Ear Wax

Ear wax might not be the most glamorous of topics, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears clean and healthy. It protects the delicate skin inside your ears by trapping dirt and bacteria - helping to prevent infections and irritation. … Read More See less

But when too much ear wax builds up, it can lead to blocked ears, discomfort and even temporary hearing loss. So if you're looking for the right ear drops or tools to help remove excess wax safely, we're here to help you find the right solution.

Weight Loss Injections

Treatments

Ear Infections

Hair Loss

First Aid

Nasal Congestion

Insomnia

Infant & Child

Head Lice

Hay Fever & Allergies

What is ear wax?

Ear wax, or cerumen to give it its medical name, is a natural substance produced by glands inside your ear canal.

It’s a mix of dead skin cells, tiny hairs and other debris and its main job is to keep your ears clean by trapping dust and other particles before they can travel deeper into the ear.

Despite its reputation, ear wax is there for a reason - it protects your ears, keeps the skin moisturised and even has antibacterial properties.

In most cases, excess wax makes its way out on its own, but sometimes it can become hard - leading to discomfort or blocked, muffled hearing.

If that happens, there are simple ways to soften or remove ear wax at home using ear drops or sprays.

Earwax removal

If you find you have too much ear wax and you’re suffering with blocked ears or discomfort, you might want to either try ear drops at home or speaking to a professional for removal.

At-home treatments like ear wax drops are an affordable first step - with prices typically starting from just a few pounds.

Popular options include Otex, olive oil ear drops and sprays which are designed to soften wax so it can work its way out naturally.

If drops don’t do the trick, you may need to book in with a professional. Private earwax removal costs anywhere between £40 and £100, depending on the clinic and method used.

Some GPs may offer a removal service, but access can vary across NHS services so it’s best to have a chat with your GP in the first instance to see what your options are.

For many though, using ear drops regularly should help prevent the need for more intensive treatment.

Earwax colour: what does it mean?

Earwax can come in a range of colours and textures - and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.

The colour can give you a clue about how long the wax has been in your ear or if there’s a possible issue to check.

Here’s what different earwax colours could mean:

Yellow or orange

This is the most common and is a fresh and healthy type of earwax. It’s usually soft and sticky - doing its job of protecting your ears.

Light brown

Slightly older wax that’s starting to dry out. It’s usually completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Dark brown

Older wax that’s been in the ear a bit longer. It’s often thicker and may be harder to remove, especially if there’s a build-up of it.

Black

Wax can turn very dark if it’s been in the ear for a while. If it’s combined with pain, tinnitus or hearing loss, it’s worth speaking to a pharmacist or your GP for further investigation.

White or pale

Dry, flaky wax that’s more common in people with dry skin in the ear canal. This type of wax can still protect your ears but may fall out more easily.

Red or bloody

Wax with streaks of blood might be a sign of irritation or a small scratch inside the ear. If it doesn’t clear up quickly, or if you’re in pain, it’s best to get it checked.

Should ear wax be removed?

In most cases, ear wax doesn’t need to be removed. Most of the time, it should naturally move out of the ear canal, helped along by everyday actions like chewing and talking.

But sometimes wax builds up and doesn’t clear on its own. This can lead to symptoms like:

Blocked or muffled hearing
Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear
Itchiness
A ringing or buzzing sound, also known as tinnitus

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s safe to use ear drops to help soften the wax and ease the blockage.

As tempting as it might be, you shouldn't try to remove ear wax with cotton buds. Doing so can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and damage the ear.

If you try out ear drops and your symptoms persist, or if you’re in pain, it might then be worth speaking to a pharmacist or booking in with a professional to remove excess earwax.

How to clean ear wax at home

If you’re dealing with a build-up of earwax, you can safely remove it at home by following these five simple steps:

1. Choose the right ear drops

Use ear wax drops that are designed to soften and break down wax. Options include Otex or olive oil ear drops. Always check the label to make sure they’re suitable for you, your age and needs.

2. Apply the drops correctly

Warm the drops in the bottle in your hand. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Gently squeeze the recommended number of drops into your ear canal and stay in that position for a few minutes to let the drops soak in.

3. Let the drops do the work

Drops soften the wax over time, so it can then move out naturally. Use them once or twice a day for a few days. The instructions should explain exactly how long you need to use them.

4. Gently rinse if needed

Some people find it helpful to use a bulb syringe filled with lukewarm water to gently rinse the ear after using drops. Don’t use cold or hot water though, and if you have a history of ear problems you might want to avoid this step altogether.

5. Don’t use cotton buds

Using cotton buds or other objects can push wax deeper into your ear and cause more problems. Stick to drops and gentle rinsing only.

If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, speak to a pharmacist or your GP for advice.

What are the best ear drops for removing ear wax?

The right ear drops for you will depend on how blocked your ears feel and whether you prefer a stronger or gentler approach.

Two of the most common options are Otex drops and olive oil ear drops. Let’s look at the differences between the two:

Otex ear drops

Otex contains urea hydrogen peroxide, which helps to soften and break down stubborn wax. It’s a faster-acting option and is a good choice if there’s a noticeable blockage or you have some hearing loss.

Olive oil ear drops

Olive oil is a natural, gentle way to soften ear wax. It may take a little longer to work but is ideal for sensitive ears or mild build-up. It’s often recommended before using stronger drops or seeking professional removal.

Which should you choose?

For quicker results or heavy build-up, try Otex ear drops
For mild symptoms or sensitive skin, olive oil drops are a gentle first step

Note: Otex also makes olive oil drops, so check the label to make sure you’re choosing the right type.

When should I see a professional about ear wax?

If you’ve tried ear drops for a few days and they’re not working, or your symptoms are getting worse, it’s best to speak to a professional.

You should also get checked if you have:

Ongoing pain or discomfort
Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
Discharge or bleeding from the ear
A history of ear problems or infections

A pharmacist or your GP can advise on next steps, or you may be referred for professional earwax removal - such as microsuction.

How does microsuction compare to other methods?

Microsuction is a professional earwax removal method that uses a small suction device to gently remove wax from the ear canal. It’s quick - taking 15-30 minutes - and doesn’t involve water, making it a good option for people with sensitive ears or a history of ear infections.

Compared to ear drops which soften wax over time, microsuction is often faster and more effective, especially for heavy build-up or where the wax is hard and compacted.

While it’s usually more expensive than home treatments, you may find it’s worth it for the instant relief and minimal fuss.

Sources

Why shop with Chemist4U?

Free delivery when you spend over £30

100% discreet delivery for every item ordered

Fully regulated UK pharmacy

Support whenever you need it

Ask a pharmacist a question

Read our in-depth guides

Contact our customer service team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ear candles effective at removing ear wax?

Using an ear candle to remove wax isn’t a very effective method.

Studies don’t suggest any proof that the heat from the candle sucks ear wax out of your ear, especially because your internal body temperature is higher than the heat of the candle.

Therefore the candle wouldn’t provide enough heat to melt the wax to remove it.

Additionally, ear candling isn’t considered safe and some studies suggest that it can lead to injuries such as burning, punctures in your eardrum, leaving a residue of wax in the ear canal, and pushing wax further down the ear which can cause complications.

What is the best way to remove wax from the ears?

The best way to clean your ears is with a damp washcloth - but you can also apply a few drops of olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops into your ear to soften the wax and allow it to fall out on its own.

Cotton swabs are fine to clean your outer ear, but you shouldn’t use them to clean the inside of your ear as they can cause injury and force the wax further down the ear canal.

Why shouldn’t you use a cotton swab to remove ear wax?

Cotton swabs are fine to clean the outer ear, but they should never be used to clean the inside of your ear, no matter how tempting it may seem.

A cotton swab behaves like a plunger, pushing the ear wax further down the ear canal.

Not only does this have to be removed by a professional because of the depth of the ear wax, but it can also lead to complications like a punctured eardrum and hearing loss.

Items in your cart