If you think you have a build-up of ear wax, do not try to remove it with your finger, cotton bud or anything else you could put in your ear – this can cause damage and push the wax further into your ear. As a general rule, never try to put anything into your ear which is smaller than your elbow!
Where ear wax is causing you minor symptoms, speak to your pharmacist about ear drops which soften the wax and help it to drop out naturally. Do not use drops if you have a perforated ear drum, and stop using them if they cause irritation.
Here is when to seek treatment:
- Visit your GP if your symptoms are troubling you or if ear drops have not worked after three to five days
- Your GP or practice nurse may recommend using the drops for longer, or they may use ear irrigation to clean out your ear canal
- If these steps do not work your GP may refer you to an ENT specialist for further treatment