Professional Ear Wax Removal at Hearco, Brighton

Hearco

Jun 21, 2025

Your Guide to Professional Ear Wax Removal

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural and beneficial substance produced by glands in your outer ear canal. It acts as a natural lubricant and has antibacterial properties, protecting your ears from infections, moisture, dust, and dirt. Normally, earwax naturally makes its way out of the ear, carrying debris with it. However, sometimes it can build up and cause problems.

Why Does Earwax Build Up?

While earwax is usually helpful, several factors can lead to excessive or impacted earwax:

Overactive Glands: About 6% of people naturally produce too much earwax.
Ear Canal Anatomy: Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals can make it harder for wax to exit.
Aging: As we get older, our glands produce drier earwax that doesn't clear as easily.
Improper Cleaning: Using cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears can actually push wax deeper, creating a blockage.
Hearing Aids or Earphones: These can prevent the natural outward movement of earwax.
Infections: Skin or bone infections in the ear can also contribute to wax buildup.

Symptoms of Excessive Earwax Buildup

If you're experiencing any of the following, it might be time to consider professional ear wax removal:

Earaches
Hearing loss
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
Itchiness around or inside your ear
Spinning sensations (vertigo) and dizziness
Frequent ear infections
Cough
Unpleasant odor or discharge in the ear
Pain or infection

The good news is that these symptoms are often temporary and can be reversed with professional ear wax removal. If symptoms persist, Hearco can also offer a full diagnostic hearing assessment to rule out other causes. Learn more about Hearco hearing tests here.

Why Choose Professional Ear Wax Removal?

When your ear canal is fully blocked with earwax, sound can't reach your eardrum effectively, leading to hearing difficulties. Blocked ears also create a warm, moist environment, increasing the risk of infections.

While it might be tempting to try and remove earwax yourself with cotton buds or other objects, this is highly discouraged. Self-removal attempts often push the wax deeper, worsen blockages, and can even damage your ear canal or eardrum.

At Hearco in Brighton Marina, we believe that ear wax should only ever be removed by a fully-qualified and trained audiologist.

Microsuction or Ear Syringing?

There are a several methods for professional ear wax removal, namely microsuction, ear syringing and ear irrigation.

What is Microsuction?

Microsuction is a modern, gentle technique that uses a sterile, low-pressure suction device to remove wax. Think of it like a tiny, precise vacuum cleaner for your ear. Our qualified hearing care specialists can visualise your ear canal and eardrum throughout the procedure, allowing for precise removal of wax and debris right up to the eardrum.

What is Ear Syringing/Irrigation?

Ear Syringing or Ear Irrigation is essentially the same thing. It involves gently cleaning the ear, using warm water at a low pressure. Whilst microsuction is the routine method of ear wax removal, some ears suit ear syringing/irrigation better. For instance some ears produce very oily wax, in which case microsuction would be less clinically safe and less comfortable, for you.

What is manual ear wax removal?

Ear Wax Removal can also take place using hand held tools - it is imperative a fully trained audiologist carries out this procedure - again this is the safesest and most comforatble method in many cases.

Summary

Every person and every ear is different - this is why Hearco only uses the best equipment, allocates sufficient time and only allows fully trained audiologists to do this procedure - your hearing is important.

Ear Cleaning Appointment at Hearco: What to Expect

Does it hurt?

Ear wax removal is generally quick and painless, though it can be a bit noisy. If you can, we recommend applying 2-3 drops of olive oil to your ear(s) daily for at least two days before your appointment. This softens the wax, making it easier and faster to remove, and reduces the risk of discomfort. If you have an infection, you might experience some mild discomfort, but removing the infected debris is crucial for healing, and to allow any prescribed medication to work faster. You can take a pain reliever an hour before your appointment if you're concerned.

How long does it take?

The ear cleaning procedure itself typically takes 15 to 30 minutes for both ears. To help us work efficiently, simply try to sit still. We will stop immediately should you experience any discomfort, or would simply wish a break. If no wax is found when you arrive, we will carry out other diagnostic testing, to ensure your symptoms are properly addressed.

How often should I have earwax removed?

This varies from person to person. Some individuals produce more earwax and benefit from removal every six months, while others can go for years. Regular ear examinations are the best way to determine if your ear canal is becoming impacted and needs to be cleared. We can advise you on a personalised schedule during your visit.

Can I have Ear Wax Removal with a perforated eardrum?

Yes, but only by microsuction or by the use of manual ear wax removal tools as it is advisable to keep the ear canal dry (as best you can), to prevent fluid leaking into the middle ear. if you should have a known perforation, please do not apply olive oil prior to your appointment.

Can I fly after ear wax removal removal?

Absolutely! Air travel should not be an issue after ear cleaning.

Ear Wax Removal Cost

We provide earwax removal at a total cost of £75 - we don't charge extra for two ears, when you visit us in our Brighton Marina clinic. Plus, if we can't remove all the wax in your first appointment, we'll see you again at no extra cost. We believe in transparent pricing and excellent value for our Brighton community.