Earwax removal: safe methods, the kits and DIY products to avoid

Earwax build-up or blockages can be frustrating and potentially cause further health issues. Many GP surgeries no longer offer earwax removal, so what's the best way to deal with the problem? 

If you're unsure about what to do, you're not alone. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has said it's difficult for people to know which treatments are best because ‘recommendations around [ear] self-care don’t seem to be consistent and are not widely shared’.

The RNID says a survey it conducted several years ago found that 71% of respondents had tried to remove earwax themselves, although two thirds didn't feel confident doing so.

It's best not to wing it or turn to rogue internet remedies, as this can cause further problems.

We've spoken to experts, including Kevin Munro, Ewing Professor of Audiology at the University of Manchester and honorary consultant clinical scientist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, to find out which simple home remedies, NHS and private options are available, and the unsafe methods to steer clear of.

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What is earwax?

Earwax is normal and serves as a protective layer for your outer ear, helping prevent bacterial and fungal growth. It also cleans and lubricates your ear canal by trapping dirt, dust and hair. Usually, your ears eliminate it naturally. 

The only cleaning needed is to gently wipe the inside of the 'bowl' of your ear with a damp flannel or a finger to remove wax from the entrance to the ear canal.

You should only need to take further steps if the wax becomes impacted.

What causes wax build-up in ears?

Some people experience more earwax issues than others, and both age and genetics play a role. As we age, earwax tends to become drier and harder to remove, which can block the ear canal.

Approximately 2.3 million people in the UK, including those who use hearing aids, experience troublesome earwax that requires removal each year. It affects around four in 10 care home residents.

Hearing aids can block wax from leaving your ears, and earbud-style headphones can push it further into your ear canal.

Does olive oil remove earwax?

There are several types of over-the-counter drops that may help with earwax, including 5% sodium bicarbonate ear drops, hydrogen peroxide and medical-grade olive or almond oil drops. Research on which method is best – or whether water or salt water (saline) works just as well – is inconclusive.

The NHS offers earwax advice and explains how to use ear drops. It suggests you lie on your side, put several drops of olive or almond oil in your affected ear, and wait about five to 10 minutes. Repeat this up to four times a day for up to five days. It says the softened wax should fall out on its own in around two weeks.

However, Professor Kevin Munro says it's unrealistic to expect this to happen routinely.

There is only weak evidence that pre-treatment drops alone are sufficient to soften earwax and expel it, and only in a small proportion of people. Most people will need to have their earwax softened and cleared professionally by microsuction or irrigation – keep reading to find out more.

When earwax removal is needed

If earwax is preventing you from hearing well, you need to address it.

Impacted wax blocking the ears can also cause earache or pain, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness (vertigo), itchiness or a feeling that your ears are full.

Untreated wax build-up can also increase the risk of ear infections. In severe cases, the hearing loss it causes can lead to anxiety, stress, social isolation and depression.

For hearing aid wearers, it can also cause hearing aids to whistle or affect the accuracy of ear mould production, making it harder to achieve good results.

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Is earwax removal available on the NHS?

While the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that earwax removal services be available at your local GP surgery, in reality, access is a postcode lottery. Ear irrigation is no longer a core service in the standard GP contract, meaning surgeries can choose whether to offer it – and many don't.

Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments also set their own criteria for who they treat, and NHS audiology departments typically don't perform earwax removal, even for people wearing hearing aids. 

While some will treat patients with complex ear conditions, including those who have had ear surgery or those with dementia, many hospitals have long waiting lists. 

The NHS recommends that if earwax is causing you problems, you should speak to a pharmacist. They may recommend you use oil to try to treat it yourself or suggest medicines you could try to ease the build-up.

If home treatment doesn't work, you may need to consider professional earwax removal.

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Private earwax removal – prices compared

Private companies, including large national chains and independents, offer earwax removal services. 

Prices can vary considerably, so check the small print to see whether you'll pay anything, even if they find no wax.

To help you choose – and get the best price – we've rounded up the services offered by larger chains.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our pricing research and advice by brand below. 

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Professional earwax removal explained

As mentioned, there are two main methods of professional earwax removal:

• Ear irrigation with an electronic irrigator This method flushes the wax out with water at low pressure. It's safer and more effective than older ear-syringing methods because it maintains a set pressure as it pumps water into your ear.
• Microsuction This sucks out the wax. A trained professional uses a microscope or a camera to examine your ear during the procedure. 

Some people shouldn't have ear irrigation, including those with ear conditions such as a perforated eardrum. Fewer providers offer it than microsuction. 

Before either treatment, you'll likely be advised to use ear drops for a few days to soften the wax.

The professional removing the wax may also use another form of manual removal, such as a probe, to dislodge any stubborn wax.

Who should do earwax removal?

Earwax removal is not subject to regulation – for example, by health regulators such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.

This means people may have different levels of training, and the quality of service may vary.

Before booking an appointment, you should ask if the earwax removal – which is a clinical procedure – will be performed by a registered and monitored health professional with a relevant background in ear care, such as an audiologist, doctor or nurse.

Also, verify that the health professional is employed by a company that has adequate insurance.

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How to safely remove earwax at home

The old maxim 'never stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear' has plenty of truth in it. 

Yet the RNID states that people still use various risky methods to remove earwax – including hair grips, paper clips and toothpicks. 

Using DIY methods can make symptoms worse, and some individuals even sustain an injury that requires medical attention.

So what can you use? And what should you avoid?

Safe home earwax treatments – ear drops 

Ear drops soften earwax and can be used for about three to five days, unless you have a suspected perforation in your eardrum. The drops themselves often aren't enough to clear the wax, though. Most people will need microsuction or irrigation to clear the softened earwax.

Options include sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops, hydrogen peroxide and medical-grade olive or almond oil drops. 

The NHS recommends using a dropper while lying on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal.

You may find it easier to do this first thing in the morning, and again before you go to sleep. Be aware that the drops themselves can cause discomfort, such as worsening your hearing or irritating your ear.

Speak to your pharmacist for more advice on ear drops, and refer to the NHS guide on earwax removal.

Earwax removal kits and DIY products to avoid

Cotton buds and small objects

A 2022 Which? Connect survey found that 29% of panel members who removed earwax reported using cotton buds.

If you're tempted to dig around in your ear with these or other poking devices – such as hairpins, keys, your fingers or even gadgets bought online – think again.

NICE advises against removing earwax or cleaning your ears by inserting small objects, even cotton buds. This is because they can damage the ear canal and eardrum, pushing the wax further in and potentially perforating the eardrum.

Ear irrigation at home

Some people manually wash their ears at home with body-temperature water and a saline solution using a bulb irrigator after using wax-softening drops. However, RNID, NICE and the NHS advise against this DIY home method and recommend seeking professional help instead. 

Ear candling

Ear candles, such as Hopi ear candles, are hollow cones made of a fabric tube soaked in beeswax and/or paraffin.

The theory is that the suction created by ear candling pulls wax and debris from your ear when you light the candle and place it in the ear canal.

However, NICE states that ear candles won't help remove earwax and could cause serious injury. 

Ear candling could burn your face or ear, including the eardrum, ear canal or middle ear. In the worst cases, it could cause bleeding or even puncture the eardrum.

Weird 'earwax removal' gadgets you bought on the internet

Intriguing, professional-looking devices online claim to identify and remove earwax with ease. Again, we advise against DIY options that aren't proven or recommended.

We asked an expert to examine two popular types of earwax removal gadgets bought online, alongside some high street options, and assess the evidence for their effectiveness. He was concerned about the potential risks associated with a wireless ear camera, ear pick accessories and a Spiral earwax removal tool. 

He concluded they could cause ear damage and raised serious safety concerns about public use, especially given the inadequate guidance on safe use.

Clinical evidence suggests you should never insert foreign bodies into the ear canal, as they can be dangerous and injure the ear canal or eardrum.

The verdict: trying weird and wonderful gadgets bought online is likely a waste of money and may do more harm than good. See our dodgy earwax removal products investigation for the full story.

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The impact of earwax on hearing aids

It's essential to manage earwax if you wear hearing aids, as the devices can prevent it from dispersing naturally.

Earwax can make your aids whistle, affect hearing tests and make it difficult to get an accurate impression of your ear for earmolds.

If you have private hearing aids, check if initial and/or ongoing wax removal is included in the cost. 

For example, if you pay £55 for wax removal at Specsavers before having hearing aids fitted, you'll receive a £55 voucher towards the cost of the hearing aids. However, you'll have to pay privately for ongoing wax removal unless it's for fitting new devices.

See our guide to the big retailers' hearing aid prices to help you compare all levels of hearing-aid care before you buy.