Ear Wax Patient Information
Wax is an important and natural secretion found in the ear. It protects the ear against dust, dirt and bacteria, so it helps to prevent infection. The ear is self-cleaning and the wax should clear naturally, so it is unnecessary to try to remove the wax yourself. It is only produced in the outer part of the ear canal. There are small hairs, which are responsible for moving the wax out towards the outside world. If you use cotton buds, paper clips or your finger you actually push 90% of the wax further in, usually packing it into a hard mass. People ask, “What can you do to clean your ears then?” The answer is the hairs described above, do it all. Leave them alone and you’ll have no further problems.
If wax requires clearing use olive oil 3 drops, twice a day and before bed for 3 weeks. This is usually sufficient, and the wax will often come out by itself. When introducing drops into the ear, lie with your head on one side for a couple of minutes to allow the drops to move along the ear canal. After this period, cotton wool may be used to soak up any excess from the outside of the ear.
If you often get a build-up of ear wax, using a couple of drops of olive oil once a week may help prevent the build-up.
If after 3 weeks you will feel you have having problems please contact the Glasgow City Community Treatment and Care Service.
CTAC Services can provide adult patient self-referral to ear care clinics across all sectors. Patient no longer require a referral from the GP practice and can call directly to make an appointment.
EAR CLINICS
Community Centre for Health - 0141 211 1400
Plean Steet Clinic - No reception call and centre
Drumchapel HC - 0141 211 6070
Woodside HC - 0141 201 5500
Maryhill HC - 0141 451 2600 option 4
Possilpark Health Centre - 0141 800 0600