Earwax removal (microsuction)

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance found inside your ear canal. Created by glands in your ear canal, earwax helps keep your ears hydrated, protects the deeper structures of your ear, and stops any dust, dirt, or foreign bodies from entering your ear canal. Your earwax is also slightly acidic, which can provide a natural protection from infection, although not completely.

Your ears naturally maintain your earwax levels without the need for upkeep. Older earwax naturally falls out of your ear bit by bit over time. New ear wax is then made by your ears automatically to replace the lost wax. This is why there’s no need to stick objects such as cotton buds inside your ears to clean them, as this can actually cause damage and affect your hearing.

Healthy earwax should be either off-white, yellow, orange, light brown, or dark brown in colour. If you notice your earwax is green, black, or brown with red streaks, you should seek medical attention as this can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Earwax buildup can happen for a number of reasons. Having lots of earwax isn’t always a sign that you have a condition or that your ears are dirty. However, too much earwax can become an issue if it becomes compressed, causing earwax blockage. Earwax that becomes too compact can block your eardrum, making it hard to hear.

The cost of earwax removal will depend on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment, your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. 

If you have private health insurance, speak to your insurer directly beforehand to find out whether your treatment will be covered and what is included in your policy.

You may have an earwax blockage if you notice you have:

• A feeling of fullness in your ear
• Itching in your ear
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• Discharge or odour coming from your ears
• Hearing loss that worsens over time
• Pain in your ear (earache)

These symptoms don’t always mean you have wax buildup. They can signal another health condition that may need medical attention. There's no way to know if you have too much earwax without a healthcare professional looking in your ears and assessing your condition. 

If earwax blockage is left untreated, your symptoms can worsen. If your earwax builds up and doesn’t move out of the ear naturally, it can harbour foreign bodies and bacteria, which can increase your risk of infection.

Ear infections can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including severe pain, increased temperature, vomiting, hearing loss, and discharge. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised to go to a doctor for further investigation and treatment.

Earwax buildup and blockage can be caused by a number of factors. These can include:

• Excessive ear hair
• Using items to clean out earwax - this usually pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it
• Frequent use of headphone earbuds, earplugs, or hearing aids
• Narrow ear canals
• Age – as you get older, earwax tends to become drier and harder. This makes it more likely to build up in the ear
• Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
• Bony growths in the ear canal (osteomas)

Some people simply get earwax buildup because they naturally produce more earwax. When you see a medical specialist, they will determine what is causing the build-up or blockage.

During your initial consultation, you will discuss your symptoms and medical history with one of our expert specialists. They will also perform a physical examination of your ear using a special device, called an otoscope, to see if earwax buildup is present.

You may see either an ENT doctor or an audiologist if you are experiencing issues with your ears and suspect you have a blockage. They will be able to assist you with your condition and help further investigate what is troubling your ears.

Once your ears have been assessed and looked at, your specialist will decide what your next steps may be. You may be referred for further tests if your specialist suspects you may have another condition troubling your ears, instead of earwax buildup.

If you are found to have significant wax buildup or blockage in the ear, your specialist may recommend that you have treatment to help remove the wax. The choice of ear wax removal method depends on your specific needs. For example, if you have a job with high levels of dirt and dust, you may need a method that is best for ear dirt removal.

These include the following interventions:

At-home treatment

If your earwax buildup is mild, your specialist may recommend some remedies to try at home first before going through more invasive treatments.

This may involve being prescribed wax softening ear drops or advised on how to use a few drops of olive oil in your ear to help loosen the wax. After two weeks of taking the drops, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, and your symptoms should improve.

If your symptoms don’t improve, then your specialist will recommend further treatment.

Specialist ear wax removal treatment

Ear irrigation

Also known as ear syringing, this treatment method involves your doctor using a syringe-like tool to flush a solution, typically water or a saline mixture, through your ear to help remove the wax. You may feel slight discomfort from the water in your ear or from holding your ear in place.

This technique is typically safe and is widely used but may not be suitable for those who have had a history of ear problems or perforated eardrums.

There are some risks with this procedure, although uncommon, these include:

• Infection
• Perforated eardrum
• Vertigo
• Deafness, temporary or permanent (in rare cases)

Microsuction

Microsuction is a method that uses a small suction tool to gently and carefully remove excess earwax from the ear canal. The tool works similarly to a vacuum cleaner. Although it can be quite noisy, it is quick and painless when it’s in your ear.

A microscopic camera is typically attached to the end of the suction tool, so your specialist can see how it is being guided through the ear. This is done to avoid damage to the surrounding structures of your ear, such as the eardrum.

This technique is suitable for those who have sensitive ears or a history of ear issues.

Ear curettage

This procedure removes earwax by using a small, spoon-shaped tool called a curette. This manual method is performed by a trained professional to precisely scrape and scoop out the excess earwax while also avoiding risks associated with flushing the ear with water. This method is effective for earwax that has hardened or impacted the ear canal, as it gives precise control over the removal process.

It is often combined with other methods, such as microsuction.

Is earwax removal at home safe?

Earwax removal at home is often unsafe and can lead to problems such as ear canal injury, infection, or pushing wax deeper into the ear, leading to hearing loss. This is especially a risk if cotton buds or DIY kits are used. 

Your ears are self-cleaning, so it’s best not to use home remedies to help resolve any unusual symptoms, as these may worsen your condition. 

For safe and effective earwax removal, book an appointment with one of our ENT surgeons or audiologists who can assess your ears and use clinical techniques. This will minimise risk and provide immediate relief.

Is there anyone who cannot have earwax removal?

Most people can have earwax removal, but it is not safe for everyone. If you have a hole (perforation) in your eardrum, continuous ear infections, a history of ear surgery, or ear devices like grommets, you should not have earwax removal without a specialist’s advice.

If any of these factors apply to you, always speak to an audiologist or an ENT specialist before getting treatment, as removing earwax could be risky for your ear health.

Are there any side effects with earwax removal?

Earwax removal is generally safe but can have some temporary side effects. 

Common side effects include dizziness or feeling lightheaded, slight discomfort, pressure in the ear, and a temporary change in hearing. 

Rare risks of earwax removal include ear infection, minor injury to the ear canal or eardrum, temporary hearing loss, and, in very uncommon cases, worsening of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). You are highly unlikely to have these side effects, but there is still some small possibility.

If you experience severe pain, prolonged dizziness, bleeding, or discharge after earwax removal, you should seek medical advice immediately.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule   
• The freedom to choose your hospital and your consultant
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs   
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end   
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included   
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

If you want to know more about earwax removal and find out if it's the right type of treatment for you, book your appointment online today.

1. Earwax blockage, Cleveland Clinic
2. Earwax build-up, NHS
3. Earwax blockage, Mayo Clinic