Ear wax is a vital bodily oil that helps clear your ear of dead skin cells, dirt and hair that cause infections and blockages.
However, if earwax hardens and blocks your ear canal, it can cause problems like:
- Reduced or loss of hearing
- Ear pain, itchiness, and infections
- Dizziness and sickness (vertigo)
- Buzzing or ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Ear wax removal treatments clear excess earwax. Obviously, the quicker the removal process, the faster the above problems will subside.
You can either perform at-home ear cleaning or opt for professional treatments conducted by a medical professional.
Each removal treatment takes a different length of time to complete.
Throughout this blog, we’ll explore the various at-home and professional treatments and how long each takes to clear earwax build-ups.
At-home ear cleaning treatments
There are several at-home ear wax removal treatments, but only two are considered safe and effective.
Ear drops –
A non-intrusive removal method that involves squeezing a solution that softens and breaks down wax into your ear at regular intervals to clear it.
Ear drops treatment can take anywhere between 5 days to 5 weeks to be effective.
Ear bulb syringing
For this simple removal treatment, a rubber syringe bulb filled with warm water is gently squeezed, releasing water into the ear and clearing it.
Ear bulb syringing requires ear drops to be used for 2-3 weeks before starting and isn’t safe for those with damaged eardrums.
Whilst at-home treatments work to an extent, they aren’t as effective as professional removal treatments.
It is also important to be aware of the possible dangers of some home treatments, such as attempting to remove ear wax using cotton buds (sometimes known as earbuds).
Although a common practice, this can lead to further damage as the wax is pushed further down your ear, blocking it further.
Professional ear wax removal procedures
Professional procedures performed by specialists are much more effective, and the results are much faster.
So, what professional options are available?
Irrigation/syringing
This is a professional version of at-home ear bulb syringing, but with much better results.
After an ear cleaning specialist has checked your ears for infection, a syringe or electric pump filled with warm water or a saline-water mixture is carefully pumped into the ear to clear the wax build-up.
Usually, results are achieved straight away. However, it is often recommended that you use ear drops 2-3 times a day for up to 2 weeks in order to soften the wax.
Microsuction
Microsuction is the quickest ear wax removal procedure available and many people find that it does not require the use of ear drops before the treatment (although using eardrops the day before and the morning of your appointment can help to soften any very hard wax and make the procedure quicker and easier).
The micro-suctioning technique involves gently sucking the wax from your ear using a small suction tube.
This treatment is painless, with hearing becoming instantly clearer once the blockage is removed.
Microsuction is available on the NHS, but the waiting list is incredibly long, so it’s worthwhile going private and ensuring that you always book an appointment with a qualified, experienced medical professional.
Which treatment should you choose?
We always advise professional procedures as they’re much more reliable and safer too. This is because these treatments are conducted with specialist equipment by a trained medical professional.
Microsuction is the most effective professional procedure as it’s quick, painless and offers instant results.
Book your professional ear wax removal treatment today
At Interhearing, we’re an established and reputable hearing clinic specialising in microsuction ear wax removal – the safest, fastest procedure available on the market.
Our ear care experts are medical professionals with years of experience behind them. This experience allows them to perform treatments to the highest standard of care and answer any questions you may have.
Our microsuction treatment is extremely affordable, costing just £65 to remove wax in both ears.
To book an appointment with one of our audiology specialists today, contact Interhearing on
0800 002 9503, or fill out our online contact form.
