At Eltham Pharmacy, we often see patients who have been living with a blocked ear for far too long. What starts as mild discomfort can quickly turn into a frustrating or even painful problem. A blocked ear may seem harmless, but ignoring it can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, or infection. The good news is that most causes of blockage, such as earwax build-up, can be treated quickly and safely with professional care.

If you’re unsure whether to wait it out or seek help, here are five signs that you should not ignore a blocked ear and should consider booking an earwax removal consultation with our pharmacy team in London.

1. Persistent or Worsening Hearing Loss

A temporary dip in hearing can happen when wax builds up naturally, but if your hearing loss doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s time to have it checked. Many people assume the ear will “clear itself”, but hardened earwax can create a stubborn plug that only worsens over time. In some cases, the blockage might not even be wax but fluid, infection, or inflammation deeper inside the ear.

Ignoring hearing changes can make it harder to identify the cause. A quick examination at Eltham Pharmacy allows us to see what’s going on and recommend the safest treatment. If wax is the issue, we can arrange ear irrigation in Eltham to clear it gently and restore your hearing safely.

2. Pain or Pressure Inside the Ear

Mild pressure is common with a blocked ear, but ongoing pain or discomfort is not something to ignore. Pain often means that the wax is pressing against the ear canal or eardrum, or there could be an infection developing behind the blockage. In some cases, this can cause headaches, jaw pain, or a feeling of fullness that doesn’t go away.

At-home remedies such as ear candles or cotton buds can make the problem worse by pushing the wax deeper or damaging delicate tissue. Instead, our pharmacists will examine your ear safely using professional equipment. If irrigation is appropriate, we’ll remove the blockage using a controlled flow of warm water, which relieves the pressure almost instantly.

3. Fluid or Discharge from the Ear

Discharge or fluid from the ear is a clear sign that professional help is needed. While earwax can sometimes appear moist or flaky, anything that looks like pus, blood, or persistent clear fluid may indicate an ear infection or a perforated eardrum. Trying to clear this yourself at home could make things worse.

If you notice any discharge, book a consultation at Eltham Pharmacy as soon as possible. We will check for infection or damage before carrying out any treatment. If ear irrigation is not suitable due to infection or a perforation, we’ll refer you to your GP for further care.

4. Dizziness, Balance Problems, or Ringing in the Ears

The ears play a vital role in balance, so it’s not surprising that blockages can sometimes cause dizziness or a spinning sensation. When the ear canal is obstructed, it can affect how sound and pressure move through the ear, leading to light-headedness or imbalance. In other cases, patients report tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sound.

These symptoms can be unsettling, but they are often relieved once the blockage is cleared. Our team will perform a full ear assessment to identify the cause and determine whether ear irrigation is the best option. The treatment is quick, safe, and often brings immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.

5. A Blocked Ear That Doesn’t Respond to Drops

Ear drops can help soften wax, but they don’t always solve the problem. Many people use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops for days or weeks without results. Once wax becomes compacted or dry, drops alone are unlikely to clear it. Continuing to use them without improvement can sometimes irritate the ear canal.

If your ear still feels blocked after a few days of using drops, it’s time to get it checked. At Eltham Pharmacy, we’ll examine your ears to see whether the wax is ready to be removed. If so, we can provide safe and effective ear irrigation in Eltham to remove the blockage completely.

Why Professional Ear Care Matters

While it can be tempting to try at-home methods, the ear is a delicate organ that requires professional handling. Cotton buds, ear candles, and other DIY techniques can cause more harm than good, sometimes leading to infection or eardrum damage. Professional ear care ensures your ears are examined thoroughly before any procedure is performed.

At Eltham Pharmacy, our earwax removal service is:

• –> Safe and comfortable, using gentle irrigation methods
• –> Performed by trained healthcare professionals
• –> Suitable for most adults, following a quick ear health check
• –> Designed to provide fast relief and restore clear hearing

We’ll also give you personalised advice on aftercare, including how to prevent future build-ups through regular maintenance or ear hygiene tips.

When to Book a Consultation

If you’re experiencing any of these five signs, it’s time to seek professional help. A blocked ear that lingers for more than a few days, causes pain, or affects your hearing should always be examined by a trained clinician.

At Eltham Pharmacy, we offer quick and professional appointments for earwax removal and ear irrigation in Eltham. During your visit, our team will check the cause of the blockage and carry out safe treatment if suitable.

Don’t wait until discomfort turns into something more serious. Contact Eltham Pharmacy today to book your consultation and enjoy the clarity and comfort of healthy, unblocked ears.

This blog was written on behalf of Eltham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.