Ear examination
We inspect the canal and visible eardrum area before deciding whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.
Earwax removal · Bryanston
Blocked ear? Check first. Remove only when needed.
Earwax can cause fullness, muffled hearing and hearing-aid problems, but a blocked-ear feeling does not automatically mean wax. We examine the ear first, then guide the safest next step.
01Blocked or fullPressure, fullness or a plugged sensation
02Muffled hearingA noticeable reduction or change in hearing
03Hearing-aid troubleFeedback, blocked filters or reduced performance
04Before audiologyA clear canal may be needed before some tests
Blocked does not always mean wax
The same symptom can have very different causes.
Wax is common, but fullness or muffled hearing can also occur with middle-ear pressure, inflammation, infection, sudden hearing changes or other ear conditions. That is why treatment should begin with examination rather than assumption.
Explore diagnostic audiology01EarwaxWax may obstruct the canal and affect sound access.
02Middle-ear pressurePressure changes can create fullness even without wax.
03Inflammation or infectionPain, discharge or irritation changes the management pathway.
04Hearing changeA sudden or unexplained change in hearing should not be treated as “just wax”.
What happens at the appointment
Examine. Decide. Manage. Re-check.
The exact pathway depends on the ear history, symptoms and examination findings. Not every patient needs the same procedure, and not every ear should be managed in-practice.
Prepare for your appointmentRelevant history
Pain, discharge, previous surgery, perforation history, dizziness, sudden hearing changes and other risk factors are considered.
Wax management where suitable
If removal is appropriate, the available method is selected according to the clinical situation and what can be managed safely in-practice.
Re-check + next step
The ear is reassessed and we explain whether any hearing testing, follow-up or referral is needed.
Clinical ear care
The goal is not simply to “get wax out”.
Good earwax care means understanding whether the wax is actually responsible for the symptoms, whether the ear is suitable for management, and whether the hearing should be reassessed afterwards.
01See the ear first
02Protect the canal and eardrum
03Know when to stop and refer
Safety first
Some symptoms need a different pathway.
Tell the practice before your appointment if any of these apply. They may change what should happen first.
01Ear pain or active discharge
02Sudden or rapidly changing hearing
03Known eardrum perforation
04Previous ear surgery
05Dizziness or acute balance symptoms
06Anything that makes the ear unusually sensitive or medically complex
Sudden hearing loss: do not assume it is wax. Sudden unexplained hearing loss requires urgent clinical assessment.
Before you come
Avoid pushing anything into the ear canal.
Cotton buds and other objects can push wax deeper, irritate the canal or make it harder to see what is happening. If you are considering wax-softening drops, ask the practice first because preparation is not appropriate for every ear history.
Ask what to do before your appointment
Common questions
Earwax removal, explained simply.
Can earwax affect my hearing?
Yes. Impacted wax can contribute to muffled hearing, a blocked sensation and reduced hearing-aid performance.
Will wax always be removed at the first appointment?
No. The ear is examined first. If removal is appropriate, it may be managed. If not, the safest next step is explained.
Should I use drops before coming?
Not automatically. Preparation depends on the ear history and clinical situation, so ask the practice before using wax-softening drops.
Can a blocked ear be something other than wax?
Yes. Middle-ear pressure, inflammation, infection and hearing changes can also create fullness or muffled hearing.
Will I need a hearing test afterwards?
If hearing does not improve as expected, or there are other hearing concerns, a diagnostic hearing assessment may be recommended.
Book the right starting point
Request an ear check or earwax appointment.
Tell us what you are experiencing. The team will contact you to confirm the most suitable appointment.
Calls + WhatsApp
068 673 3451
Booking assistance available 24/7
Earwax-removal suitability depends on examination findings, symptoms, relevant ear history and safety considerations.