Blocked Ears? Here’s What Really Works (and What Doesn’t)

relaxed666
Sep 15
2 min read

We’ve all experienced that frustrating “cotton wool” feeling in our ears — muffled hearing, pressure, sometimes even ringing or dizziness. Ear wax build-up is one of the most common causes of blocked ears, yet there’s a lot of confusion (and some dangerous myths) about how to deal with it.

At Littleborough Ear Care, we’ve been helping people hear clearly again for over 16 years. Here’s our expert guide to what actually helps with ear wax — and what doesn’t.

The Common Myths (and Why They Don’t Work)

Cotton buds (Q-tips): They don’t remove wax, they push it deeper. Worse still, they can damage your eardrum.
Ear candling: It may look dramatic, but studies show it’s ineffective and can cause burns and blockages.
DIY gadgets / hairpins: We’ve seen it all. Please don’t! They’re unsafe and often make the problem worse.

What Can Help at Home

Olive oil ear drops: Using a couple of drops twice a day (products like Earol are very popular) can soften wax and sometimes help it work its way out naturally.
Patience: For small blockages, softened wax can clear on its own.

But if the blockage is persistent, painful, or affecting your hearing — it’s time for professional care.

Safe, Professional Ear Wax Removal

At Littleborough Ear Care, we use both microsuction and irrigation techniques. Most clinics only offer one method, but we believe giving patients access to both means:

A much higher chance of clearing your ears in just one visit
More comfortable treatment tailored to your needs
Higher satisfaction and safer outcomes

Appointments are usually available within a few days, and our price is £60 for both ears — with treatment carried out in our fully equipped clinic at the Church St Business Centre in Littleborough.

Why Ear Wax Removal Matters

According to NICE guidelines (NG98, 2018), around 2.3 million people in the UK every year require ear wax removal — that’s about 1 in 30 of the population. Left untreated, wax can lead to reduced hearing, discomfort, tinnitus, and even dizziness.

Getting it sorted is quick, safe, and makes a huge difference to quality of life.

Serving Littleborough and Beyond

We proudly support patients from Littleborough, Rochdale, Todmorden, and surrounding areas. If you or someone you know is struggling with blocked ears, we’re here to help.