Before having these treatments, you'll probably be advised to use ear drops for a few days to soften the wax.

Ear candles – or Hopi ear candles – are hollow cones made of a fabric tube soaked in beeswax and/or paraffin.

million people in the UK, including hearing-aid users, have troublesome ear wax requiring removal each year, along with around four in ten care-home residents. NICE doesn't recommend syringing because there is a lack of evidence to show it's safe and effective and – because the water pressure isn't controlled – there's a risk of bursting the ear drum. In severe cases, the hearing loss it causes can lead to anxiety, stress, social isolation and depression. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day.

Options include sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, medical-grade olive or almond oil drops. Some people manually wash out their ears at home using body-temperature water and a saline solution with a bulb irrigator after using wax-softening drops. The NHS recommends using a dropper while lying your head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says that ear candles will not help to remove ear wax, and could seriously injure your ear.Impacted wax blocking the ears can also cause earache or pain, ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness (vertigo), itchiness or feeling like your ears are full. We asked an expert to examine two popular types of ear wax removal gadget bought online, alongside some high street options, and assess the evidence for their effectiveness. However, this method is no longer considered safe for use as it used high pressure water and could damage your hearing.

Some will treat patients with complex ear conditions, people who have had ear surgery or people with dementia – but many have long waiting lists. If your ear wax isn’t clearing, try ear drops for 3–5 days initially, unless you’ve got a suspected perforation in your eardrum. Ear wax is normal and protects your outer ear, helping to stop bacteria and fungi growing, and cleaning and lubricating your ear canal by trapping dirt, dust and hair. However, you might find the drops cause their own discomfort, such as making your hearing worse or irritating your ear.Some people shouldn’t have ear irrigation, including those with ear conditions such as a perforated eardrum.

For hearing-aid wearers, it can also make hearing aids whistle or impact accurate ear mould production, making it harder to get good results. in 10 of those who used DIY methods said their symptoms got worse, or they caused themselves an injury that required medical attention.It's important to keep on top of ear wax if you wear hearing aids, because the devices can prevent wax from naturally dispersing. It is recommended you use a dropper while lying your head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through your ear canal(s).