Local expert Khiyam Hussain from Hear Better With Us shares some tips on ear wax and looking after your ear health.

Ear wax helps to protect the ear from dirt, germs, foreign bodies and irritation from water.

It normally comes in a range of shades from yellow to dark brown.

Occasionally, you might notice a change in the colour and consistency of your ear wax.

Normally, this is nothing to worry about but in some cases, it can give you an indication about the health of your ear.   

Darker ear wax can be normal for some people but if not, it can appear concerning. However, the darker color is normally just an indication the wax has been the ear canal for a long time. 

Really dark or black ear wax is normally older ear wax that has become impacted. This ear wax is normally hard.   

White or grey ear wax is likely to be a mix of wax and dust or debris such as excess skin. If the ear wax appears dry or flaky, it may indicate eczema or other skin conditions affecting the ear canal.  

Green ear wax could be a sign of an infection, especially if it is accompanied by a foul smell, pain, hearing loss or fluid leaking from the ear.  

Red or bloody wax is normally a sign of a scratch or injury in the ear canal.  

In the case of green, bloody or foul-smelling ear wax, it is best to seek medical advice.  

Treating Ear Wax  

In most cases, ear wax will naturally move out of the ear canal.

However, sometimes ear wax can build up and cause a blockage.

This can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), itchiness or pain and dizziness.  

Cotton buds / Q-tips 

Never use Q-tips or cotton buds to remove ear wax from the ear.

These instruments can push the ear wax further into the ear canal and become impacted.

This makes it difficult to remove and can cause discomfort and temporary hearing loss.  

Ear Drops 

Over-the-counter ear wax drops are a gentle way to help remove ear wax at home.

The drops help soften ear wax and break it down allowing it to move out of the ear canal.

This method can take some time to work and further intervention may be required. Ear drops can temporarily make the ear feel blocked and reduce hearing until the drops have been absorbed.  

Professional Ear Wax Removal 

Professional ear wax removal often leads to instant relief as the ear wax is removed at the appointment.  

Ear Water Irrigation 

This involves a specialist using a tool to push a pressurised flow of water down the ear canal which should then dislodge the wax.

However, although this may remove the wax – it can be a more painful treatment than ear microsuction and could even damage the ear drum. 

Microsuction 

This is a technique used by a specialist, such as a doctor or audiologist to remove ear wax.

The specialist will use a microscopic to enable them to see clearly into your ear canal. A small suction tube is then manoeuvred gently through the ear canal to remove the ear wax using suction, vacuuming ear wax out of the ear in the same way your vacuum at home would work.

This is one of the safest methods of ear wax removal but can still lead to some side effects in a minority of cases.   

Before securing your appointment, it is important to seek out a qualified and experienced audiologist to remove your ear wax.

At Hear Better With Us our qualified audiologist, Khiyam has over 15 years' experience working in private and NHS clinics. He is highly skilled at removing ear wax safely.  

Hear Better With Us is based at 1 Oaks Precinct, Kenilworth, CV8 1DP and operates on an appointment only basis. 

Bookings can be made by phone on 0330 133 0655 or by email [email protected]. 

Or find out more on the website Microsuction Ear Wax Removal From Hear Better With Us.