Using Waxsol for more than the recommended 2 nights is not advised and can increase the risk of side effects, such as ear canal irritation and inflammation. It is important to follow the product's instructions or consult a healthcare professional if the problem persists.
If you fall into the group of patients who still have problems because of wax after the above measures (eg hearing loss, pain, ringing in the ears), use Waxsol three times a day for 3 days prior to an appointment with me in order to soften the wax so I can remove it under the microscope.
If you use too much WAXSOL
If you use more WAXSOL than you should, this may seep from the ear. It is unlikely that you will notice any problems but if you do have any, (such as skin irritation), you should tell your doctor. If you have further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The Risk of Impacted Earwax and Hearing Loss
Interestingly, over-cleaning the ears might clog them. Towel corners, cotton swabs, and bobby pins can press wax deeper into the canal. This may stiffen the plug, making it impossible to remove. Impacted earwax might cause hearing loss, pressure, ringing, or fullness.
If you use too many drops or apply Waxsol too often, it can make things worse. Overuse may cause softened wax to block the ear canal, making your hearing feel muffled or blocked.
Yes, deep earwax may eventually come out, but too much will mean you will likely need ear drops from a pharmacy to remove the wax at home. And if that doesn't work, then you will need to see a professional for microsuction. Don't suffer any longer than you have to — both solutions are quick and painless.
Ear Canal Irritation: Earwax removal procedures can sometimes cause minor irritation or inflammation or the eat canal, which can result in muffled hearing after syringing/microsuction. This is usually temporary and should subside over time.
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
To dissolve earwax fast, use over-the-counter (OTC) drops with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, or try oil-based drops like olive oil or mineral oil to soften it, allowing it to fall out or be flushed gently with warm water (avoid if you have ear problems). For quicker, safer removal of tough blockages, see a doctor who can use professional tools like micro-suction or curettes.
Other safe techniques include yawning or chewing gum, applying a warm compress against the ear and making gentle jaw movements. These methods can help relieve pressure and promote the natural clearing of the ears.
Yes, after the earwax is removed, you are likely to start hearing better immediately. A study found that 75% of ears tested could hear 1 to 3 more frequencies after ear irrigation. This improvement in hearing is because removing the blockage allows sound to travel more freely to the eardrum.
Tilt your head to one side. Gently drip WAXSOL into your blocked ear until it is full, e.g. usually 10 drops. Plug the ear using cotton wool, leaving in the ear overnight. Only use the drops for 2 nights at a time.
If the earwax is only causing minor problems, you can try buying some eardrops from a pharmacy. Using drops may make your hearing or symptoms a little worse at first before getting better. These can help soften the earwax so that it falls out naturally.
Specialist earwax removal training by highly skilled instructors. On this two-day course get hands-on experience on real patients under expert supervision.
Aftercare & Precautions
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.
Ear irrigation
Another option is irrigating or syringing your ear. This involves using a syringe to rinse out your ear canal with water or saline solution. Generally, you should soften the wax first by using a cerumenolytic solution. Then, you'll gently irrigate your ear with a bulb syringe.
You may be at increased risk if you have a health condition that can cause increased earwax buildup, such as eczema. You may also increase your risk if you keep putting objects in your ear, such as a hearing aid. Older adults and people with thinking (cognitive) problems also have an increased risk.
Your healthcare professional can remove excess wax in the ear with a small, curved tool called a curet or with suction techniques. Another method flushes out the wax with a syringe full of warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
But sometimes it's not wax
These could be signs of a middle ear infection, fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even early hearing loss. That's why it's so important to have your ears looked at properly.
Symptoms of earwax build-up
earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked. ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus) vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
Truth is, it is quite difficult to know for certain whether someone is starting to experience signs of hearing loss or earwax build-up. However, usually any feeling of aural fullness or a crackling sound may be indicative of earwax build up and not hearing loss.
Types of Professional Earwax Removal
Micro-suction is a pain-free, gentle process that uses a low pressure suction pump to safely remove earwax from the ear canal. Another way professionals remove excess earwax is through irrigation, which involves flushing the ear canal with water.
Position yourself comfortably, either sitting or standing. Place your index and middle fingers behind your earlobe, near your ear's base. Apply gentle pressure and engage in slow, circular motions to help dislodge the earwax. While massaging, integrate some earlobe tugging.