How do I self care manage my wax build up?

We recommend the following ear-drop regime for adults.

Olive oil drops

The following needs to be done two to three times daily for seven days:

lie on your side with the affected ear uppermost;
pull the outer ear gently backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal;
put two to three drops of olive oil into the affected ear and gently massage just in front of the ear;
stay laying on your side to allow the oil to soak in for around five to ten minutes;
afterwards, wipe away any excess oil. You do not need to place cotton wool in the ear, as this will absorb the oil.

Your hearing problem may initially worsen after first starting to use olive oil drops. If you are concerned about this it may be advised that you concentrate on treating one ear at a time.

In most cases, after seven days, the wax will have softened sufficiently to encourage the wax to come out without further intervention.

There are many different wax softeners available but research has not shown any one to be better than the other for softening wax, and some may irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal. For this reason, it is recommended that you use olive oil.

Ear candles are not a safe option as they may result in serious injury. The use of cotton buds, matchsticks, hairpins, and paper clips can cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum; therefore, they are not recommended.

If you are prone to wax build up, it is recommended that you use olive oil once or twice a week or fortnightly to prevent re-occurrence.

For further advice on self management contact:

Choose Well advice at pharmacies
NHS Direct: 0845 4647

If you have followed the self management regime for seven days and this measure fails, please self refer by clicking this link that will take you to the ear wax micro suction clinic page (opens in new tab).

Continue with the self-management regime until the night before your appointment.