Removing Earwax From Your Ear Safely
27 Sep, 2026
Leave it alone if it is not bothering you
Ears clean themselves. If you have no symptoms, you do not need to remove wax at all. Washing the outer ear with a flannel is enough.
Safe things to try
- Medical grade olive oil or almond oil drops for 3 to 5 days
- Sodium bicarbonate ear drops from a pharmacy
- Lying with the treated ear up for 5 minutes after drops
Things that cause problems
Cotton buds are the most common cause of impacted wax. They push it deeper and can scratch the canal. Ear candles and sharp objects carry a real risk of injury.
Getting it removed
If drops do not help, a clinician can look inside your ear and remove the wax safely, usually by microsuction. At Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham, we check your ear first so you only have removal if you need it.