Ear wax is normal it provides protection for your ears.
- Your ears are self-cleaning
- The movement of your jaw while eating and talking moves the wax along the canal
- Ear wax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, pain or if a health professional needs a clear view of the ear drum
What makes ear wax worse?
- The amount of wax produced varies from person to person
- Some people produce excessive amounts of wax and this can block the ear canal
- Wearing a hearing aid, ear plugs and or head phones can interfere with wax expulsion
- Narrow and or hairy ear canals
- If you are elderly – the wax produced may be harder and drier
- Dry skin in people who suffer with eczema or psoriasis
What you shouldn’t do, some suggestions!
- Do not use cotton buds to clean the ear. This forces the wax deeper into the canal and can cause damage, trauma and possible infection
- Do not use objects such as matches, hair grips, crochet hooks, knitting needles, keys etc. this can cause trauma and possible infection
- If your ears are itchy do not scratch or rub them with your finger nails or any other objects
- Do not use anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!!
Please download this leaflet for more information on Earwax and What Helps: