Ear wax
Earwax (also called cerumen) 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 quantity 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 hearing loss or when fitting a hearing aid. Wax is slightly acidic, which provides natural protection from infection.
A build-up of wax is more likely to occur in older adults, hearing aid users or people who insert devices into their ears.
Ears are self-cleaning. DO NOT use cotton buds to try and remove the wax as this will push the wax further into the ear canal and block your ear. Use of cotton buds can lead to infection and damage the ear.
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.
You only need to consult your GP if you are experiencing ear pain or discharge.
If you have been told you have excess wax, you may use olive oil drops to encourage the natural movement of wax from the ear canal:
• Apply the drops whilst lying on your side with the affected ear upwards.
• Apply one to two drops into the ear canal and gently massage the area in front of the ear.
• Remain lying on your side for 10 minutes to allow the olive oil to soften the wax.
• After 10 minutes, slowly sit up whilst holding a tissue against your ear to soak up any oil exiting the canal.
• Repeat this procedure for the other ear if required.
An olive oil spray is also available, which avoids the need to lie on your side for 10 minutes. This can be helpful if you find it difficult to lie on one side for prolonged periods.
Olive oil drops and spray can be purchased from the pharmacy or supermarket. DO NOT use any ear drops if you have been told you have a perforated ear drum or if you have ever had surgery on your ears.
DO NOT put cotton wool in your ear canal after using the olive oil to retain it, this may cause infection.
Other types of ear drops may be purchased containing sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide to help break down the wax. Prolonged use of these drops can lead to dryness and irritation of the ear canal, so always follow the recommended use on the packaging.
Further information and treatment advice can be found by downloading our leaflet ‘Instillation of ear drops’ and our videos at the bottom of the page which demonstrate self-administration of ear drops and supported administration of ear drops.
If self-treatment does not remove the wax, you may wish to consider ear irrigation, which can be sourced locally via a private provider. The NHS does not provide an ear irrigation service.
If you think you have ear wax, do not try to 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 matches, hair grips, crochet hooks, knitting needles, keys etc. this can cause trauma and possible infection.
If your ears are itchy do not scratch or rub them with your finger nails or any other objects.
Try and keep your ears dry. When washing your hair, showering or swimming putting some Vaseline around the inner part of your ear can help. Don’t put your head under the water when bathing. If you regularly get blocked ears, use ear drops weekly/fortnightly to soften the wax.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear
- Sudden deafness
- Dizziness
Further information can be found at NHS webpage: www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/
If you have any emergency concerns, please dial 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/
Ear Care Videos
