Unsafe wax removal poses health risk

A shocking two thirds of sufferers (66 per cent) self-medicate, according to the study carried out by the audiology group, Hidden Hearing.

Of these, 43 per cent attempt to remove earwax by sticking cotton buds into their ear canal, 12 per cent use a hair clip while 64 per cent opt for ear drops and one in ten (11 per cent) try all these dangerous approaches. 

The study was conducted ahead of the World Health Organization’s World Hearing Day 2020 (March 3). Hidden Hearing hopes to educate people about proper ear care with the disturbing statistics revealed in the study.

Earwax build-up is a widespread problem in the North, affecting 60 per cent of people with over one in four (27 per cent) ‘regularly’ experiencing it and it can cause a multitude of unpleasant symptoms, the new survey confirms.

“Earwax is another name for a protective waxy oil produced in the ear canal called cerumen,” explains Tim Pringle, Head of Audiology in Hidden Hearing.

“Normally, this emerges naturally from your ear and eliminates itself but sometimes it can harden and block your ear. You should never, ever try to remove an earwax blockage on your own.

“Using objects such as cotton swabs or hair clips can worsen the problem and even cause permanent damage to the ear canal and eardrum.”

Tim adds: “This is why Hidden Hearing offers free earwax removal in selected clinics”.

See www.hiddenhearing.org or campaignforbetterhearingni.org or call 0800 085 95 50 for more information.