Earwax Removal and ear cleaning

Professional ear wax removal methods, such as micro suction and irrigation, are generally painless. Some mild discomfort may occur if the wax is impacted or hardened, but specialists take steps to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. The procedure does tend to be a little loud, but nowhere near hearing damaging levels.

Signs include muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, or ringing in the ears. A free 15 minute hearing health check by our trained audiologists can confirm if ear wax removal is needed.

Start using olive oil or ear drops 3–5 days before your visit to help soften the wax. Avoid inserting cotton buds and keep your ears dry. For more information, this article explains how to prepare for your appointment. 

Micro suction is a safe and effective procedure where a specialist uses a low-pressure suction device to remove the wax. It's highly precise, performed under direct observation through a microscope, and does not require water. Bayfields uses the cutting edge Tympa system to give us full visibility of the ear and also record the procedure so you can check later what was removed. Find out more information here. 

Yes! Wearing in the ear headphones or earbuds for long periods can prevent earwax from naturally exiting the ear canal, potentially leading to blockages. Cleaning your headphones regularly and giving your ears a break can help reduce the risk.

For most people, ear wax is self-cleaning. Your ears are set up to get rid of the wax without you having to do anything. Therefore, it often doesn’t require removal.

However, certain individuals may experience frequent blockages due to:

• Narrow ear canals
• Excessive ear wax production
• Hair in the ear canals
• Regular use of earplugs or hearing aids, which can trap wax

Ear wax is actually beneficial—it protects the ear canal by trapping dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching deeper parts of the ear. However, excessive build up can lead to blockages and discomfort.

A blockage occurs when excess earwax builds up. When it hardens, it can then prevent sound from traveling effectively through the ear canal to the eardrum.

Common symptoms include:

• Hearing loss—sounds may become muffled or quieter
• Earache—pain or discomfort in the ear
• Tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing sensation
• Dizziness—a feeling of imbalance or vertigo

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your ears checked by a professional.

It’s really important to avoid inserting objects into your ears, as this can push wax deeper or damage your eardrum, so we would never recommend trying to remove your own ear wax, unless it is in the outer ear (the bit you can see)

Yes, ear wax can clog hearing aid vents and receivers, reducing sound quality. Regular cleaning of both your ears and hearing aids can help prevent this issue.