What Is Earwax and Why You Shouldn’t Remove It Yourself
- Raza Hashimi
- May 24
- 2 min read
By Dr Raza Hashimi, Audiologist | Swan Earwax Removal – Ellenbrook, Perth
A Closer Look at Earwax – Nature’s Natural Ear Protector
Earwax — medically known as cerumen — is something we all have, but very few understand. Despite its bad reputation, earwax actually plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy.
Produced by glands in your ear canal, earwax helps trap dust, bacteria, and tiny particles that might otherwise reach and damage your eardrum. It also moisturises the ear canal and has antibacterial properties that help prevent infections.
Normally, the body is designed to naturally push old earwax out of the canal — especially during jaw movements like chewing and talking. However, in some cases, this natural cleaning system doesn’t work as efficiently.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
Earwax only becomes an issue when it builds up or becomes impacted. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as:
Narrow or curved ear canals
Using cotton buds or other objects to clean the ears
Wearing hearing aids or earplugs regularly
Producing excessive or dry wax
Signs you may have a buildup include:
A feeling of fullness or blockage
Muffled hearing
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Itching or irritation
Dizziness or discomfort
In rare cases, impacted wax can even lead to ear infections.
Why You Shouldn’t Remove Earwax Yourself
It’s tempting to grab a cotton bud (Q-tip), but resist the urge! DIY ear cleaning often causes more harm than good. Cotton buds usually push the wax deeper into the canal, compacting it further or damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Ear candles, while marketed as natural remedies, have no proven benefit and can actually be dangerous.
Even over-the-counter drops can soften the wax too much, turning it into a thick liquid that coats the eardrum — making professional removal more difficult.
The Safest Solution: Professional Earwax Removal
At Swan Earwax Removal, we use safe and effective methods to remove earwax, including:
Microsuction: A gentle suction method using a specialised medical device under direct visual guidance.
Manual curettage: Carefully removing wax using sterile instruments, often in combination with suction.
These techniques are:
Safe for both adults and children
Performed under video otoscopy for accuracy
Comfortable, precise, and minimally invasive
We don’t recommend using ear drops before your appointment. It’s best for us to first assess your ears — we can use softening drops during the procedure if needed. This helps us get a clearer view and often allows for a more effective clean in one visit.
When Should You Book an Appointment?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier — or you simply want peace of mind — book in with an experienced audiologist.
At Swan Earwax Removal, all appointments are carried out by Dr Raza Hashimi, a Doctor of Audiology with over 17 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures across Australia. You're in safe hands.
Based in Ellenbrook Home visits
After-hours available
Online bookings available
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