It can be tempting to pierce the ears in an attempt to remove the earwax.
But popular methods of loosening it – cotton swabs, fingers and candling – can do more harm than good, according to NHS GP Dr Suraj Kukadia.
Attempting to clean the inside of the ear can move earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing hearing problems, tinnitus and infections.
Dr. Kukadia, who works shifts in the Emergency Department, told his 60,000 TikTok followers that the ears are self-cleaning and that people should not put anything smaller than their elbow in them.
Instead, he recommended simply using a cotton flannel to wipe the outside of the ear.
In severe cases of earwax build-up – which can be caused by narrow or damaged ear canals, hearing aids and skin conditions – some GPs offer ear cleaning to rinse away excess earwax with water or vacuum it away with a small vacuum cleaner.
However, the national hearing loss charity RNID today warned that 10 million people in England no longer have access to this treatment as many NHS settings have withdrawn it.
As a result, people say they are turning to ‘dangerous’ methods in an attempt to remove wax themselves.
It can be tempting to pierce the ears in an attempt to remove the earwax. But popular methods of loosening it – cotton swabs, fingers and candling – can do more harm than good, according to NHS GP Dr Suraj Kukadia. Instead, he recommended simply using a cotton flannel to wipe the outside of the ear
In a clip that has been viewed more than 18,000 times, Dr Kukadia, who also goes by Dr Sooj on social media, said: ‘How should you clean your ears?
‘You do not do that. Your ears are self-cleaning and you should not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
“You can take a washcloth and wipe the outside of the ear, but if you have any problems, see a doctor or nurse and we will tell you what to do.”
Dr. Kukadi added: ‘It is very common to see people in GP surgeries with earwax pressed against their eardrums.
‘(It can) lead to hearing problems, tinnitus and even dizziness.’
Wax is essential to prevent dust, bacteria and germs from entering the ear and to protect the skin of the ear canal from irritation.
It is produced by glands in the ear canal and travels to the opening of the ear and then falls out.
Therefore, people are advised to clean only the outside of their ear.
However, some people experience a buildup of earwax. Signs of this include hearing loss, earache, ringing in the ears or buzzing sound (tinnitus) and feeling dizzy.
This may be due to narrow or damaged ear canals, a lot of hair in the ears, a skin condition, hearing aids or an inflammation of the ear canal.
For these people, ENT UK, the membership organization representing ear, nose and throat surgery, recommends using two to three drops of olive oil once a week to soften earwax and help it come out.
If earwax is very hard, people are advised to use sodium bicarbonate drops, which can be purchased from the pharmacy for around £4.
Some GP practices can remove earwax by rinsing it out with water, known as ear irrigation, or by suctioning it out using microsuction.
However, the NHS is warning that patients may have to pay for this privately after the service was withdrawn in parts of the country in 2019.
Clinicians across the board warn that using a cotton swab or pinky finger to remove earwax can only push the wax further into the ear, causing a blockage, hearing loss and a burst eardrum.
And ear candling — placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to supposedly pull out earwax — is ineffective at removing earwax and can lead to burns and puncture the eardrum, experts warn.
Earphones are also blamed for worsening ear blockages because prolonged use compresses the earwax, making it more difficult to remove the earwax. They also block airflow to the ear, making earwax stickier and prone to buildup, and retain moisture, making the ears more susceptible to infection.
Specsavers, which provides audiology services to the NHS, warned that working from home has exacerbated this problem as more people wear earplugs for longer periods.
However, the RNID today warned that people are struggling to access NHS earwax removal services and are having to spend up to £100 per private appointment to unclog their ears, which some need several times a year.
In a clip that has been viewed more than 18,000 times, Dr Kukadia, who also goes by Dr Sooj on social media, said: ‘How should you clean your ears? ‘You do not do that. Your ears are self-cleaning and you should not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.”
It sent freedom of information requests to all 42 integrated care boards across England. The results showed that only 18 funded earwax removal, 15 had limited eligibility criteria and 7 offered no treatment at all.
It means that 10 million people in England live in areas where no earwax removal service exists.
The charity said some are turning to ‘dangerous self-removal methods’ such as cotton swabs, their fingers and even paperclips and hairpins in an attempt to shift wax.
According to the NHS, around 2.3 million people require earwax treatment every year, with most patients being hearing aid users, elderly or with a learning disability.
Helen Kendall, from Bath, told the BBC that she pays £240 a year for private treatment because GPs in her area no longer offer earwax removal.
The 76-year-old said: ‘When the laundry piles up I find it very difficult.
‘I lost some of my self-confidence and could no longer follow conversations.
‘It led to greater isolation and I found myself withdrawing.’
Ms Kendall said all aspects of her social life – including volunteering at a food bank, being part of an art and cooking group and going to the cinema – require her to hear well.