Not a diagnosis. This page is general information only and does not replace an examination or medical advice.
Cotton buds
Don't put fingers, cotton buds or anything else into your ears. Earwax usually falls out on its own; pushing things in can push wax deeper or damage the ear canal and eardrum. Clean only the outer ear with a cloth. Ear candles aren't safe or effective.
Swimming and water
- Dry the outer ear gently after swimming or showering.
- Ear infections of the canal (otitis externa, "swimmer's ear") are more common in people who swim a lot. NHS advice includes keeping ears dry and using earplugs or a swimming hat if you swim often.
- If you have a perforated eardrum or grommets, ask a clinician before swimming.
- Take hearing aids out before swimming or showering.
Flying
- Changes in air pressure can cause earache or blocked ears, especially on landing.
- Swallowing, yawning or sucking a sweet during take-off and landing can help.
- If you have a cold, ear infection or recent ear surgery, ask a pharmacist or GP before flying.
- Sudden hearing loss after flying needs prompt advice (GP or NHS 111).
Earplugs and noise protection
- Loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Wear ear protection around loud noise — concerts, power tools, motorsport.
- Keep music volume just high enough to hear comfortably; take breaks from headphones.
- If your ears ring or feel dull after noise, that's a sign it was too loud.
- Custom earplugs and swim plugs: ask the clinic whether we offer them.
When to seek help
- Pharmacist: earwax that's bothering you — they can advise on drops.
- GP or clinic: wax symptoms that haven't cleared after 5 days, gradual hearing loss, or tinnitus that's constant or bothering you.
- Urgent: see below.
Get urgent help
- Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, hearing that has got worse over days or weeks, or hearing loss with earache or discharge.
- Call 999 or go to A&E if you have tinnitus or hearing loss after a head injury, or sudden hearing loss with weakness in the face or a spinning sensation (vertigo).
- Severe pain, bleeding or significant dizziness should be assessed promptly. Do not assume it is wax.
Contact the clinic
Ruislip Ear Care · Cleaner Ears (Hayes) · Wembley Ear Clinic
Sources
- NHS: Earwax build-up
- NICE CKS: Earwax
- NHS: Otitis externa (swimmer's ear)
- NHS: Ear problems when flying (earache / perforated eardrum)
- NHS: Hearing loss
- RNID: Protect your hearing
- Cleaner Ears: FAQs
Checked October 2026. If anything here differs from what your clinician tells you, follow your clinician.