Let’s start with the truth:

Ear wax isn’t dirty. It isn’t unhygienic. And it isn’t something you need to “get rid of” just because it exists.

In fact, ear wax — or cerumen, if you want to sound fancy — is one of the body’s most underrated protectors. It traps bacteria, dust, and other unwelcome guests before they can reach your eardrum. It even contains special enzymes that help kill germs and discourage insects from venturing in. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, it moisturises the delicate skin of your ear canal.

So yes, a little wax is a good thing.

 

Thank Your Parents (Genetically Speaking!)

The amount and type of ear wax you produce is largely determined by your genes. Some people make a little; others make a lot. If you’re in the latter group, you can thank your parents for that particular inheritance.

And let’s be clear: having more ear wax does not make you unhygienic. It simply means your ears are doing what they’re designed to do — perhaps a little too enthusiastically.

 

When Wax Becomes a Problem

Ear wax only needs removing when it causes symptoms. These might include:

• A blocked or full sensation,
• Hearing loss or muffled sounds,
• Discomfort or itching,
• Dizziness, or
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

That’s when a qualified ear care professional can help — and I mean qualified.

 

Unregulated Industry, Sensitive Ears

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: ear wax removal in the UK is an unregulated profession.

That means almost anyone can offer the service — even those who aren’t trained audiologists, ENT specialists, or nurses with formal otology training.

The result? We’re seeing a sharp rise in cases of ear canal damage, infection, and even perforated eardrums caused by untrained providers. As a medico-legal expert, I’m unfortunately seeing more and more of these cases cross my desk — many of which could have been completely avoided.

The ear canal skin is extremely thin and delicate — roughly one-tenth the thickness of normal skin. A slip of the hand, an inappropriate instrument, or a lack of anatomical understanding can cause lasting harm.

Your ears deserve better than that.

 

How a Qualified Audiologist Approaches Ear Wax Removal

At Audiology Planet, we don’t just “clear out” ear wax — we assess, understand, and treat the ear as a whole.

That means:

• Examining the ear canal and eardrum properly using medical-grade video otoscopy,
• Choosing the safest and most appropriate method — whether microsuction, irrigation, or manual removal,
• Checking the health of the ear canal skin and eardrum after wax removal, and
• Identifying any underlying conditions (and there are more than 50 that can affect the ear).

Each step is about protecting your hearing and maintaining long-term ear health, not just achieving a quick cosmetic result.

 

Why You Should Never DIY

You’ve probably heard the old saying:

“Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.”

It’s still the best advice out there. Cotton buds, keys, pens — you name it — only push wax deeper or risk injury. If your ears need attention, let a trained audiologist handle it.

 

Your Ears Are Precious — Treat Them That Way

Your hearing connects you to people, places, and experiences.

So don’t gamble with it. Choose a professional who understands both the ear’s anatomy and its function — someone who can not only remove wax safely but also assess your hearing and ear health comprehensively.

At Audiology Planet, every wax removal appointment is carried out by qualified audiologists using best-practice clinical standards and medical-grade equipment — because your hearing deserves that level of care.

Audiology Planet — Independent. Qualified. Caring for your hearing the right way.