will explain the process and typically ask you to sign a consent form before proceeding.

Microsuction Wrexham

The removal procedure

When you visit our clinic for earwax removal, our experienced clinicians will assess your needs and select the most suitable method for your situation. In private practice, microsuction is often the preferred choice due to its exceptional safety and effectiveness. This technique involves using a fine tube connected to a gentle vacuum device to carefully suction the wax from the ear canal, all while the clinician observes the area through a powerful microscope or camera for precise control.

Patients can expect the procedure to be non-invasive, comfortable, and typically pain-free, lasting between 5 and 20 minutes per ear depending on the amount of wax. During microsuction, it is normal to hear clicking, popping, or suction noises, which some find pleasant, though the sound of the device may take a moment to get used to. In certain cases, based on the wax characteristics and our clinical judgement, we may use alternative methods such as low-pressure water irrigation with body-temperature water or manual removal with a specialised probe.

Post-procedure and follow-up

Once your earwax removal is complete, the clinician will perform a final check of the ear canal to confirm it is clear and healthy. The entire appointment usually lasts about thirty minutes. We may ask you to remain seated for a few minutes afterwards, as some people experience mild, temporary dizziness from the cooling of the ear canal. If the wax was causing symptoms like hearing loss or discomfort, you should notice an immediate improvement. Many providers also include a quick hearing health check at no extra cost to ensure everything is as it should be.

Should the removal be unsuccessful on the first attempt, the clinician will explain the next steps. This often involves using ear oil drops for a few more days before returning for a follow-up appointment. If no wax was found but your symptoms continue, we will recommend you see your GP to investigate other possible causes. Before you leave, you will receive guidance on how to care for your ears and prevent future wax build-up, helping you maintain clear and healthy ears.

Causes of earwax build-up

Earwax build-up (also called “impacted earwax”) happens when the ear’s natural self-cleaning is disrupted or when too much wax is produced. Common contributors include:

  • Anatomy and genetics

    - some people are more prone due to inherited traits or ear shape. Narrow or oddly shaped ear canals, or having a lot of hair in the canal, can trap wax and keep it from moving out.

  • Wax type and production

    - you may experience build-up if you naturally produce a lot of earwax, or if your wax is especially hard, dry, or unusually fluid—making it less likely to migrate out on its own.

  • Aging

    - after age 50, earwax typically becomes drier and ear canal hairs rougher, which reduces the ear’s ability to clear wax naturally.

  • Inserting objects

    - putting items into the ear canal often pushes wax deeper and worsens the blockage. Avoid fingers or cotton buds (cotton swabs), earplugs, hearing aids or in-ear headphones

  • Skin and health conditions

    - issues like eczema or psoriasis on the scalp or around the ear, and inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa or "swimmer's ear"), can interfere with the ear’s self-cleaning process.

Prevention of earwax build-up

Earwax is a natural and protective substance, so you cannot prevent it entirely. However, you can effectively manage buildup to avoid symptoms. It is very important to avoid putting anything smaller than your elbow into your ears, as this can push wax further in, leading to injury, pain, bleeding, or infection. To manage wax, you can regularly use eardrops to soften it, which helps the wax to come out naturally and prevents your ears from becoming blocked. Olive or almond oil can also be used, but only if you do not have an almond allergy. If you are often troubled by wax buildup, using a few drops of olive oil twice a week can help prevent it from happening again.

Common questions

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural, oily substance made by glands in the outer ear canal. It protects the ear by trapping dust, debris, bacteria, and moisture, and it keeps the canal skin lubricated. Most of the time, ears clean themselves, and wax naturally migrates outward.

A buildup—often called impacted earwax—happens when this self-cleaning process is disrupted. Common reasons include:

  • Anatomy

    - ear canals that are naturally narrow, irregular, or previously damaged

  • Objects

    - regularly inserting cotton swabs, fingers, earplugs, or hearing aids, which can push wax deeper

  • Genetics/production

    - making too much wax, or having wax that’s naturally hard or dry

  • Other factors

    - age over 50 (wax tends to dry out), abundant ear canal hair, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis affecting the ear area

Earwax plugs are common and usually not serious, but they should be removed if they lead to symptoms.

Possible signs of excess earwax include:

  • Reduced or muffled hearing
  • Ear pain or discomfort
  • A sensation of fullness, blockage, or pressure in the ear
  • Tinnitus (ringing or bussing)
  • Vertigo (dizziness or nausea)
  • Itchiness in or around the ear

You may notice symptoms suddenly, especially after showering or swimming, because water can soak into the wax, causing it to swell and worsen blockage.

If you have earwax buildup that is blocking your ear, you can often soften it safely at home to help it clear. Start by putting two to three drops of either olive oil or almond oil into the affected ear; however, you should not use almond oil if you have an allergy. After putting the drops in, lie down on your side with the affected ear facing upwards for about five to ten minutes to allow the oil to work its way down. You should repeat this process three to four times a day for three to five days.

While you can continue this for a longer period if necessary, three weeks is usually enough time. Over the course of about two weeks, you should notice an improvement in your symptoms as small lumps of softened wax begin to fall out of your ear naturally. If you find that olive oil is not effective, you can purchase sodium bicarbonate ear drops from a pharmacy as an alternative.

You should never put objects smaller than your elbow inside your ears. Avoid using your fingers or items like cotton buds, tweezers, toothpicks, or hair clips to remove earwax. Doing so can push the wax deeper and make a blockage worse, or even scrape the delicate skin of your ear canal. This can lead to pain, bleeding, and infection. If you’re experiencing buildup or discomfort, it’s safest to consult a healthcare professional for proper care.

No. There’s no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums remove earwax. In fact, they’re not recommended because they can lead to injuries, burns, ear infections, eardrum perforations, and temporary hearing loss.

If your earwax symptoms haven’t improved after five days of using ear drops, speak with a pharmacist for guidance or alternative treatments.

Book an appointment with a practice nurse if:

  • Your ear feels severely blocked and you can’t hear.
  • Symptoms persist beyond five days, or ear drops haven’t helped after one week.
  • You remain unable to hear due to wax after three weeks or more of self-care.
  • You develop worrying symptoms such as ear pain, severe earache, fever, or fluid/discharge from the ear—these can suggest an infection and make earwax removal inappropriate.

Do not use ear drops if you have a known perforated eardrum (a hole or tear). Consider professional earwax removal when advised.

Many clinicians suggest softening the wax ahead of time to make the procedure more comfortable and effective. You may be advised to use olive oil drops or a spray once or twice daily for up to five days before your visit. This helps the wax loosen so it’s easier for the clinician to remove.

Trained professionals typically use highly controlled methods:

  • Microsuction

    - this is often considered the safest and most effective method. It involves using a fine tube connected to a gentle vacuum device to suck the wax out while the clinician views the ear canal directly using a powerful microscope or camera (microscopic visibility).

  • Water irrigation

    - this technique, previously known as ear syringing, involves flushing the ear canal with a controlled flow of warm water (body temperature). While still performed, it carries risks like ear infections and eardrum damage, making microsuction the preferred method in many clinics.

  • Manual removal

    - this uses small, specialised instruments like a probe or curette to scrape or dislodge wax, usually if the build-up is minor or near the ear canal entrance.

You can expect the visit to take around 30 minutes and follow these steps:

Consultation: Your clinician will review your ear health history and confirm you’re a good candidate.

  • Examination

    - they’ll inspect your ear canal, often with an otoscope or video device, to locate and assess the wax.

  • Microsuction

    - using magnification, the clinician will gently remove the wax with a suction device. This typically takes 5–20 minutes per ear.

  • Sensations

    - the procedure is usually comfortable and pain-free. You’ll likely hear clicking, popping, or suction noises, which can be quite loud at times.

  • After-effects

    - you may feel a brief spell of dizziness or unsteadiness for a minute or two afterward, which is a normal, temporary response as the ear canal cools.

 

Accessing professional earwax removal through local GP surgeries is becoming increasingly challenging for many patients across the UK.This shift is largely due to changes in NHS funding and a slower adoption of modern, safer removal techniques like microsuction, compared to traditional syringing. As a result of this withdrawal of services, individuals experiencing discomfort or hearing loss from excess earwax are often left with little choice but to explore private healthcare options to receive timely and effective treatment.

When seeking private care, costs can vary, but patients can typically expect to pay a flat fee ranging from £50 to £100 for the procedure, regardless of whether one or both ears require treatment. For instance, high-street providers like Boots and Specsavers often charge around £60, while Bupa's service is priced at approximately £55 and The Hearing Care Partnership at £70. It is also important to consider consultation fees if no wax is found. Some providers charge a reduced fee for the appointment; Specsavers has a £25 consultation charge, and Peak Pharmacy charges £10 if no treatment is necessary. In contrast, Bupa states that you will not be charged if there is no earwax to remove.

  • Tinnitus

    - if your tinnitus (ringing or bussing) is caused by a temporary earwax blockage, it may improve or resolve after the wax is removed. Long-standing (chronic) tinnitus typically won’t change with wax removal.

  • Hearing tests

    - you generally don’t need ear syringing before a hearing test, as a small amount of earwax is normal. After microsuction, wait at least 24 hours before any clinical procedures—including hearing assessments—because the equipment noise can temporarily shift your hearing thresholds.

While earwax is a natural and protective substance for your ears, managing it can prevent the discomfort of recurrent blockages. A crucial first step is to avoid putting anything inside your ear canal. Many people think using cotton buds helps to clean their ears, but this action is a primary cause of impacted earwax. Inserting objects like cotton buds actually pushes the wax deeper, packing it down and creating a blockage that wouldn't have otherwise occurred. For those who are naturally prone to build-up, a simple and effective preventative measure is the regular use of olive oil drops.

By applying a few drops into each ear just twice a week, you can keep the wax soft and pliable. This gentle softening process allows the ear's natural self-cleaning mechanism to work more efficiently, helping the wax to migrate out on its own and significantly reducing the chances of it hardening into a stubborn plug. This straightforward routine helps you manage wax without interfering with your ear's health.

Earwax removal near me

Locations

  • Aldford

  • Bersham Rhostylln

  • Bowling Green

  • Brymbo

  • Buckley

  • Caergwrle

  • Carden

  • Chirk

  • Coddington

  • Coedpoeth

  • Eccleston

  • Ellesmere

  • Farndon

  • Gobowen

  • Gresford

  • Gwersyllt

  • Harthill

  • Hawarden

  • Holt

  • Hope

  • Leeswood

  • Llandegla

  • Llangollen

  • Llan-y-pwll

  • Malpas

  • Marchwiel

  • New Broughton

  • Overton

  • Pentre Maelor

  • Queensferry

  • Rhosllanerchrugog

  • Rossett

  • Ruabon

  • Tattenhall

  • Waverton

  • Yr Wyddgrug