Earwax Removal in Canterbury: Safe Methods, What to Avoid, and When to Seek Help
- Alice Monk
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Private earwax removal at All Health Matters, Canterbury
Let’s face it – earwax isn’t the most glamorous of topics. But when it builds up, it can affect your hearing, make you feel blocked or dizzy, and even impact your concentration or sleep. If you’re dealing with that “bunged-up” feeling or constantly reaching for the olive oil drops, it might be time to get things properly sorted.
At All Health Matters in Canterbury, we offer professional earwax removal that’s safe, effective, and quick – with two modern options available: microsuction and ear irrigation. Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with earwax safely, including what not to try at home and what the NHS now advises.
What Is Earwax and Why Do We Have It?
Earwax (or cerumen) is a naturally occurring substance that protects and lubricates your ear canal. It traps dust, dirt, and other particles before they can travel deeper into the ear, helping to prevent infections and irritation. It’s normally cleared from the ear naturally through movements like chewing and jaw motion.
But for some people, wax builds up faster than it clears. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including:
A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
Muffled or reduced hearing
Itching or irritation
Dizziness or balance issues
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Who’s More Likely to Experience Earwax Build-Up?
Some people are simply more prone to blocked ears than others. You may be at increased risk if:
You regularly wear earplugs, hearing aids, or in-ear headphones
Your ear canals are narrow or bendy
You’ve previously had ear infections, eczema, or dry skin
You’ve used cotton buds or other objects to try to clean your ears
You produce more wax than average (this can be genetic)
Home Remedies: Do They Work and Are They Safe?
There’s a lot of advice floating around about how to clean your ears at home – but not all of it is safe or effective.
Olive Oil Drops
This is often recommended by pharmacists and GPs as a first step. A few drops of olive oil (or a medicated ear drop solution) can soften earwax, making it easier for the body to clear it out naturally. However, it doesn’t work in all cases – and softened wax can sometimes block the ear more before it clears. We always ask you to use eardrops before a private earwax removal appointment as it increases the chance of successful removal.
Avoid Cotton Buds
They might feel satisfying, but they’re likely doing more harm than good. Cotton buds often push wax deeper into the ear canal, making the blockage worse. They can also irritate or damage the skin inside the ear or even perforate the eardrum.
You'll often hear our nurses say "don't put anything smaller than your elbow inside your ear"!
Avoid Ear Candles (Hopi Candles)
Despite claims online, ear candles are not recommended by any reputable medical body. They don’t effectively remove wax and can actually cause burns, blockages, or ear injuries.
Ear Syringing vs Ear Irrigation: What’s the Difference?
Many people still use the term ear syringing – but this old method has now been phased out in most medical settings. It involved using a metal syringe to squirt water into the ear, often at variable pressure. Because the pressure was hard to control, syringing could be uncomfortable, risky, and not always effective.
Modern ear irrigation, on the other hand, is much safer. It uses a purpose-built machine to gently flush warm water into the ear at a controlled, low pressure. It’s far more comfortable and less risky than traditional syringing, and it’s one of the two methods we use at All Health Matters.
Our Earwax Removal Services in Canterbury
We offer two clinically approved methods for earwax removal, both carried out by trained professionals at our Canterbury wellness clinic.
Microsuction
Microsuction is a dry method that uses a small suction device to gently remove wax under direct vision. It’s quick, comfortable, and doesn’t involve any water – making it a great choice for people with a history of ear infections, grommets, or perforated eardrums.
Ear Irrigation
This water-based method uses body-temperature water and a gentle flow to rinse out wax that’s been softened. It’s suitable for people whose wax is too hard or deep for microsuction alone. We always recommend softening drops for a few days before your appointment to make the treatment more comfortable.
Before either method, we’ll examine your ears to assess the wax and make sure there’s no underlying issue that needs further care. We'll take photos so you can see the before and after images too.
Why Can’t I Just See My GP or the NHS?
It’s a common question – does the NHS still offer earwax removal?
In recent years, many NHS surgeries have stopped providing earwax removal unless there’s a clear medical need (for example, for hearing aid fittings or persistent infections). Even when it is available, waiting times can be long, and it may only involve guidance for self-care at home.
That’s where private services like ours in Canterbury come in. We can usually offer appointments within a few days, and you don’t need a GP referral. We also have time to explain your options properly and provide aftercare advice tailored to you.
"I had such a good experience getting ear wax removal. It took a couple rounds as the wax was really stubborn but through the entire process the staff/nurses were patient, attentive and helpful. They answered all my queries and concerns. Every time I went they were prompt and on time, if not early. Thank you so much for all your help!" - Bethany, Earwax Removal Patient
When Should You Book an Appointment?
If you're experiencing any of the following, it’s worth booking an assessment:
Feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear
Difficulty hearing (especially if it comes on suddenly)
Tinnitus or ringing
Mild discomfort or itching
Repeated need to use olive oil drops
A recent hearing aid fitting where wax is causing issues
How to Book Your Earwax Removal Appointment in Canterbury
You can book online or call our friendly team to arrange an appointment. We’ll start with a quick examination to assess whether wax is the cause and advise on the best removal method for you.
Appointments are available at our comfortable clinic in Canterbury, Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, we’re easy to find and here to help.
Got Questions?
Not sure whether earwax is the issue, or just want a bit of reassurance? You can always book a private GP appointment first for a general ear check or discussion about your symptoms. We’re here to help you feel confident about your hearing and ear health.
Further Reading and Resources
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