At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we regularly speak to patients who are unsure about the safest ways to manage earwax. While it is completely natural to have some wax in your ears, improper cleaning techniques can sometimes cause more harm than good. With so many products and tools available, it can be difficult to know which options are safe and which could put your hearing at risk.

In this guide, we explore five common mistakes people make when cleaning their ears, explain why certain tools to clean earwax are not always suitable, and highlight when professional help, such as our microsuction services, may be the safest option.

Understanding Earwax and Its Role

Before looking at the mistakes people make, it is important to understand why earwax exists. Earwax, also known as cerumen, plays an essential role in protecting your ears. It helps to trap dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the delicate inner ear. In most cases, the ear is self-cleaning, and wax naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own.

Problems usually arise when people try to remove earwax manually or use unsuitable tools that can cause blockages, discomfort, or even injury.

Mistake 1: Overusing Cotton Buds

One of the most common mistakes people make is using cotton buds to clean their ears. While it may feel like you are removing wax, cotton buds often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages. Over time, this can cause discomfort, muffled hearing, and even ear infections.

Cotton buds can also irritate the delicate skin inside the ear or, in more severe cases, cause damage to the eardrum. Instead of using cotton buds, we recommend safer alternatives such as gentle ear drops to soften the wax or booking an appointment for professional earwax removal.

Mistake 2: Using Sharp Objects to Remove Wax

Some people attempt to remove earwax using items like hairpins, toothpicks, or even keys. This is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury. Sharp objects can easily damage the ear canal or puncture the eardrum, leading to pain, infection, and potential long-term hearing problems.

Even tools marketed as safe earwax removers should be used with caution. While there are many tools to clean earwax available, not all are suitable for home use without professional guidance. If you are unsure which products are safe, speak to one of our pharmacists at Vivo Pharmacy.

Mistake 3: Relying on Ear Candling

Ear candling has become a popular home remedy in recent years, but it is not a safe or effective method for removing earwax. The process involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting one end, supposedly drawing out wax using heat and suction. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it carries several risks.

Ear candling can lead to burns, wax dripping into the ear canal, and even blockages if candle residue becomes lodged inside. In some cases, it has caused injury to the eardrum and surrounding tissues. At Vivo Pharmacy, we strongly advise against ear candling and recommend safer, clinically approved solutions.

Mistake 4: Using Excessive Earwax Removal Drops

Ear drops can be a helpful tool for softening earwax, but overusing them can cause irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin or existing ear conditions. Using drops too frequently can sometimes leave the ear canal overly moist, which increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

We recommend following the instructions provided with ear drops carefully or speaking to a healthcare professional before using them regularly. At Vivo Pharmacy, we can advise you on the correct products and techniques to manage wax safely and effectively.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Persistent Symptoms

Another common mistake is ignoring symptoms of blocked ears or repeated wax build-up. If you experience ongoing discomfort, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears, it may indicate that earwax removal at home is not working. In these cases, using more tools to clean earwax will not always solve the problem and may make it worse.

When earwax becomes impacted or hardened, professional removal is often the safest and most effective option. Our Bristol team offers microsuction, a clinically approved procedure that gently removes wax using a small suction device. Microsuction is quick, comfortable, and safe for most people, including those with sensitive ears or eardrum concerns.

Why Choose Microsuction at Vivo Pharmacy

Microsuction is widely recognised as one of the safest and most effective methods of earwax removal. Unlike home remedies or risky cleaning tools, microsuction does not involve inserting liquids into the ear canal, which reduces the risk of infection. The process is performed using a precision suction device under visual guidance, ensuring the wax is removed safely and completely.

At Vivo Pharmacy’s Bristol Travel Clinic, our trained professionals carry out microsuction in a safe and comfortable setting. We also provide personalised advice on how to care for your ears after the procedure to help prevent future wax build-up.

Safe Alternatives and Professional Advice

If you prefer to manage earwax at home, there are a few safe steps you can take:

• –> Use ear drops as directed to soften the wax

• –> Avoid inserting objects into your ears

• –> Seek professional advice before using any ear-cleaning tools

• –> Book an appointment if you experience blocked ears, pain, or reduced hearing

Our pharmacists can guide you on the safest over-the-counter products and techniques, helping you choose the right tools to clean earwax without risking damage to your ears.

Book Your Earwax Removal Appointment Today

Earwax plays an important role in protecting your ears, but when it causes discomfort or hearing problems, safe and effective removal is key. At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we provide expert advice on ear care, recommend suitable products, and offer professional microsuction services to keep your ears healthy.

If you are unsure about the safest way to manage earwax or have tried at-home tools without success, get in touch or book a consultation with our team today. We will assess your situation, explain the best options for you, and provide a personalised treatment plan to restore your comfort and hearing.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.