The Facts About Ear Wax: Causes, Symptoms & Safe Removal

What Is Ear Wax and Why Is It Important?

Ear wax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several essential functions:​

• Protection: Traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum.​

• Lubrication: Keeps the ear canal moist, preventing dryness and itching.

• Antibacterial Properties: Helps prevent infections by inhibiting bacterial growth.​

Typically, ear wax moves out of the ear canal naturally through jaw movements like talking and chewing. However, certain factors can disrupt this process, leading to build-up.​

Common Causes of Ear Wax Build-Up

Several factors can contribute to excessive ear wax accumulation:

• Overproduction: Some individuals naturally produce more ear wax than others.​

• Narrow Ear Canals: Tight or curved ear canals can hinder the natural expulsion of wax.​

• Use of In-Ear Devices: Regular use of hearing aids, earplugs, or in-ear headphones can push wax deeper into the ear canal.​

• Aging: As we age, ear wax tends to become harder and less mobile, increasing the likelihood of build-up.

Symptoms of Ear Wax Blockage

Excessive ear wax can lead to various symptoms, including:​

• Hearing Loss: A gradual decrease in hearing ability.​

• Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ear.​

• Fullness in the Ear: A sensation of blockage or pressure.​

• Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ear.​

• Itchiness: An itchy sensation in the ear canal.​

• Cough: Irritation of the ear canal can sometimes trigger a cough reflex. 

Safe Methods for Ear Wax Removal

While it's tempting to remove ear wax at home, improper techniques can cause more harm than good. At Bayfields Audiology, we recommend professional removal methods to ensure safety and effectiveness.​

Micro-Suction: The Preferred Method

Micro-suction is a gentle and precise procedure performed by trained audiologists. It involves using a specialised suction device to remove excess wax without the use of water, reducing the risk of infection and discomfort.​

Benefits of Micro-Suction:

• Safe: Minimises the risk of damaging the ear canal or eardrum.​

• Comfortable: Generally well-tolerated by patients, even those with sensitive ears.​

• Efficient: Provides immediate relief from symptoms associated with wax build-up.​

Home Remedies: Proceed with Caution

If professional services are not immediately accessible, certain over-the-counter treatments can be used cautiously:​

• Ear Drops: Products containing carbamide peroxide can help soften wax for easier removal. 

• Warm Oil: A few drops of mineral or olive oil can soften the wax. 

However, avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal, as they can push wax further in and potentially cause injury. 

Do I have to have the micro-suction procedure?

At Bayfields, we only remove ear wax using this method as it is much safer and causes less irritation to the inner ear. 

Traditionally, ear wax is removed by ‘syringing’, which means water is forced into your ear canal to clear the wax. Here’s why modern micro-suction is better: 

• It isn’t messy, like water.
• It’s much safer than syringing. Water irrigation can lead to bleeding and soreness from bruising or a resulting infection. When it goes badly wrong, syringing can perforate your ear drum or lead to tinnitus or hearing loss. Micro-suction is safe even if you’ve had a perforated ear drum in the past!
• While we’re doing your micro-suction, we get a close-up view right inside your ear canal so we can see exactly what we’re doing.

Can I just remove the ear wax myself?

In a word, no! Most GPs no longer offer ear wax removal, but you should still be treated by a professional like a Bayfields Audiologist. You could do significant and even irreversible damage if you poke things into your ear canals, and it’s especially important to leave children’s more sensitive ear canals alone.

Why Choose Bayfields Audiology?

At Bayfields, our audiologists are trained in the latest ear care techniques, ensuring you receive safe and effective treatment. We offer:​

• Comprehensive Assessments: Including a free 15-minute Hearing Health Check to evaluate ear health.​

• Personalised Care: Tailored treatment plans to address your specific needs.​

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our practices are equipped with advanced tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment.​

Book Your Appointment Today

Don't let ear wax build-up affect your quality of life. Book an appointment with our audiology team for a thorough assessment and safe removal. for more information on what happens during an ear wax removal appointment, click here to find out more.