Ear wax, also referred to as cerumen is described as a brown, orange, red and yellow-ish material that is produced from the hair linings and glands located in the ear canal. Ear wax is essentially made up of dead skin cells and hair and usually passes out of the ears harmlessly over time. Jaw movement also helps the ear wax move through the canal gradually. However, sometimes too much build up can cause a blockage often leading to problems. When this is the case, the ear wax needs to be removed.

Ear wax plays a huge role in protecting the ear:

• Traps and prevents bacteria, dust, dirt, and fine foreign particles so they do not travel further into the ear canal.
• Shields the skin of the ear canal from getting irritated if water enters the ear. 
• To lubricate the ear as it prevents the sensitive skin of your ear canal from getting dry
• Acts as a moisturising agent preventing dry, itchy, and aggravated ears
• Prevent infection – earwax contains antimicrobial properties

Even though ear wax is important to have, too much can cause a problem. In some cases, the glands and hair linings in the ear canal over produce wax so it cannot be easily removed from the ear canal naturally. Impacted earwax is extremely common and anyone of all ages can be affected. However, as you get older, ear wax tends to become harder and less mobile.

Sometimes we can produce too much ear wax, at a rate faster than our body can remove it naturally. This can often happen due to:

• Infectious diseases (external otitis)
• Skin diseases (psoriasis or eczema)
• Narrowed ear canal from birth, chronic inflammation, or injury
• Bony blockage (osteoma or exostoses)

In some cases, objects placed in your ears can also lead to impacted ear wax. People often use cotton buds to remove wax at home, but we advise against this as the wax can be pushed deeper into the canal resulting in complete blockage over time. Wearing hearing aids can often increase the chance of ear wax build-up as the wax is not able to freely move out of the ear. In these instances, at Ealing Hearing Centre we examine your ears at your 6 monthly appointments to prevent the chances of ear wax causing a problem.

• Muffled hearing/hearing loss
• Earache 
• Ear infections
• Sense of fullness/pressure in the ear
• Itchiness
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, then please visit our ‘contact us’ page and book in for a consultation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with impacted ear wax, it is advised you see us for a thorough ear assessment. Please do not try and remove the wax at home by yourself. Our ears are extremely sensitive and require specialist and careful attention when cleaning. 

We recommend using ear drops to help soften your ear wax. Ear drops are made from olive oil and can usually prevent a build-up. Before administering ear drops in your ear, please consult a pharmacist or our customer support team via the ‘contact us’ page. 

During the consultation, a full medical history is taken, followed by a detailed examination of the ear and auditory canal to assess the type of wax, level of symptoms and amount of wax impacted. This step is vital as it helps us choose which ear wax removal treatment method is best suited and safe to use on your ears. We also consider your general health and wellbeing and offer professional advice on how to maintain good ear hygiene. Undergoing ear wax removal can provide immediate relief of ear symptoms for patients.

There are many options available when removing ear wax. At Ealing Hearing Centre, we are professionally trained to carry out ear wax removal through several safe and effective specialist techniques:

• Microsuction
• Ear irrigation
• Hook removal

For ear wax removal (micro-suction, ear irrigation and hooks/dry instruments) our price is competitive and remains the same for all procedures. Bilateral ear wax removal is £80, unilateral is £50 and a check-up is £30.