Ear Nose and Throat

If you have hard wax in your ears, it is important that you soften it before removal. You do this by applying warm vegetable oil (olive oil or almond oil) from a dropper.

Do not use almond oil if you have a nut allergy

  • Lay on the bed on the side not being treated.
  • Apply a whole dropper full of warm oil into your ear.
  • Massage the front and the back of the ear gently.
  • Stay on your side for at least ten minutes.
  • Repeat the above twice a day.
  • Do not apply cotton wool as this absorbs the oil.

Benefits

The oil will gently soften the wax, increasing the chance of successful wax removal.

Risks

As the wax absorbs the oil, it swells. This may be slightly uncomfortable and may cause temporary deafness.

Important

  • If you feel like you are allergic to the oil, stop immediately Seek immediate help from either your doctor, the nurses in the Ear Care clinic or the hospital Emergency Department (A&E)
  • Do not buy commercial wax softening products from the chemist. These products are quite strong and can cause skin reactions.

Feedback

Your feedback is important to us and helps us influence care in the future.

Following your discharge from hospital or attendance at your outpatient appointment you will receive a text asking if you would recommend our service to others. Please take the time to text back, you will not be charged for the text and can opt out at any point. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Further information

Ear, Nose and Throat Ear Care Clinic

Tel: 0151 706 3534

Author: Ear nose and throat speciality

Review date: May 2029

PI 738 V6