Safe Earwax Removal: Expert Tips & When to Seek Professional Help

Last updated: August 2025 | By Kelly-Mare Korcek, MAud, Senior Audiologist

Quick Answer: Never use cotton buds for earwax removal. Instead, soften wax with olive oil or Clean Ears drops 1-2 times weekly. If you experience hearing loss, pain, or complete blockage, book professional microsuction at our Adelaide clinics in Norwood, Unley, or Salisbury.

Ever felt like your ears are completely blocked after a day at Glenelg Beach or during Adelaide’s particularly dry winter months? You’re definitely not alone! As Adelaide’s leading independent audiologists, Kelly-Mare and the team at Hearing Sense see countless South Australians struggling with earwax buildup – and many are unknowingly making it worse.

“I’ve been helping Adelaide families with their hearing health for over 20 years, and earwax management is one of the most misunderstood aspects of ear care,” explains Kelly-Mare Korcek, our Senior Audiologist and clinic director. “The good news? With the right approach, you can keep your ears healthy and avoid those uncomfortable blocked sensations.”

What Is Earwax and Why Do We Need It?

Earwax, or cerumen as we call it in audiology, is actually your ear’s natural cleaning system. This clever substance is produced by specialised glands in your ear canal and serves several vital purposes:

• Traps debris: Dust, dirt, and particles that could damage your delicate eardrum
• Prevents infection: Acts as a natural antimicrobial barrier
• Moisturises: Keeps your ear canal from becoming dry and itchy
• Self-cleaning: Naturally migrates out of your ear as you chew and move your jaw

However, Adelaide’s climate can sometimes work against us. Our dry conditions, especially during summer, can cause earwax to become harder and less likely to naturally clear from your ears.

How Do I Know If I Have Too Much Earwax?

Our patients from Norwood to Unley often ask us this question. Here are the warning signs to recognise:

Mild Symptoms (Try Home Care First)

• Slight feeling of fullness in your ears
• Reduced hearing that comes and goes
• Mild itching or discomfort
• Occasional crackling sounds when you move your jaw

Serious Symptoms (Book Professional Removal)

• Significant hearing loss that affects daily conversation
• Pain or sharp discomfort
• Persistent ringing (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Discharge from your ear
• Complete feeling of blockage

“If you’re having trouble hearing your grandchildren during family Sunday roasts or struggling to follow conversations at the Adelaide Central Market, it’s time to see us,” Kelly-Mare advises.

Safe Home Earwax Management: Top 4 Tips

1. Keep Your Earwax Soft (The Olive Oil Method)

Adelaide’s dry climate can make earwax harder than it should be. Here’s a tried-and-tested softening routine:

What you’ll need:

• Pure olive oil (available at any supermarket)
• Clean dropper or small spoon
• Clean tissue

Step-by-step process:

1. Warm the olive oil to body temperature (test on your wrist)
2. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up
3. Place 2-3 drops of oil into your ear canal
4. Stay in position for 5-10 minutes (perfect time for meditation!)
5. Tilt your head to let excess oil drain onto a tissue
6. Repeat 1-2 times per week for maintenance

Pro tip: Clean Ears drops which are stocked at Hearing Sense work brilliantly too as they use olive oil combined with spearmint and squalene oil to optimise softening.

2. Never, Ever Use Cotton Buds

Cotton buds are one of the worst things you can put in your ears. Here’s why:

• Push wax deeper: Instead of removing wax, they compact it further into your ear canal
• Risk eardrum damage: One slip could puncture your delicate eardrum
• Create scratches: Can damage the sensitive skin in your ear canal
• Increase infection risk: Introduce bacteria from the cotton bud

What our patients tell us: “I thought I was cleaning my ears, but I was actually making the blockage worse!” – Sarah

3. Understand What Causes Excessive Earwax

Some of our patients produce more earwax than others. Here are some of the reasons why:

Genetic factors:

• Family history of excessive wax production
• Naturally narrow ear canals
• Overactive cerumen glands

Environmental factors:

• Adelaide’s dust and dry conditions
• Swimming in chlorinated pools
• Working in dusty environments (common in our industrial suburbs)

Age-related changes:

• Wax becomes drier and harder as we age
• Hair in ear canals increases, trapping more wax
• Natural cleaning mechanisms slow down

Health conditions:

• Eczema or skin conditions
• Previous ear infections
• Hearing aid use (can push wax deeper)

4. Know When DIY Isn’t Enough

“The most important skill in earwax management is knowing when to stop trying home remedies,” Kelly-Mare emphasises. Book an appointment at one of our three Adelaide clinics if:

• Home softening hasn’t worked after one week
• Your hearing loss is affecting work or relationships
• You experience any pain or discharge
• You wear hearing aids and notice reduced performance (softer sound or whistling hearing aids)
• You have a history of ear problems

Professional Earwax Removal in Adelaide: What to Expect

At Hearing Sense, we use microsuction – the gold standard for safe, comfortable earwax removal. Here’s what happens during your appointment:

The Microsuction Process

1. Examination: Our clinicians use a special microscope to assess your ear
2. Gentle removal: A tiny suction device safely removes the wax
3. No water: Unlike syringing, microsuction doesn’t use water (safer for your ears)
4. Immediate relief: Most patients notice improved hearing straight away

Why Choose Hearing Sense for Earwax Removal?

• Expert audiologists: 20+ years of experience
• Three convenient locations: Norwood and Unley
• Latest technology: Professional-grade microsuction equipment
• Personalised care: Understanding your individual ear health needs
• Medicare options: Bulk billing available for eligible pensioners and DVA clients

Please visit our Earwax removal service page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earwax

Is earwax removal covered by health funds?

Hearing Sense charge $100 for earwax removal. We can provide you the forms for claiming on Private Health – the cover may vary depending on your policy.

How often should I clean my ears?

Your ears are largely self-cleaning! For most people, gentle external cleaning during your shower is sufficient. Only use olive oil drops if you notice buildup or blockage symptoms.

Can earwax cause permanent hearing loss?

Earwax blockage causes temporary hearing loss that resolves completely once the wax is removed. However, leaving severe blockages untreated can lead to ear infections.

What’s the difference between wet and dry earwax?

This is largely genetic. People of European and African descent typically have wet, sticky earwax, while those of East Asian descent often have dry, flaky earwax. Both types can cause blockages if they accumulate.

Can I prevent excessive earwax buildup?

While you can’t completely prevent earwax production (and wouldn’t want to!), regular gentle softening with olive oil can help maintain healthy wax consistency, especially in Adelaide’s dry climate.

Special Considerations for Adelaide Residents

Swimming Season and Earwax

Adelaide’s beautiful beaches and pools can affect your earwax:

• Chlorinated water can dry out your ears, making wax harder
• Salt water can cause temporary swelling that traps wax
• Always dry your ears gently after swimming

Dust and Dry Conditions

Our climate presents unique challenges:

• Increased dust exposure (especially during windy days) can trigger more wax production
• Low humidity makes existing wax harder and more likely to impact
• Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom during dry spells

Hearing Aid Users

Many of our patients wear hearing aids. Special considerations include:

• Daily cleaning of your hearing aids prevents wax buildup
• Regular professional cleaning at our clinics (included in your ongoing care)
• More frequent check-ups may be needed as hearing aids can affect natural wax migration

Take Action for Your Hearing Health

Don’t let earwax buildup affect your quality of life. Whether you’re struggling to hear conversations at Adelaide Oval or missing important sounds during your daily activities, help is available right here in Adelaide.

Book Your Appointment Today

Norwood Clinic

• Perfect for eastern suburbs residents
• Easy parking and public transport access
• Book online or call directly

Unley Clinic

• Convenient for southern suburbs
• Modern facilities with latest equipment
• Wheelchair accessible

What Happens Next?

1. Quick phone consultation to understand your symptoms
2. Comprehensive ear examination using professional equipment
3. Gentle microsuction removal if needed
4. Personalised prevention advice for your lifestyle
5. Follow-up care to ensure ongoing ear health

Ready to hear clearly again? Contact Hearing Sense today:

• Phone: Call your preferred clinic location
• Online: Request an appointment through our website
• Same-day appointments often available for urgent concerns

Kelly-Mare Korcek is a Senior Audiologist and Director at Hearing Sense Adelaide. She holds a Masters in Audiology from Flinders University and has been helping South Australians with their hearing health for over 20 years. Kelly-Mare is a certified member of the Audiological Society of Australia and an internationally recognised Lyric hearing aid award winner.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. If you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain, or discharge from your ears, seek immediate medical attention.