Understanding Ear Wax

What is Earwax?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural and vital substance produced by our ears. It serves as a protective barrier, trapping elements such as dirt and dust while protecting the skin inside the ear. Each person’s earwax is unique, varying in color, type, and amount. Earwax, being both healthy and natural, is a common presence in everyone’s ears. The texture of wax can range from dry and flaky to crumbly, with colour of wax vartying from honey-colored to dark brown. In some cases, when earwax becomes very hard, it can firmly attach to the underlying skin.

What causes a build up of earwax?

Age: Older individuals may experience a buildup of drier wax. We recommend regular check-ups at Puri Pharmacy to address this.

Dust: If you work in an environment with high levels of dust or airborne dirt, these particles may become trapped with the wax in your ear.

Cotton Buds: Using cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear canal, and it often results in the wax becoming harder and more difficult to remove.

Hearing aid moulds: The use of hearing aid moulds can contribute to the accumulation of skin and wax inside the ear canal. If you encounter this issue, seeking professional assistance is advisable.

Should I get my earwax removed?

Our ears are quite clever; they clean themselves! In most cases, there’s no need to remove wax, but occasionally, you may find it necessary to visit us for a safe removal.

At our Southall and Hillingdon branches, we provide a private earwax removal service.

Excessive earwax can cause discomfort, pain, and other issues. A wax buildup may result in earache, difficulty hearing, and sometimes a condition called tinnitus. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional assistance for a safe and effective wax removal process.

How often should I get my earwax removed?

Individual experiences with earwax production vary from person to person. Each person is unique, and you might generate more or less wax than someone else. Several factors influence earwax production. If you’re curious about how often you should clean your ears, feel free to contact us or visit our branches for more information. We’re here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about maintaining healthy ears.

Looking after your ears

If you find yourself with excess wax, there’s no need to worry! It’s a natural and healthy occurrence. However, if your ear canal is entirely blocked, avoid attempting to clear the wax on your own as this could potentially cause more harm.

Instead, take a proactive step and book an appointment with our experts at Puri Pharmacy in Southall or Hillingdon. We can assess your ears and provide the appropriate guidance and care to ensure your ear health is in good hands.

Avoid using your fingers or any objects, such as cotton buds, to remove earwax. Using these methods will push the wax further in, potentially making the situation worse.

Olive Oil Drops

To effectively clear a build up of earwax, consider using ear drops. Administer 2 or 3 drops of olive oil drops into the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This simple method softens the wax, allowing it to naturally exit without causing harm to the ear. Although you may not visibly notice the wax going, the process is effective.

For those prone to recurrent wax buildup, you can consider using olive oil drops twice a week.

If olive oil drops don’t work as well, consider purchasing sodium bicarbonate drops from either of our branches in Southall and Hillingdon

Earwax removal at Puri Pharmacy

Explore the private earwax removal service available at Puri Pharmacy in Southall and Hillingdon.

Our technique, known as Microsuction, involves gently removing wax from your ears. This process uses a small suction tube and probe to delicately eliminate any excess wax present in the ear.