Ear problems are among the most common reasons people visit a pharmacy. Yet many people manage their ears incorrectly — particularly when it comes to wax removal. Here’s what you actually need to know to keep your ears healthy.

Understanding Ear Wax

Cerumen (ear wax) is not a sign of poor hygiene — it’s produced deliberately by glands in the ear canal to protect, lubricate and clean the ear. It traps dust, dead skin cells and microorganisms, then migrates naturally outwards along the canal wall — a self-cleaning process called epithelial migration. In most people, regular jaw movements (eating, talking) assist this process. Problems arise when wax accumulates faster than it’s cleared, or when people push wax further into the canal by using cotton buds — compacting it into a hard plug against the eardrum.

Signs of Ear Wax Build-up

• Sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Muffled hearing or mild conductive hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) — often temporary
• Earache or discomfort
• Dizziness (in some cases)

OTC Ear Wax Removal

Ear drops for wax softening: olive oil ear drops are the safest and most recommended first-line treatment. Apply 2–3 drops to the affected ear twice daily for 3–5 days. The oil softens the wax, allowing natural clearance or facilitating irrigation. Sodium bicarbonate drops (e.g. Earex) are also effective — they dissolve and break down wax components. Urea hydrogen peroxide preparations (Otex) produce gentle effervescence that helps dislodge impacted wax. For most people, 3–5 days of drops is sufficient; if not, irrigation by a healthcare professional may be needed.

What NOT to do: cotton buds are the single most harmful tool for ear care. They push wax deeper, compact it against the eardrum, and risk perforating the eardrum or causing otitis externa. Ear candles have no evidence of efficacy and carry significant risk (fire, burns, wax deposits in the canal).

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal, often triggered by water in the ear (particularly in swimmers), excessive cleaning, or hearing aid use. Symptoms: itching, pain, discharge, and tenderness when the outer ear is pulled. OTC hydrocortisone + acetic acid (Earol) can manage mild cases. Prescription antibiotic/steroid drops (e.g. Sofradex) are usually required for established infection. Keep ear dry — use a shower cap, tilt head to drain water after swimming.

Earache in Children

Middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common cause of earache in children. Most cases are viral and resolve without antibiotics within 3–4 days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. NICE guidelines recommend a watchful waiting approach for most children over 2 years with mild symptoms. See a GP if: severe pain, fever above 38.5°C, discharge from the ear, no improvement after 4 days, child under 2 years, or repeated infections.

Browse Ear Care products at Huncoat Pharmacy. Related: Eye Care Guide.

At Huncoat Pharmacy: Pharmacy First ear infection treatment, Browse ear care products.