Before Appointment

Before attending your appointment, we recommend using olive oil drops in your ears for 3–5 days beforehand. This helps to soften any earwax that may be present in the ear canal, making it easier and more comfortable to remove during your visit. Softened wax can also improve the effectiveness of the procedure and may reduce the time needed for treatment.

To use, simply apply a few drops into each ear while lying on your side, allowing the oil to soak in for several minutes before sitting up. Repeating this daily in the days leading up to your appointment can make a noticeable difference. If you have any concerns or are unsure whether this is suitable for you, feel free to get in touch for advice. We recommend to use Earol if possible.

Important questions and could prevent appointment from taking place
Avoid using ear drops if

You have a suspected or confirmed perforated eardrum (a hole in the eardrum)

currently have an ear infection, especially if there is pain, swelling, or fever

There is discharge from the ear (fluid, pus, or blood)

You have had recent ear surgery or a history of ear operations

You have grommets (ear tubes) in place

You experience sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or severe ear pain

You have been advised previously by a healthcare professional to avoid ear drops
Can we remove ear wax if you have a Cholesteatoma or a Mastoid ?

Mastoid

Wax removal on a mastoid cavity is considered a higher-risk procedure. For this reason, we do not carry out wax removal in such cases, as any complications would require specialist management beyond our scope of practice. We recommend that patients seek assessment and treatment in a hospital setting, where appropriate expertise and facilities are available.

Cholesteatom

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the ear that can lead to the buildup of debris and increase the risk of infection. While ear cleaning may be necessary as part of ongoing management, standard wax removal procedures carry a higher risk of damaging delicate ear structures in these cases. For this reason, such treatment must be carried out by an ENT specialist with the appropriate expertise and equipment. Therefore, Unplugged Hearing does not perform wax removal for patients with a cholesteatoma and would advise referral to a hospital-based ENT service.
What if I stuffer from dizziness ?

When it’s generally OK

If your dizziness is:

Mild or occasional, related to something like dehydration, fatigue, or minor imbalance.

Not accompanied by other worrying symptoms then procedures like ear wax removal (microsuction) are often still possible.

When you should be cautious

You should delay or consult a doctor first if your dizziness is:

Severe, persistent, or worsening or a spinning sensations (possible vertigo, like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

Linked to an ear condition (infection, pressure, pain, or hearing loss), caused by something like Labyrinthitis or Meniere's disease.

Then ear procedures can sometimes temporarily worsen dizziness, especially if the inner ear is already sensitive. So if this is something that is on going at he moment then we would not recommend wax removal until this has subsided.

Practical advice


Tell the clinician about your dizziness before the procedure

If you want, you can describe your dizziness (when it happens, how it feels), and I can help you judge whether it’s likely safe in your case.
Can I still have the treatment if I take medication ?

Yes—ear wax removal can usually be done if you’re taking medication, but it depends on what medication and why you’re taking it.

Generally safe

Most common medications don’t interfere with wax removal, including:

  • Painkillers (like paracetamol or Ibuprofen)
  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Blood pressure medications

Situations where extra care is needed

You should let the clinician know if you’re taking:

  • Blood thinners (e.g.Warfarin, Apixaban)
    Higher risk of minor bleeding, especially with microsuction
  • Steroids (e.g., Prednisolone)
    May affect healing or infection risk
  • Medications affecting balance or causing dizziness
    Could make the procedure feel more uncomfortable

When to check first

Speak to a healthcare professional before wax removal if:

  • You’re on strong anticoagulants
  • You have an ear infection or pain
  • You’ve had ear surgery or a perforated eardrum
What are the risks with wax removal ?

Microsuction is a common method of ear wax removal, but like any procedure it does carry some risks.

Common (usually mild and temporary)

  • Dizziness or vertigo – the suction and noise can stimulate the inner ear
  • Discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure
  • Temporary hearing changes (e.g., things sound louder right after)

This can be more noticeable if you already have balance issues or conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Less common risks

  • Minor bleeding – especially if the ear canal skin is delicate or if you’re on blood thinners
  • Irritation or inflammation of the ear canal
  • Infection (rare if proper hygiene is used)

Rare but possible

  • Damage to the ear canal or eardrum
  • Worsening of existing ear conditions (like Otitis externa)
  • Triggering stronger vertigo symptoms, particularly in people with inner ear disorders like Meniere's disease

Who should be extra cautious

  • People with a history of ear surgery or perforated eardrum
  • Those with active ear infections
  • Anyone experiencing significant dizziness or balance problems
  • People taking anticoagulants

Bottom line

For most people, microsuction is quick, effective, and low-risk. The key is to:

  • Tell the clinician about any symptoms or medications
  • Stop the procedure if you feel pain or strong dizziness

After Appointment

Individual aftercare advice will be provided to each patient following their appointment, as everyone’s ears and circumstances are different. In some cases, more than one appointment may be required to safely and effectively remove the earwax.

This can depend on a number of factors, including the consistency of the wax (for example, if it is particularly hard or impacted), the location of the wax within the ear canal, or if the wax is positioned too close to the eardrum to be safely removed in a single session. In these situations, gradual removal is often the safest approach.

You may be advised to continue using ear drops between appointments to further soften the wax and make subsequent treatments more comfortable and effective. Our priority is always your safety and comfort, and we will clearly explain any next steps and recommended care to ensure the best possible outcome.