At Eltham Pharmacy, we often meet patients who have tried every at-home method for removing earwax without success. From olive oil drops to cotton buds, many quick fixes promise results but often make the problem worse. The safest and most effective way to deal with stubborn wax is professional irrigation, carried out by trained clinicians using specialist equipment.
If you’re wondering whether this treatment is right for you, use the flow-style guide below to help you decide. By following each question and outcome, you’ll see why so many people choose our clear earwax clinic for safe, effective ear care.
Step 1: Are Your Ears Feeling Blocked or Muffled?
Yes: You may have a build-up of earwax. If sound feels dull, or you experience a sense of fullness in your ears, irrigation could help restore clarity.
No: If you have no discomfort or hearing issues, you may not need treatment. Regular ear hygiene and occasional drops are usually enough for maintenance.
If your hearing feels blocked despite using drops, it’s time to book an appointment at a professional clinic for earwax removal in Blackheath or the surrounding area.
Step 2: Have You Tried Ear Drops with Little Success?
Yes: If you’ve used olive oil, sodium bicarbonate, or other ear drops for more than five days and your symptoms remain, irrigation may be your next step. Drops can soften earwax, but they don’t always remove it fully.
No: You can try using drops first if the blockage feels mild. They may help soften the wax, but if you notice little improvement, don’t persist for too long.
Long-term use of ear drops can sometimes irritate the ear canal or worsen the blockage. Professional irrigation clears the wax completely and provides instant relief in most cases.
Step 3: Have You Used Cotton Buds or Other Objects?
Yes: Stop immediately. Cotton buds and similar items can push wax deeper into the ear canal, making removal harder and risking damage to the eardrum. If you’ve used them recently, it’s best to visit our clinic for a safe assessment.
No: Excellent. Avoid inserting anything into your ears. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and using foreign objects often causes more harm than good.
Irrigation is gentle, controlled, and supervised by trained professionals, ensuring a thorough clean without any risk of injury.
Step 4: Do You Have Any Pain, Discharge, or Ongoing Ear Problems?
Yes: You should book a consultation before any treatment. Pain, infection, or discharge may need medical assessment before earwax removal can take place. Our clinicians will check your ears and recommend the best course of action.
No: If you only experience dull hearing or pressure, irrigation is likely safe and suitable for you. Most healthy adults can have the treatment without issue.
Professional assessment ensures your ears are healthy enough for irrigation and prevents complications.
Step 5: Do You Wear Hearing Aids or Earphones Regularly?
Yes: Frequent use of hearing aids or in-ear headphones can increase wax build-up by preventing the ear’s natural cleaning process. If this applies to you, regular irrigation can help maintain clear ears and better hearing aid performance.
No: Even if you don’t use these devices, earwax can still accumulate naturally over time. Regular checks at a clear earwax clinic are recommended for prevention.
Step 6: Do You Prefer Fast and Effective Results?
Yes: Irrigation offers immediate relief. The treatment gently flushes warm water into the ear canal, dislodging wax and restoring hearing within minutes. It’s comfortable, safe, and suitable for most people.
No: If you prefer to wait and see whether the wax clears naturally, that’s fine too. However, untreated earwax can harden and become more difficult to remove later.
At Eltham Pharmacy, our trained specialists use the latest equipment to ensure a quick, comfortable experience with excellent results.
Step 7: Are You Looking for Professional Advice You Can Trust?
Yes: Our team at Eltham Pharmacy offers expert guidance, from initial assessment to aftercare. We’ll examine your ears, explain the process clearly, and make sure you feel comfortable throughout your appointment.
No: If you’re uncertain, you can still book a consultation to have your ears checked. Many people are surprised at how simple and safe irrigation can be compared to home methods.
The Final Step: Booking Your Appointment
If your answers suggest you’re ready for safe and effective treatment, visit our clear earwax clinic at Eltham Pharmacy. We provide expert earwax removal in Blackheath and across South East London, using advanced irrigation methods for lasting results.
Contact us to find out how we can tailor our services to support your hearing health.
Alternatively, book your appointment today to enjoy clearer hearing, improved comfort, and the peace of mind that comes from professional care. Our friendly team is ready to help you hear better and feel better with safe, specialist earwax removal.

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


