Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal. Although scientists are still not completely sure why we have earwax, it does trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching and possibly damaging or infecting the eardrum. Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris. Everyone’s ears produce ear wax, but the amount and type are genetically determined just like hair colour or height. Smaller ear canals may make it difficult for the wax our ears make naturally to get out of the canal. This can lead to wax impactions.

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In some instances, ear pain can be associated with excess compacted earwax. Removing the wax will immediately help relieve this pain. Some individuals experience temporary tinnitus whilst there is earwax impaction and cleaning the ears would relieve those symptoms. In the case of an occluded ear, hearing levels will often be restored after cleaning.

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We use several methods including ear irrigation and microsuction to remove a build-up of wax from your ears and will select the best approach to suit your individual case and ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout. Sometimes it is not possible to remove all the ear wax in one session, if this is the case a second session will be booked at half price and a third free of charge.