Cerumen Removal — What You Need to Know About Safe Earwax Care
Earwax — or cerumen — might be tiny, but it plays a big role in keeping your ears healthy.
It traps dust, shields against bacteria, and naturally moves outward on its own.
But sometimes, especially if you wear hearing aids, earwax builds up faster than your body can remove it.
That’s when gentle, specialist-approved cerumen removal becomes important.
What Is Cerumen and Why Does It Build Up?
Cerumen is a natural mixture of oils and skin cells that protects the ear canal.
However, for millions of people in the UK, wax doesn’t clear on its own.
Factors that increase buildup include:
- Wearing hearing aids or earplugs regularly
- Narrow ear canals or excess hair growth
- Overuse of cotton buds
- Skin conditions like eczema
➡️ Interesting fact: Around *1 in 10 adults — and 1 in 3 over 65 — experience problematic earwax buildup.
Common Sign You May Need Cerumen Removal
- Muffled or distorted hearing
- Itching or a "full" feeling in the ear
- Whistling or feedback from hearing aids
- Earache or diziness
When these symptoms appear, it’s best not to insert anything into your ear — it can push the wax deeper.
Professional Cerumen Removal Methods
Microsuction
The safest and most precise method. A specialist uses a gentle vacuum to remove wax under magnification.
Irrigation (Electronic Only)
Uses controlled warm water to flush wax out. Modern irrigation systems are much safer than old-style syringes.
Manual Instrumentation
Fine tools like curettes or tweezers carefully lift wax from the canal — ideal for partial blockages.
⚠️ Avoid home syringing kits or “ear candles.”
They’re not recommended by UK health authorities and can cause burns or eardrum injury.
At home Cerumen Care- Safe Prevention between Appointments
Regular at-home care helps reduce buildup and extend the life of your hearing aids.
Certified solutions like Laväge let you maintain ear hygiene safely between professional cleanings.
How Laväge Helps
- Softens wax gently using specialist drops
- Clears moisture with medical-grade tools
- Keeps hearing aids dry and clear
- CE & UKCA certified for safety
Used weekly, Laväge can help prevent up to 90 % of hearing aid malfunctions linked to wax or moisture.
Instant Relief Guarantee: If you don’t experience improvement, Laväge covers a clinic visit — because your comfort matters.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice pain, discharge, or sudden hearing loss, contact a certified audiologist or ENT professional.
Laväge supports — not replaces — professional care.
Protecting Your hearing Aids from Wax & Moisture
Even small wax particles can block microphones or receivers, leading to costly repairs (averaging £300 + per incident).
Regular drying and cleaning at home with Laväge protects both your ears and your investment.
➡️️ Read more in our Why Laväge guide
➡️️ Explore our Hearing Aid Care Kits collection
Key Takeaways
- Earwax is natural — but buildup needs gentle management
- Avoid cotton buds or DIY syringes
- Certified at-home tools like Laväge bridge the gap between NHS visits.
- Consistent care keeps your hearing clear and your devices performing
