Earwax build-up
Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
Symptoms
A build-up of earwax in your ear can cause:
- tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Treatment
If you think that your ear is blocked, put 2-3 drops of olive or almond oil in your ear twice a day for 1-2 weeks. Over this time earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you’re lying down.
Don’t use drops if you have a perforated eardrum (a hole or tear in your eardrum). Speak to your pharmacist about the most suitable product for you and make sure you read the leaflet that comes with it.
It is not recommended to attempt to remove a build-up of earwax with your fingers or a cotton bud. This can damage your ear and push the wax further down.
There is no proof that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax.
If you suspect you have any kind of ear problem other than wax you should
Earwax build-up
Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
Symptoms
A build-up of earwax in your ear can cause:
- tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Treatment
If you think that your ear is blocked, put 2-3 drops of olive or almond oil in your ear twice a day for 1-2 weeks. Over this time earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you’re lying down.
Don’t use drops if you have a perforated eardrum (a hole or tear in your eardrum). Speak to your pharmacist about the most suitable product for you and make sure you read the leaflet that comes with it.
It is not recommended to attempt to remove a build-up of earwax with your fingers or a cotton bud. This can damage your ear and push the wax further down.
There is no proof that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax.
If you suspect you have any kind of ear problem other than wax you should not put anything in your ear until you have received medical advice.
When to see a nurse
If after a week of eardrop treatment you are still deaf, please make an appointment with a practice nurse. If it is determined that wax is the cause, we may advise using eardrops for a bit longer.
Ear irrigation
At Shephall Health Centre we are dedicated to providing effective and safe treatment for our patients. Ear irrigation is associated with some risk, and as a result it is not offered as a routine treatment for earwax build-up. Consequences may include ear infections, perforated eardrums and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The procedure may still be undertaken in some serious cases if the patient consents. The practice nurse will ensure that the risks are discussed.
Prevention
You can’t prevent earwax. It’s there to protect your ears from dirt and germs.
However, you can keep using ear drops to soften the wax. This will help it fall out on its own and should prevent blocked ears.
not put anything in your ear until you have received medical advice.
When to see a nurse
If after a week of eardrop treatment you are still deaf, please make an appointment with a practice nurse. If it is determined that wax is the cause, we may advise using eardrops for a bit longer.
Ear irrigation
At Shephall Health Centre we are dedicated to providing effective and safe treatment for our patients. Ear irrigation is associated with some risk, and as a result it is not offered as a routine treatment for earwax build-up. Consequences may include ear infections, perforated eardrums and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The procedure may still be undertaken in some serious cases if the patient consents. The practice nurse will ensure that the risks are discussed.
Prevention
You can’t prevent earwax. It’s there to protect your ears from dirt and germs.
However, you can keep using ear drops to soften the wax. This will help it fall out on its own and should prevent blocked ears.