Ear syringing

Some useful guidance on earwax build-up is available on the NHS website.

As explained in the guidance above, we would suggest that patients try using olive oil drops for 5 to 7 days. If there is no improvement after 7 days, please speak to a community pharmacist who may be able to advise alternative drops.

Please only contact the practice if:

• a pharmacist advises a discussion with clinician
• you have used ear drops for 10 to 14 days and not improved
• you are concerned about an ear infection (because of ear pain / discharge / hearing loss)

If you need to contact the practice for any of these reasons, please send us a request using PATCHS. The request will be sent to a clinician who will review your case and contact you.

Although ear irrigation is usually carried out by a Health Care Professional (HCA), HCAs are only able to perform this procedure on the advice of a clinician.

Watch the video on how to treat ear wax safely.