Ear wax is produced by the glands in the skin of the ear canal and helps keep the ears clean and free from bacteria
You should never use a cotton bud to clean your ears as it may cause wax impaction, ear infection and damage to the ear drum.
The ear canal produces a waxy oil called cerumen, more commonly known as ear wax. This protects your ear from dust and water. Some people produce more ear wax than others, but this doesn’t necessarily lead to a blockage. Some ear canals are smaller or hairier than usual, making it more difficult for the wax to come out naturally.
One of the most common causes of ear wax blockage is attempted self-removal at home using cotton buds. Hearing aid and earplug users are also more likely to develop wax build up.
Initial treatment at home usually involves wax-softening ear drops, such as sodium bicarbonate or olive oil, which can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription. This clears the wax in the majority of cases.
If this is not effective, then microsuction may be required. Paul Kirkland will use a microscope to visualise the ear canal and the wax. The ear wax is removed using a suction tube. This is a painless procedure which only takes a few minutes.
