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Ear syringing

Published on: 14 Jan 2022

Ear syringing

Ear irrigation – also known as syringing – is no longer considered the first-line treatment for clearing ear wax. This means the NHS no longer funds it in General Practice as other methods are preferred.

Self Help options

Current guidelines are that ear drops should be used to soften the wax. A few drops of medical-grade olive or almond oil 3-4 times a day will allow blockages to move naturally. They usually will fall out after 3-5 days.

You should not use your fingers or other objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. They can push the wax deeper into your ear and make the problem worse.

Download ear wax self help guide (pdf)

Visit a Pharmacy

Your local Pharmacist will also be able to help with earwax. They may recommend a medicine that dissolves the build-up, or possible other treatments.