Ear wax (cerumen) is a normal product of the ear. Your ear canal produces ear wax to protect the ear.

After it is produced, it slowly makes its way to the opening of the ear. It then either falls out or is removed when you wash. If you would like to, you can clean the opening of your ear gently with a washcloth.

Some people produce more ear wax than others. A build-up of wax is more likely to occur in older adults, people with learning disabilities, hearing aid users, people who insert objects into their ears or have a narrow ear canal.

Excessive wax can give rise to tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, pain and discharge.

You can reduce the build-up of ear wax by applying ear drops.

Using olive oil ear drops

It is advisable to buy a bottle of olive oil and a dropper from your local pharmacy.

If you have continued problems with excessive wax, it may be beneficial to use one to two drops of olive oil two to three times a week to reduce this occurring.

Your ears should be self-cleaning. We do not recommend the use of cotton buds to try and remove the wax. These push wax further down the ear canal and block the ear.

How to use ear drops

1. Lie down with the affected ear facing upwards.
2. Gently pull the outer ear backwards and upwards.
3. Using room-temperature olive oil and the dropper, place one to two drops into the ear canal and gently massage the area in front of the ear.
4. Remain lying down for five minutes and then wipe away any excess oil. Do not put any cotton wool in your ear.
5. Repeat this procedure for the opposite ear if necessary.

When to seek professional help

Regular use of olive oil will prevent excessive wax becoming impacted.

Where ear drops have been used consistently and there has been no improvement, or if symptoms worsen, your GP may refer you to an audiologist to be assessed for ear suctioning.

Ear irrigation should only be a last resort. Irrigating ears regularly causes ear wax to build up more frequently and irrigation can cause damage.

Most patients find that applying two to three drops of olive oil at night for seven nights is sufficient for wax removal.