Say no to cotton buds: the safe way to deal with ear wax
Cotton buds push wax deeper and can damage the eardrum. Microsuction clears it safely in minutes — often with no drops beforehand.
Ear wax is not dirt. It is produced by glands in the ear canal to trap dust and protect the skin, and normally it migrates out on its own. Problems start when it becomes impacted — and the number one cause of impaction we see is cotton buds.
Why buds make it worse
A cotton bud is wider than the wax it is trying to remove. It pushes most of the wax down against the eardrum, packing it tighter, and the tip can scratch the canal or perforate the drum. Sudden muffled hearing after using a bud is very common.
What microsuction is
We look into the ear with a microscope and gently lift the wax out with a tiny suction tube. Unlike syringing, nothing is flushed towards the eardrum, so it is suitable for people with previous perforations or grommets. It usually takes 10–15 minutes and in most cases you do not need a week of olive oil first.
Prices: one ear £40, two ears £65. If we find no wax, a £25 consultation fee applies and we will advise on the real cause — which may be a simple hearing check.
