Earwax, also called cerumen, is a normal, healthy substance. It’s produced by a mixture of wax glands, oil glands and dead skin cells. It protects the ear canal by trapping dust, repelling water, and helping prevent infections. Most ears naturally clean themselves by slowly moving wax outward as you chew and move your jaw.

Common symptoms of ear wax build-up include a feeling of blocked ears, loss of hearing, pain or mild discomfort, itching, dizziness and water getting trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing. Symptoms can be mistaken for age-related hearing loss, especially in older adults. A professional ear examination can show whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.

Some people produce more ear wax than others. Common reasons include:Genetics: Some people naturally make more wax or make a drier or stickier type of wax.Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals: Wax may have a harder time moving out on its own.Age: As people get older, earwax often becomes drier and less likely to clear naturally.Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs: These can block the normal movement of wax and push it deeper into the ear.Cotton buds: Rather than removing wax, they often push it further into the ear canal, leading to buildup.Excess hair in the ear canal: This can make it more difficult for wax to exit.Certain skin conditions: Conditions such as Eczema or Psoriasis can affect the skin lining the ear canal and contribute to wax problems.

Microsuction ear wax removal is a procedure that removes excess earwax using a small suction device while the clinician looks inside the ear canal with a microscope or a high-magnification viewing device.Here's how it works:The clinician examines your ear to see the amount and location of the wax.A thin suction tube is gently inserted into the ear canal.The suction device removes the wax without flushing the ear with water.The procedure usually takes about 10–30 minutes, depending on how much wax is present and whether one or both ears are being treated.What does it feel like?Most people find it tolerable. You may notice:A loud suction noise (because the ear canal amplifies sound).A tickling or pulling sensation.Brief dizziness in some cases, though this usually passes quickly.It shouldn't be very painful. If you experience significant pain, let the clinician know immediately.

Irrigation ear wax removal (also called ear syringing or ear irrigation) is a method of removing earwax by gently flushing the ear canal with warm water.How it worksDuring the procedure:A healthcare professional examines your ear to make sure irrigation is appropriate.Warm water is gently sprayed into the ear canal using an electronic irrigator.The flow of water loosens and washes out the earwax.The ear is checked again afterward to ensure the wax has been removed.The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.What does it feel like?You may experience:A sensation of water filling the ear.Pressure or fullness.Temporary dizziness due to the temperature of the water.Improved hearing once the wax is removed.It shouldn't be painful. If you feel pain during the procedure, it should be stopped.

Unless advised otherwise, we recommend putting a few drops of olive oil in your ear(s) for two days prior to your appointment. We find Earol to be a very helpful product - simply olive oil but in a handy pump-spray bottle which makes it easy to self-administer. You can get this from most pharmacies, Amazon or we have some in stock at the clinic too. Almond oil and sodium bicarbonate are suitable alternatives if you can't get olive oil.Please do NOT put any drops in your ear if you have an active perforation!The recommended way to put oil in the ears is as follows:Lie flat on your side with target ear facing upwardsPut two drops of olive oil in the earStay in that position for five minutesTurn over and do the same to the other ear (if both ears are blocked)If you have any questions, please call us on 0131 202 8222

No, not really. Unless you've got excessive wax in the ear, you'll just be spending your money for no reason. If you do have excessive wax you'll be noticing one or more of the following symptoms:-ear(s) feels blocked-loss of hearing (or your friends and family are complaining of your loss of hearing!)-dizziness-pain or mild discomfort-itchiness-water getting trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing