Ear Wax Removal available at North Devon Microsuction & Earcare Clinic

Liz’s Guide to Healthy Ears

A few tips on looking after your ears and keeping them healthy

• There is a misconception ear wax is dirty and has to be removed regardless. This is incorrect! Earwax is normal and it is designed to be there to protect the ears from harm. It lubricates the ear canal, and its sticky consistency traps and holds dust and foreign bodies from going further into the ear canal and causing harm. Also, wax is also slightly acidic so it has naturally occurring anti-bacterial qualities.
• Putting one to two drops of plain olive oil into your ears once a fortnight to a month, will help your ear to move the migrating skin and wax to the outside of the ear. Some patients benefit from more frequent installation of olive oil drops as a maintenance programme.
• If you are prone to ear infections after swimming in swimming pools, this may have something to do with the chlorine added to kill bacteria and other ‘nasties’ often found in swimming pools. This is because the chlorine interferes with the ph of the wax making the ear more susceptible to infections. Answer? Swim in the sea (awarded blue-flag status, of course!), as sea water is more in harmony to the body’s natural saline environment.
• Repeated exposure to loud noise over time damages your hearing - wear ear defenders!
• 'Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ears!' This is an old ENT saying that holds true even today!
• Never use cotton buds or put any other instrument into your ears. This is very dangerous as it can perforate your ear drum, cause trauma to the sensitive ear canal and vastly increase the chance of an infection developing. Furthermore, it stimulates the glands to produce more wax and risks pushing ear wax further down the ear canal.
• Use Olive Oil drops / spray regularly if you are prone to dry, flakey wax that doesn't come out easily. This will help with the self cleaning process.

How to Use Ear Drops

Olive oil encourages the natural movement of wax from the outer ear.

It is advisable to buy a bottle of olive oil and ‘dropper’ from your local pharmacist. Use olive oil drops as directed by your nurse.

Alternatively, you could buy some Earol at the chemist. This is olive oil in the form of a spray so is very convenient.

Most patients find that applying 1-2 drops at night, for 3-4 nights prior to an appointment, is helpful for wax removal. If you have continued problems with excessive wax it may be beneficial to use 1-2 drops of olive oil each week. This will not stop wax collecting, but will make removal easier.

1. Lie down on your side with the affected ear upwards.
2. Gently pull the outer ear backwards and upwards (see diagram below). Using room temperature olive oil and the dropper, drop 1-2 drops in the ear canal and gently massage the area in front of the ear.

3. Remain lying down for 10 minutes and then wipe away any excess oil. DO NOT put any cotton wool in your ear canal as this will absorb the oil.
4. Repeat the procedure with the opposite ear if necessary.

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