• Over 18 million people in the UK live with some degree of hearing loss¹ - which can be a symptom of wax build up in the ear canal
• Boots audiologist shares the symptoms that could indicate you need professional ear wax removal
• Boots now offers an Earwax Removal Service at over 60 stores nationwide 

Over 18 million UK adults are currently living with a degree of hearing loss, tinnitus or earache,² all of which can be symptoms of wax build up in the ear canal.  

Ear wax is a normal, oily substance that helps protect the outer ear. For most people, ear wax moves out of the ear naturally over time, however for some, it builds up and requires professional removal. It is thought that around 2.3 million people require professional ear wax removal every year.3 

Maddie Maliszewska, a Boots audiologist, shares five signs to look out for that may indicate a build-up of ear wax. 

Ringing in the ear 

“This is also known as tinnitus, which is the name for hearing noises that do not come from a specific object. Tinnitus can sound like, ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing in the ear. You may sometimes or always hear these sounds in one or both ears, or in your head.” 

Hearing loss 

“This may seem obvious, but this can be anything from slightly muted hearing including difficultly hearing people clearly, to complete hearing loss in one or both ears. If you find you’re asking people to regularly repeat themselves or watching the TV with a high volume, these may be early signs of hearing loss.” 

Earache 

“Earache and ear pain is common and is usually a symptom of a fever. However, if you feel as though you’re pulling or rubbing on your ear frequently and keep losing your balance, this could be a sign of earache caused by wax build up in the ear canal.” 

Vertigo 

“Vertigo can feel like you or everything around you is spinning – enough to affect your balance. It can often cause feelings of nausea and dizziness. A vertigo attack can last from a few seconds to a few hours and can even last for many days or months.” 

Ear irritation 

“Feelings of irritation of your ears – like itchy ears or feeling like your ears are blocked – can be a sign you need to get wax build up in the ear canal removed.” 

Maddie also warns against unsafe methods of ear wax removal. She added: “At home methods to remove ear wax like hair clips, paper clips, toothpicks and cotton buds, can push earwax deeper into the ear and cause symptoms to worsen. If you have any of the five symptoms you should get your ear wax removed professionally.” 

The Boots Earwax Removal Service* is available in over 60 stores nationwide and can help to relieve the symptoms associated with ear wax build. The 30-minute consultation costs £60, where a specially trained member of the Boots healthcare team will examine the patient's ears for a presence of wax and remove using a safe and painless micro suction technique.  

 

*The Boots Earwax Removal Service is suitable for adults aged 18 and over. The service is not suitable if you have an acute ear infection, recently (within 90 days) had ear surgery or suddenly lost your hearing (within one week). 

^{1, 2} Prevalence of deafness and hearing loss - RNID

³ Overview | Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE