Ear Cleaning
Because clean ears hear better.
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Looking after your ears has never been more important, and professional ear cleaning offers a safe, comfortable way to keep them healthy. Many people try to manage earwax at home using cotton buds or online “quick fixes” such as ear candles, spiral tools, or small ear vacuums. Unfortunately, these methods often make the problem worse. Cotton buds can push wax deeper, ear candles have no proven benefit, and most gadgets simply do not remove wax effectively. Some can even scratch the ear canal or risk damaging the eardrum.
At Isle Hear Care, we offer a safer and more reliable alternative. We use clinically trusted techniques, microsuction, irrigation, and gentle manual removal, to clear blocked ears thoroughly and comfortably. These methods are widely used in medical and audiology settings because they are effective and considered safe when carried out by a trained professional.
Many people worry they might be “losing their hearing,” when in some cases the issue is simply a build-up of earwax. Blocked ears can cause muffled hearing, ringing, pressure, discomfort, or dizziness; all of which may be relieved quickly with professional cleaning. A proper ear-care appointment can help restore clarity, comfort, and confidence.
You can feel assured you are in experienced hands. Isle Hear Care is run by a Registered Adult Nurse and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, trained to British Society of Audiology (BSA) standards and following National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. This combination of advanced training and specialist ear-care expertise means your ears are treated with care, precision, and professionalism.
As a fully mobile service, we make ear care easy by coming to you anywhere on the Isle of Man. Home visits, workplaces, care homes, and community settings are all welcome: bringing expert ear care directly to your door.
Don’t leave your hearing to chance or rely on home remedies that may cause harm. Choose a service designed to protect your ears properly. With Isle Hear Care, you’ll receive safe treatment, clearer hearing, and complete convenience, all delivered with clinical expertise and a friendly, personal approach.
Ready to hear the difference that safe, professional ear cleaning can make? Book your appointment today.
Microsuction
Microsuction
Microsuctioning is a safe and precise method of ear cleaning used to remove excess earwax, debris, or foreign material from the ear canal. During the procedure, we use a small suction device (similar to a gentle vacuum) while viewing the ear under a special magnifying loupe. This allows for clear visibility and accurate removal without the need for water or irrigation. Microsuctioning is often preferred for people with ear infections, perforated eardrums, or a history of ear surgery, as it minimizes moisture exposure and reduces the risk of damage or discomfort.
Irrigation
Irrigation
Ear irrigation is a common method of cleaning the ear canal by gently flushing out earwax or debris with a controlled stream of warm water. The procedure is performed using a specialised irrigation device. It works by softening and dislodging earwax, allowing it to flow out of the ear safely. Irrigation is generally quick and effective, though it may not be suitable for people with perforated eardrums, ear infections, or certain ear conditions, as introducing water can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort.
Manual
Manual
Manual ear cleaning is a technique in which we remove earwax or debris using specialised instruments, such as curettes, forceps, or hooks. This method allows for precise, controlled removal under direct visual guidance, often with the help of a special magnifying loupe. Manual removal is particularly useful for hard or impacted wax and for patients who cannot undergo irrigation or microsuction, such as those with ear infections, perforated eardrums, or ear surgery history. When performed by a trained professional, it is a safe and effective way to clear the ear canal without introducing moisture or suction.
Symptoms of Earwax Build Up
Earwax, or cerumen, naturally cleans, lubricates, and protects your ears from bacteria. It usually moves out on its own through jaw movements like talking or chewing. Excess wax can accumulate from factors such as dusty environments, frequent earbud use, ear canal shape, or aging. Symptoms include:
- A sense of fullness in the ear
- Discomfort or pain
- Difficulty hearing
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Itchiness of the ear
- Discharge from the ear
- Unusual odour
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Preparing for Your Appointment: The Importance of Softening Drops
Preparing for Your Appointment: The Importance of Softening Drops
Using ear-wax softening drops before your appointment can make your treatment quicker, more comfortable, and more effective. Earwax can become dry, firm, or compacted over time — especially after using cotton buds or ear-cleaning gadgets. Softening drops help to break this down, allowing it to move more freely so it can be removed safely during your ear-care procedure.
Why Softening Drops Help
Make removal smoother: Softer wax is easier to lift, suction, or gently flush from the ear canal.
Reduce procedure time: Well-softened wax usually leads to a quicker, more straightforward appointment.
Improve comfort: Softened wax reduces the feeling of pressure or resistance during removal.
Support ongoing ear health: For people who naturally produce more wax, occasional softening can help reduce future build-ups.
Affordable and accessible: Most softening drops are inexpensive and available from any pharmacy and most supermarkets.
Common Softening Options
You can purchase drops easily and cheaply from local pharmacies and most supermarkets. Common choices include:
Olive oil drops: A gentle, well-tolerated option suitable for most people.
Sodium bicarbonate drops: Helpful for breaking down firmer or drier wax. These can sometimes feel a little drying, so they are usually used for short periods.
How to Use Softening Drops
Most people benefit from using a few drops once or twice a day for 3–5 days before their appointment. Always follow the instructions on the bottle and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
You can read our information leaflet about how to self-administer ear drops here.
When NOT to Use Softening Drops
Softening drops are suitable for many people, but there are important situations where they should be avoided. Do not use any ear drops if you:
- Have a known or suspected perforated eardrum
- Have grommets, ear tubes, or have recently had ear surgery
- Have ear pain, sudden hearing loss, or active infection (including discharge or a wet ear)
- Have had recent ear injury or trauma
- Have been advised by a clinician not to use drops
- Experience dizziness, severe itching, or discomfort after applying drops
In these situations, it’s important to seek professional advice before using anything in your ears.
How It Works
Getting your ears professionally cleaned couldn't be simpler:
1. Book Your Appointment – We arrange to come to you at the time and place that works for you!
2. Client Registration Form - To save us time during the appointment, we ask that you complete the Client Registration Form after booking your appointment.
3. Initial Ear Examination - Prior to any cleaning, we thoroughly examine both of your ears using manual and/or video otoscopy to assess whether it is safe to proceed; or if your ears even need cleaning. We won't put you through a procedure that you don't need!
4. Cleaning – In agreement with you, we will suggest the most appropriate way to proceed. Our techniques include microsuction, irrigation and manual removal of wax/debris.
5. Post-cleansing Examination - Following the cleaning process, we re-examine your ears to ensure that all wax/debris has been removed to ensure full removal and reassess your overall ear health
6. Clean up - You're all set to go about the rest of your day with clean ears, and hopefully, improved hearing!
Click here to book your appointment.
Earwax Removal: Common Questions Answered
Earwax Removal: Common Questions Answered
What causes earwax build-up?
Earwax is naturally produced to protect the ear canal, but sometimes it builds up faster than it clears. This can happen due to narrow ear canals, age, hearing aids, earphones, or pushing wax deeper with cotton buds.
Do I need to remove earwax regularly?
Not always. Many people never have problems. But if your ears feel blocked, muffled, or uncomfortable, or if you wear hearing aids or earphones often, professional cleaning can help.
Why shouldn’t I use cotton buds or ear-cleaning gadgets?
Cotton buds and “quick-fix” tools often push wax deeper, compacting it. Some gadgets can scratch the ear canal or even damage the eardrum. That’s why clinicians and audiologists advise against them.
What methods do you use to remove earwax?
We use three clinically trusted techniques:
Microsuction – A small medical suction device removes the wax directly while the ear canal is viewed clearly.
Irrigation – Warm water is gently introduced to flush softened wax out.
Manual removal – Fine tools are used to lift wax carefully when needed.
All methods follow British Society of Audiology (BSA) standards and NICE guidelines.
Which method is best?
It depends on the type of wax, how soft or firm it is, your medical history, and what is safest for your ears. We assess each ear individually and choose the most suitable approach.
Does ear cleaning hurt?
Most people find the treatment comfortable, especially when wax has been softened beforehand. You may feel a slight tickle, vibration, or warm water flush depending on the method used.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments take 20–30 minutes, depending on how much wax there is and how soft it is. Preparing your ears with drops usually makes the appointment quicker.
Why should I use softening drops before my appointment?
Softening drops:
- make wax easier to remove
- reduce appointment time
- improve comfort
- help prevent future build-up for some people
- are inexpensive and easy to purhcase
What softening drops should I use?
Two common, low-cost options are:
- Olive oil drops – gentle and suitable for most people.
- Sodium bicarbonate drops – effective for firm or dry wax.
How should I use the drops?
Most people benefit from using a few drops once or twice a day for 3–5 days before their appointment. Always follow the product instructions.
When should I not use ear drops?
Avoid softening drops if you have:
- a perforated eardrum
- grommets or ear tubes
- recent ear surgery
- ear pain, infection, or discharge
- sudden hearing loss
- a recent ear injury or trauma
- been told by a clinician not to use them
If unsure, seek professional advice first.
Is ear cleaning safe?
When performed by a trained professional, yes. Our service is run by a Registered Adult Nurse and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, trained to BSA standards and following NICE guidance.
Do you offer home visits on the Isle of Man?
Yes. Isle Hear Care is a fully mobile service, so we come to you — at home, work, care homes, or community settings anywhere on the Island.
Can earwax make me think I'm losing my hearing?
Yes, built-up wax can cause muffled hearing, pressure, ringing, or dizziness. Once the wax is removed, many people notice an improvement — though not all hearing issues are wax-related, which is why proper assessment is important.
Will my hearing improve immediately after cleaning?
Many people notice a difference straight away if wax was the cause. Results vary depending on the condition of your ears and whether wax was the only issue.
Is the service suitable for people with hearing aids?
Absolutely. Regular ear care can improve the comfort and performance of hearing aids by reducing feedback and preventing wax from blocking the devices.
How often should I have my ears checked?
This varies from person to person. Some people only need help once, while others benefit from yearly or twice-yearly checks. We can advise you after seeing your ears.
What if no wax is found?
We will not clean your ears as we won't put you through an unnecessary proceedure. If your symptoms are not caused by wax, we will explain what we can see in your ears and advise whether you should seek further medical assessment.
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