How to Unblock Ears: The Dangers of Cotton Buds and DIY Methods

Blocked ears can be uncomfortable, frustrating and even impact your hearing. Many people turn to quick fixes, such as cotton buds, ear candles, or over-the-counter ear-cleaning tools, in an attempt to remove earwax at home. While these methods may seem harmless, they can often do more harm than good, causing further blockages or even damage to the delicate structures inside the ear. At Junction Pharmacy, we aim to help you understand the safest methods for managing earwax and explain why our professional ear cleaning in London, using microsuction, is the most effective solution.

Why Earwax Buildup Happens

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced naturally by the body to protect the ears. It acts as a barrier, preventing dirt, bacteria and other particles from reaching the eardrum. For most people, the ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism where wax gradually moves towards the outer ear and falls out on its own. However, in some cases, earwax can accumulate and harden, resulting in blockages.

Common causes include frequently using headphones or hearing aids, excessive earwax production, narrow ear canals, or regularly inserting objects into the ear. When wax becomes impacted, it can cause symptoms such as muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing, dizziness or even discomfort.

The Risks of Using Cotton Buds

Many people instinctively reach for cotton buds when their ears feel blocked, believing it will help clear the wax. In reality, cotton swabs often exacerbate the problem. Instead of removing the wax, the bud pushes it deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. This can lead to impacted earwax, increased discomfort and even potential injury.

Using cotton buds also carries the risk of scratching the delicate lining of the ear canal, which can result in irritation, infections or inflammation. In some cases, excessive pressure can even damage the eardrum, leading to longer-term hearing issues.

Why Ear Candles Are Not a Safe Solution

Another popular home remedy for earwax removal is ear candling. This involves placing a hollow candle into the ear and lighting it, with the belief that the suction created by the flame will draw out the wax. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ear candling, and it can actually be dangerous.

The risks include burns to the skin, damage to the ear canal and eardrum, and even candle wax dripping into the ear. Far from solving the problem, ear candling can create new issues and make existing blockages worse. The NHS and other health organisations strongly advise against this practice.

Over-the-Counter Ear Cleaning Tools

A variety of ear-cleaning kits are available at pharmacies, often including sprays, syringes, or scoops designed for home use. While some ear drops may help soften wax, tools that involve syringing or scooping should be used with caution. Incorrect use can lead to damage, and home syringing can sometimes push wax further into the canal.

In many cases, these products may offer only temporary relief without fully resolving the blockage. For persistent or recurring earwax problems, it’s best to seek help from a trained professional who can assess the situation and provide safe, effective treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience persistent muffled hearing, ear pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears or a sense of fullness, it’s time to consider professional treatment. Attempting repeated home remedies can exacerbate the problem and increase the risk of ear damage.

Professional ear cleaning in London using microsuction is widely recognised as the safest and most effective method for removing stubborn earwax. At Junction Pharmacy, our qualified team offers a safe and comfortable service designed to restore clear hearing and relieve discomfort.

Why Microsuction Is the Safest Option

Microsuction is a gentle procedure performed using a small suction device and a microscope for precision. Unlike syringing, it does not involve flushing water into the ear, reducing the risk of infection or discomfort. The process is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and patients often experience immediate relief.

Because microsuction is performed under direct visual guidance, our trained specialists can see exactly where the blockage is and remove it carefully without causing damage to the ear canal or eardrum. It’s suitable for both adults and children and is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from recurring earwax buildup.

How Junction Pharmacy Can Help

At Junction Pharmacy, we understand how disruptive blocked ears can be and how important it is to receive safe, professional care. Our team provides expert ear health assessments and uses the latest microsuction technology to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

We take the time to explain the process, answer any questions and ensure you feel at ease throughout your appointment. Whether you’ve been struggling with persistent wax buildup or simply want to maintain healthy ears, we’re here to help. Reach out today to discover how we can help you safely unblock your ears.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re looking for advice on how to safely unblock your ears, avoid the risks associated with cotton buds, ear candles, and other DIY methods. Junction Pharmacy offers professional ear cleaning in London with a service that prioritises your comfort, safety and hearing health.

Book your microsuction appointment today and let our experienced team help you enjoy clear, healthy ears again.

This blog was written on behalf of Junction Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.