When was the last time you thought about your ear health? For most of us, it's something we don't pay much attention to, until our ears feel blocked, our hearing becomes muffled, or we start experiencing discomfort.
Earwax is a natural and important part of keeping our ears healthy. But when too much builds up, it can affect our hearing and everyday comfort. Knowing how to care for your ears properly and when to seek professional help can make a real difference. At DMB Chemist & Tower Pharmacy, we offer professional earwax removal in Tower Hamlets, using microsuction to help patients manage troublesome earwax safely and effectively.
Why Do We Have Earwax?
Despite what you might think, earwax isn't something dirty that needs to be regularly removed. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced naturally inside the ear canal. It helps trap dust, dirt and other particles, while protecting and lubricating the delicate skin inside your ears. In most cases, your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax gradually moves towards the outer ear, where it naturally falls away. However, some people produce more earwax than others, while factors such as narrow ear canals, hearing aids, earplugs and age-related changes can make a build-up more likely. The important thing to remember is that healthy ears don't need to be completely free of wax.
Common Earwax Myths: What's True and What's Not?
There's plenty of misinformation surrounding ear cleaning. Here are a few common misconceptions worth clearing up.
Myth 1: Cotton Buds Are the Best Way to Clean Your Ears
It might feel satisfying to clean your ears with a cotton bud, but inserting one into the ear canal can actually make things worse. Rather than removing wax, cotton buds can push it further inside, increasing the risk of a blockage. They can also irritate or damage the delicate ear canal and eardrum. The better approach: Avoid putting anything inside your ear canal. Gently cleaning the outside of your ears is usually all that's needed.
Myth 2: Earwax Always Needs Removing
Earwax has an important purpose, and most people don't need professional ear cleaning. Removal is generally only necessary when wax builds up and causes symptoms, interferes with hearing aids or prevents a healthcare professional from examining the ear properly.
Myth 3: Ear Candles Are a Safe Way to Remove Wax
Ear candles are sometimes advertised as a natural way to remove earwax, but there's no reliable evidence that they work. They can also cause burns and other injuries. If you're experiencing blocked ears, it's better to speak to a pharmacist about suitable treatment options rather than experimenting with home remedies.
How Do You Know If You Have an Earwax Build-Up?
Excess earwax can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Muffled or reduced hearing
A blocked or full feeling in the ear
Earache or discomfort
Itching inside the ear
Ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
Dizziness or balance problems
These symptoms aren't always caused by earwax, so it's important not to assume that a blockage is the problem without an appropriate assessment.
If you're experiencing sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical advice rather than booking routine wax removal.
What Is Microsuction Earwax Removal?
If earwax isn't clearing naturally or with suitable pharmacy treatments, professional removal may be recommended. At DMB Chemist & Tower Pharmacy, our private earwax removal service uses microsuction, a technique that removes excess wax using a small suction device. Unlike traditional ear irrigation, microsuction doesn't involve flushing water into the ear canal. The procedure is carried out by a trained professional who can assess the ear and determine whether removal is appropriate. Microsuction is a commonly used method of earwax removal, although it isn't suitable for everyone and can occasionally cause temporary discomfort or dizziness.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Earwax Removal?
When a build-up of wax is causing problems, professional removal can offer several benefits. The aim isn't to remove every trace of earwax, but to address troublesome build-up while maintaining healthy ears.
Improved hearing: Removing a blockage may restore hearing that has been affected by excess wax.
Reduced discomfort: Clearing impacted wax can help relieve feelings of fullness, pressure or irritation.
Better hearing aid performance: Excess wax can interfere with hearing aids, making regular ear care particularly important for some users.
Professional assessment: An appointment allows your ears to be examined so that the most appropriate next steps can be recommended.
How Can You Look After Your Ears at Home?
Good ear care is often about knowing what not to do. Avoid inserting cotton buds, hairpins or other objects into your ears, and don't attempt to scrape out wax yourself. If you have mild symptoms of earwax build-up, a pharmacist may recommend suitable ear drops to soften the wax and encourage it to clear naturally. However, ear drops aren't appropriate for everyone, particularly if you have a perforated eardrum or certain existing ear conditions. If your symptoms persist or you're unsure which treatment is suitable, speak to a healthcare professional.
Professional Earwax Removal at DMB Chemist & Tower Pharmacy
If blocked ears or excess earwax are affecting your everyday life, our team is here to help. We offer professional microsuction earwax removal in Shadwell and Wapping, providing convenient access to ear care within your local community. Our private earwax removal service is available for patients aged 16 and over, with straightforward pricing:
One ear: £50
Both ears: £80
We also offer ear consultations for patients who would like professional advice about their symptoms. Whether you're experiencing muffled hearing, recurring wax build-up or simply aren't sure what's causing your discomfort, our friendly team can help you understand your options.
Take Better Care of Your Ear Health
Your ears do an important job every day, and looking after them doesn't need to be complicated. Understanding the purpose of earwax, avoiding unsafe cleaning methods and seeking professional advice when something doesn't feel right can help you maintain healthier ears. Don't let blocked ears affect your everyday comfort.