A little preparation before your earwax removal appointment makes a real difference to how smoothly things go. Using softening drops beforehand if I’ve recommended them, avoiding cotton buds, and letting me know about any ear surgery or eardrum issues in advance all help when you come to see me.
Booking the appointment is often the part people put off longest, usually because they’re not sure what to expect or whether there’s anything they need to do beforehand. I wanted to put together a proper guide covering everything I get asked, so you can walk in feeling ready rather than uncertain.
Should you use olive oil drops before your appointment?
If I’ve suggested softening drops ahead of your visit, using them as directed genuinely helps. Olive or almond oil drops, used a few times a day in the days leading up to your appointment, soften compacted wax and make it far easier to remove safely once you’re with me, particularly if I’ll be using irrigation. I’ll always let you know if this applies to you and how many days beforehand to start, since it depends on how much wax has built up and how it’s sitting in your ear canal.
Not every patient needs this step. If your wax isn’t heavily compacted, or if I’m planning to use microsuction, I may not ask you to soften it beforehand at all. If you’re ever unsure, just get in touch before your appointment and I’ll talk you through it.
What to expect when you arrive
Your appointment starts with a conversation. I’ll ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve noticed them, and anything relevant in your ear health history, including previous wax removals, ear infections, or surgery. From there, I’ll examine your ear canal using an otoscope, which lets me see exactly how much wax has built up and where.
Depending on what I find, I’ll remove the wax there and then using microsuction or irrigation, both of which are generally painless, though you might notice some odd sounds or sensations during the process itself. Microsuction uses gentle suction to lift the wax out, while irrigation uses a controlled flow of water to clear the canal. If your wax needs a bit more softening first, I’ll talk you through using drops for a few days and get you booked back in for removal.
If you’d rather sort your softening drops and appointment in one go, you can book directly with me here and I’ll advise on the right prep once I’ve had a look at your history.
Should you stop wearing hearing aids or earbuds beforehand?
There’s no need to stop wearing your hearing aids or earbuds in the run up to your appointment. What I would say is to bring your hearing aids along with you if you wear them regularly, since I can check whether wax has built up around the domes or tubing and clean or adjust anything that needs it while you’re here. If you’ve noticed your hearing aids whistling more than usual, or fitting less comfortably than before, that’s often a sign that wax is part of the picture.
What if you have a perforated eardrum or history of ear surgery?
This is one of the most important things to tell me in advance, ideally when you book rather than on the day. A perforated eardrum, previous grommets, or certain types of ear surgery can affect which removal method is safest for you. Irrigation, for example, isn’t suitable if there’s any concern about the integrity of your eardrum, and I’ll always choose microsuction or another approach instead in those cases. Letting me know upfront means I can plan the right method before you even arrive, rather than adjusting on the spot.
I also like to know about any recent ear infections, even ones that have since cleared up, since inflammation in the canal can affect how comfortable a particular removal method feels and how I approach the appointment. If you’re on any blood thinning medication, that’s worth mentioning too, as it doesn’t rule out treatment but does help me plan carefully.
What if you’re nervous about the appointment
I see a fair number of patients who are anxious before their first removal, often because they’ve had an uncomfortable experience elsewhere, or simply because having anything near the ear feels unsettling. It’s worth saying that you’re in control throughout. If something feels uncomfortable or you’d like a moment to pause, just say so and I’ll stop straight away. I’ll also talk you through each step as I go, rather than working in silence, which most patients find helps them relax into the appointment.
If you know in advance that you’re likely to feel anxious, mentioning this when you book means I can allow a little extra time and take things at a slower pace from the start, rather than rushing through the examination before we’ve even begun the removal itself.
What to bring with you
There isn’t much you need to bring, but a few things are worth having with you:
- Your hearing aids, if you wear them, so I can check and clean them at the same time
- A list of any medications you’re taking, particularly blood thinners, which I like to be aware of
- Details of any relevant ear history, including previous surgery, infections, or perforations
- A rough idea of when your symptoms started and how they’ve changed
None of this needs to be formal. A quick mental note or a few lines jotted down beforehand is more than enough.
Travelling to and from your appointment
You don’t need anyone to accompany you or drive you home afterwards, since neither microsuction nor irrigation affects your ability to drive or get on with the rest of your day. Some patients like to have a friend or family member with them for reassurance, particularly if they’re feeling nervous, and that’s absolutely fine too. There’s no restriction on eating or drinking beforehand, and you can carry on with your normal routine both before and after the appointment, including going straight back to work if that’s what your day involves.
What happens after the wax is removed
Most patients notice an improvement in their hearing straight away, sometimes within seconds of the wax coming out, since sound has a clear path to the eardrum again for the first time in a while. It’s common to feel a bit of warmth or mild sensitivity in the ear canal afterwards, particularly if the wax was heavily compacted, but this generally settles quickly. I’ll let you know if there’s anything specific to watch for based on what I found during your appointment, and when it’s worth booking a follow-up if your symptoms return.
Avoid water for 34-48 hours post earwax removal to avoid infections.
For patients who tend to build up wax more quickly, whether that’s down to narrow ear canals, regular hearing aid use, or just how their ears work, I’ll usually suggest a rough timeframe for your next check rather than leaving it open-ended. That way you’re not left guessing whether it’s time to come back in.
Frequently asked questions
Is earwax removal painful? Most patients find microsuction and irrigation painless, though you may notice unusual sounds or sensations during the procedure itself. I’ll always check in with you throughout to make sure you’re comfortable.
Can I wear my hearing aids to the appointment? Yes, and I’d actually encourage it. Bringing your hearing aids along means I can check for wax build-up around the domes and tubing and clean or adjust them while you’re with me.
What should I tell you before my appointment if I’ve had ear surgery? Let me know about any previous ear surgery, grommets, or a perforated eardrum as early as possible, ideally when you book. This affects which removal method is safest for you and helps me plan properly ahead of your visit.
How long does an earwax removal appointment usually take? Most appointments take around thirty minutes, though this can vary depending on how much wax has built up and which method I use to remove it.
Book your appointment with me
If you’re ready to get your ears checked, book an appointment with me at Carolina Leal Hearing Solutions in Leamington Spa.