Blocked ears, muffled hearing, or a constant feeling of fullness can be frustrating, and often, earwax is to blame. If you’ve been searching online for earwax extraction near me, you’re not alone. Many people experience excess or impacted earwax at some point, and it’s tempting to reach for a quick DIY solution. However, self-treating earwax at home with cotton buds, ear candles, or shop-bought kits can do more harm than good.

At Eltham Pharmacy, we offer safe, professional ear irrigation services to help clear blocked ears effectively and comfortably. In this blog, we’ll explain why DIY methods can be risky and why professional care is the best option for your hearing health.

Why Do We Get Earwax Buildup?

Earwax (or cerumen) is a natural substance produced by the glands in your ear canal. It helps to trap dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the deeper parts of your ear. Normally, earwax moves to the opening of the ear and falls out on its own.

However, in some people, earwax builds up and becomes impacted. This can happen due to:

• –> Overproduction of wax

• –> Narrow or curved ear canals

• –> Use of hearing aids or earplugs

• –> Ageing (wax becomes drier with age)

• –> Repeated use of cotton buds pushing wax deeper

When earwax becomes impacted, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as:

• –> Muffled or reduced hearing

• –> A blocked or full sensation in the ear

• –> Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• –> Dizziness or imbalance

• –> Earache or discomfort

The Dangers of DIY Earwax Removal

There’s no shortage of over-the-counter earwax removal tools available—from drops and sprays to strange devices advertised online. Unfortunately, many of these can cause more harm than relief.

Cotton Buds

Despite being widely used, cotton buds are not safe for ear cleaning. Rather than removing wax, they tend to push it deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of impaction and damaging the delicate skin inside your ear. In some cases, cotton buds have caused eardrum perforations or introduced infections.

Ear Candling

This alternative treatment involves inserting a hollow, lit candle into the ear. It claims to draw out wax using suction, but studies show it’s ineffective and potentially dangerous. Ear candling can cause:

• –> Burns to the face or ear canal

• –> Blockages from candle wax residue

• –> Punctured eardrums

• –> Fire hazards

Medical professionals, including the NHS, strongly advise against using ear candles.

Home Syringing Kits

While some home kits claim to replicate professional irrigation, they lack the precision, training, and hygiene standards of clinical services. Improper technique or pressure can lead to infections, irritation, or even damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

Why Choose Professional Earwax Removal?

If you’re looking for earwax extraction near me, the safest and most effective option is to book with a trained professional. At Eltham Pharmacy, we offer ear irrigation, a proven and gentle method for clearing wax blockages.

Here’s why our service is a better choice:

1. Thorough Assessment

Before we begin any procedure, we assess your symptoms and ask about your medical history to ensure irrigation is safe for you. In some cases, we may recommend olive oil drops for a few days beforehand to soften the wax.

2. Safe and Controlled Irrigation

Ear irrigation uses warm water and a specialised device to gently flush out earwax. Unlike home kits, our technique is precisely controlled to avoid any trauma to the ear canal. The process is quick, usually lasting 15–30 minutes, and is painless for most patients.

3. Hygienic and Professional Environment

Our equipment is sterilised, our team is trained, and our pharmacy provides a clean and private setting for your care. We follow strict health and safety protocols to reduce any risk of infection.

4. Immediate Relief

Many patients report instant improvement in hearing and a reduction in symptoms right after treatment. If the wax is too hard or impacted to remove in one session, we’ll advise on next steps and follow-up care.

When to Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing blocked ears, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or resort to risky DIY methods. You should consider booking a professional earwax extraction if:

• –> You’ve had ongoing muffled hearing or discomfort

• –> Over-the-counter drops haven’t worked

• –> You use hearing aids or wear earplugs regularly

• –> You’ve been using cotton buds or attempted ear cleaning at home

• –> You’ve had previous issues with impacted wax

Book Safe Earwax Extraction at Eltham Pharmacy

When you search for earwax extraction near me, you want a local, trusted service that offers effective relief in a safe setting. At Eltham Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer ear irrigation by trained professionals who put your comfort and hearing health first.

Booking is simple—just contact us or visit our booking page to arrange your appointment. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Choose safe, professional care. Say goodbye to blocked ears and hello to clear hearing, with expert support from Eltham Pharmacy.

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