An NHS doctor has issued a stark warning to the public, revealing that attempting to remove earwax at home with common 'DIY methods' can lead to severe and permanent damage.
The Dangers Lurking in Your Earbuds
Dr Suraj Kukadia, widely known online as Dr Sooj, stresses that our ears are designed to be self-cleaning. Earwax, or cerumen, plays a vital role in protecting the ear canal by trapping dirt, dust, and harmful microorganisms. The ear naturally pushes old wax out to the opening, where it dries, flakes, and falls away without any need for intervention.
However, the feeling of waxy ears leads many people to take matters into their own hands. Dr Sooj explicitly warns against using cotton buds, Q-tips, ear candles, or metal tools. He explains that these items do not solve the problem; instead, they often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it further, or worse, risk damaging the delicate skin of the canal itself.
Safe Methods and When to See a Professional
For those experiencing symptoms of a blockage, there are safer steps to take before seeking professional help. The doctor advises that if you are sure you have excessive earwax, you can use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops.
"Use a few drops into the affected ear twice a day for up to 4 weeks," recommends Dr Sooj. "This will help to soften the wax, and then hopefully it will just naturally start to come out."
If this method does not provide relief and the ear remains blocked, the next step is to consult a doctor. Medical professionals can then remove the wax safely using gentle irrigation or microsuction techniques.
The Irreversible Risks of DIY Extraction
The most critical part of the doctor's message highlights the fragility of the inner ear. He points out that the human eardrum is "thinner than paper". A small slip during a DIY extraction attempt can easily puncture or damage this delicate membrane.
Such an injury can result in immediate pain, persistent infections, and significant hearing loss. Alarmingly, Dr Sooj confirms that this damage can sometimes be permanent, leading to a lifelong disability.
It is crucial to recognise the symptoms of problematic earwax build-up, which include:
- Hearing loss
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation causing dizziness and sickness)
While some people are genetically predisposed to producing more wax or have narrower ear canals that trap it, the best course of action is often to leave it alone. Actions like chewing and talking naturally help the wax move along. The NHS website supports this, stating that while you cannot prevent earwax, you can safely soften build-ups with eardrops or olive oil to help it fall out naturally.
