How to prepare for your first ear wax removal appointment
You've finally booked your first ear wax removal appointment, and now you're sat there wondering what on earth you're supposed to do next. Should you be doing something with olive oil? Are cotton buds a terrible idea? And honestly, what's actually going to happen when you turn up?
We get it - that mix of relief and nervousness before your first appointment is completely normal. You've probably been dealing with blocked ears for weeks, maybe months, and whilst you're excited to finally hear properly again, there's that little voice asking "what if it hurts?" or "what if I've made it worse by trying to sort it myself?"
Here's the thing - we see first-time clients every single day at Happy Ears Ear Wax Removal, and the ones who know what to expect always have a better experience. They're more relaxed, their ear wax removal goes more smoothly, and they leave feeling confident about looking after their ears going forward.
That's exactly why we've put this guide together. We're going to walk you through everything you need to do before your appointment, what you should avoid, and what'll actually happen when you arrive. By the end, you'll know exactly how to prepare, what questions to ask, and why there's really nothing to worry about.
What Should I Do Before an Ear Wax Removal Appointment?
Preparing for your ear wax removal appointment doesn't need to be complicated. Here's exactly what you should do in the days leading up to your visit:
3-5 Days Before Your Appointment:
- Apply 2-3 drops of olive oil or almond oil to each ear twice daily (morning and evening)
- Lie on your side for 5-10 minutes after applying to let the oil penetrate
- This softens the wax and makes removal much easier and more comfortable
What to Avoid:
- Don't use cotton buds - they push wax deeper and can cause impaction
- Stop using ear candles (they're dangerous and don't work)
- Avoid getting water trapped in your ears when showering
On the Day:
- Arrive with clean, dry ears
- Bring a list of any medications you're taking
- Mention any ear problems, infections, or previous ear surgery
The oil preparation makes a massive difference to how your ear wax removal goes, so don't skip this step even if you're tempted!
Why Preparation Makes Your Ear Wax Removal Easier
Look, we could just remove your ear wax without any preparation - but you wouldn't thank us for it. When wax is rock hard and stuck to your ear canal, removal takes longer, feels less comfortable, and sometimes we can't get everything out in one session.
How Olive Oil Actually Works
When you put olive oil in your ears, it doesn't dissolve the wax like people think. What it does is soften the outer layer and help it separate from your skin. Think of it like trying to remove a dried-on sticker - if you soak it first, it comes off in one piece instead of leaving bits behind.
The oil also creates a barrier between the wax and your ear canal wall. This means when we're using microsuction or irrigation, the wax slides out more easily instead of us having to work around impacted, stubborn buildup.
What Happens If You Don't Prepare
We've had clients turn up without doing any preparation, and honestly, we can usually still help. But here's what you might experience:
- The appointment takes longer (sometimes double the time)
- You'll feel more pressure and discomfort during removal
- We might need to book you in for a second session
- There's a higher chance of your ear canal feeling sore afterwards
One client came to us after trying to remove wax himself with cotton buds for weeks. He hadn't used any oil, and the wax was so compacted it'd formed a solid plug. What should've been a 15-minute appointment ended up taking 45 minutes across two visits.
Different Ear Wax Types Need Different Prep
Not everyone's ear wax is the same. Some people produce soft, honey-coloured wax that comes out relatively easily. Others have dark, hard wax that needs more preparation time.
If you've never had ear wax removal before, we'd recommend doing the oil treatment for 5 days rather than 3. It's better to over-prepare than under-prepare, and the extra oil won't cause any problems.
Common Mistakes People Make Before Their First Appointment
We've seen hundreds of first-time clients, and honestly, most of them have tried something they shouldn't have. Don't worry if you've done any of these - you're not alone, and we can usually sort it out.
Using Cotton Buds "Just This Once"
This is the big one. About 60% of our new clients admit they've used cotton buds in the week before their appointment, thinking they'll just "tidy up a bit" before we look in their ears.
Here's what actually happens - you push the wax further in, it gets compacted against your eardrum, and now we've got a harder job. Sometimes the wax gets pushed so deep that what should've been a simple removal becomes a more complex procedure.
And if you've been using cotton buds for years? That daily pushing has probably created a solid plug that's been building up for months. We'll still remove it, but it would've been so much easier if you'd stopped a week ago.
Buying Over-the-Counter Removal Kits
The pharmacist means well when they sell you those ear wax removal drops or syringes, but they're not always the answer. We've had clients who've used these kits and ended up making things worse.
Those hydrogen peroxide drops can irritate your ear canal if you use them wrong. Home irrigation kits can perforate your eardrum if you're not careful. And those "ear vacuums" you see on Amazon? They don't have enough suction to actually remove wax properly.
Leaving It Until You're Completely Deaf in One Ear
Some people wait until they can't hear anything before booking in. By this point, the wax has usually completely blocked the ear canal, and there's often fluid buildup behind it.
We can still help, but you've been living with reduced hearing for weeks when you didn't need to. Plus, that long-term blockage sometimes leads to infections or inflammation that takes longer to settle down.
Not Mentioning Medical Conditions
If you've had ear surgery, perforated eardrums, or you're prone to infections, we need to know before we start. These things change how we approach your ear wax removal, and sometimes they mean we need to refer you to your GP instead.
One client didn't tell us about their perforated eardrum - thankfully we spotted it during examination before starting microsuction. But if we hadn't, we could've caused real damage.
What Actually Happens When You Arrive
Right, let's talk about what your first appointment actually looks like. We know the unknown is often scarier than the reality, so here's a blow-by-blow account of what we do.
The First Ten Minutes
When you arrive at Happy Ears Ear Wax Removal, you'll fill out a quick medical questionnaire. We're asking about things like:
- Previous ear problems or surgeries
- Whether you wear hearing aids
- Any dizziness or tinnitus
- Current medications
- Recent ear infections
This isn't us being nosy - these details help us choose the safest removal method for you. Someone with a history of perforated eardrums needs a different approach to someone who's never had ear problems.
The Examination
Before we remove anything, we'll look in your ears with an otoscope.
We're checking:
- How much wax buildup there is (if ther is any!
- Whether it's soft or hard
- If there's any infection or inflammation
- The condition of your ear canal and eardrum
Sometimes we'll discover there's barely any wax at all, and your symptoms are caused by something else. In that case, we'll let you know and might suggest seeing your GP instead of charging you for unnecessary treatment. However, it's generally best to do this first and only book an appointment once you've had the presence of wax confirmed.
Choosing the Removal Method
We use two main methods - microsuction and irrigation. Which one we use depends on what we found during examination.
Microsuction is like a tiny vacuum cleaner. It's precise, you can see exactly what we're doing, and it works brilliantly for hard, dry wax. You'll hear a whooshing sound, but it doesn't hurt.
Irrigation uses warm water to flush out the wax. We use this for softer wax or when microsuction alone isn't quite getting everything. The water pressure feels weird at first, but most people say it's actually quite satisfying.
Some ears need both methods. We might use microsuction first to remove parts to allow irrigation to get the main bits out.
During the Removal
The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes for both ears, this is very dependent on your preparation. You'll be sat in a comfortable chair, and we'll talk you through every step.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, just raise your hand and we'll stop immediately. Most discomfort comes from anxiety rather than the procedure itself, so knowing you can pause anytime helps people relax.
You might feel:
- Slight pressure
- A tickling sensation
- Weird sounds (especially with microsuction)
- Water movement (with irrigation)
You shouldn't feel sharp pain. If you do, something's wrong and we need to stop and reassess.
What We Do If There's a Problem
Occasionally, we can't remove all the wax in one session. This happens when:
- The wax is too hard despite oil preparation
- Your ear canal is very narrow
- There's inflammation or infection present
If this happens, we're not going to force it. We'll remove what we safely can, give you proper advice about softening the rest, and book you back in a few days later. Usually, the second appointment is quick because we've already loosened everything up.
What to Expect After Your Ear Wax Removal
The removal's done, your ears feel lighter, and suddenly you can hear everything - including how loud your own voice sounds. This is completely normal, and here's what else you might experience over the next few days.
Immediate Sensations
Right after your appointment, your hearing will feel incredibly sharp. Some people say it's almost too loud at first. Traffic sounds different, your footsteps seem louder, and you might notice background noises you'd forgotten existed.
Your ears might also feel a bit wet if we used irrigation. This settles down within an hour or so as the water evaporates. Don't stick anything in there to dry them - just dab the outer ear gently with a tissue if needed.
Some people get a slight dizzy feeling for a few minutes after irrigation. This is because the warm water affects your balance temporarily. Sit still for a moment and it'll pass.
The First 24 Hours
Your ear canals have just had a thorough clean-out, so they might feel a bit sensitive. This is like how your teeth feel sensitive after a dental cleaning - nothing's wrong, they're just adjusting.
You might notice:
- A slight itchy feeling (don't scratch!)
- Everything sounding echoey or tinny
- Your own voice sounding different
- A feeling of "fullness" that comes and goes
These sensations usually disappear within 24 hours. Your brain needs a minute to adjust to hearing properly again.
When to Contact Us
Most people have zero problems after ear wax removal, but occasionally things don't feel quite right. Get in touch with us if you experience:
- Sharp pain that lasts more than a few hours
- Bleeding from your ear
- Sudden hearing loss
- Dizziness that doesn't improve
- Signs of infection (discharge, fever, swelling)
We'd rather you called and it turned out to be nothing than you sat at home worrying.
The Week After
By day two or three, everything should feel completely normal. Your hearing stays clear, the sensitivity goes away, and you forget what it was like having blocked ears.
Some clients tell us they can't believe they lived with blocked ears for so long. Music sounds better, conversations are easier, and they're not constantly asking people to repeat themselves.
If your ears start feeling blocked again within a week, it's probably not wax buildup - it might be fluid or inflammation. Give us a call and we'll have a look.
Protecting Your Investment
You've just paid for professional ear wax removal, so let's make sure it lasts. Here's what we tell everyone:
Don't get water stuck in your ears for the first 48 hours. When you shower, angle your head so water doesn't run directly into your ear canals. After that, you're fine to swim and wash your hair normally.
Avoid putting anything in your ears - no cotton buds, no fingers, no hairpins. Your ears are self-cleaning, and now they're clear, they'll do their job properly.
If you use hearing aids, clean them regularly. Dirty hearing aids push wax back into your ears and undo all our good work.
How to Keep Your Ears Clean Between Appointments
Now your ears are clear, let's talk about keeping them that way. Most people don't need regular ear wax removal - but some of us are just blessed with ears that produce more wax than others.
Understanding Your Ear's Natural Cleaning System
Your ears are actually self-cleaning, which sounds mad but it's true. The skin inside your ear canal grows outwards, pushing dead skin cells and wax towards the opening. When you chew, talk, or move your jaw, this helps move everything along.
For most people, this system works perfectly. The wax migrates out naturally, and you might notice tiny bits of wax on your pillow or when you wash your face. That's normal and healthy.
But some people's ears don't play by these rules. Maybe your ear canals are narrow, or you produce thicker wax, or you wear hearing aids that block the natural exit route. These are the folks who'll need professional ear wax removal every few months.
The Weekly Maintenance Routine
You don't need to do much, but a simple weekly routine stops wax building up again:
Once a week, put 2-3 drops of olive oil in each ear before bed. Lie on your side for five minutes to let it soak in, then switch sides. This keeps the wax soft and helps it migrate out naturally.
When you shower, let warm water run gently over your outer ear. Don't aim the shower head directly into your ear canal, but the natural flow of water helps clean the outer area.
After swimming, tilt your head to each side to drain any trapped water. Water sitting in your ears creates the perfect environment for infections and can soften wax in the wrong way, causing it to swell and block your canal.
What Not to Do
We've said it before, but it bears repeating - no cotton buds. Ever. Not even after a shower when you think you're just "drying" your ears. You're pushing wax in and removing the protective layer of natural oil your ear needs.
Ear candles are dangerous nonsense. They don't create enough suction to remove wax, they can burn you, and we've removed candle wax from people's ears after they've tried this at home.
Those spiral ear cleaners you see advertised? Same problem as cotton buds, just a different shape. They push wax deeper and can scratch your ear canal.
Signs You're Building Up Wax Again
Your body will tell you when it's time for another appointment. Watch out for:
- Hearing becoming muffled, especially in one ear
- A feeling of fullness or pressure
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Itching deep in your ear canal
- Your own voice sounding louder in your head
Don't wait until you're completely blocked. Book in as soon as you notice these signs, and the removal will be quicker and easier.
Who Needs Regular Appointments?
Some people need to see us every 3-6 months, and that's just how their ears work. You're more likely to need regular ear wax removal if you:
- Wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly
- Have narrow or hairy ear canals
- Produce particularly hard or sticky wax
- Are over 60 (wax production changes with age)
- Have skin conditions like eczema
There's no shame in needing regular appointments. We've got clients who book in every three months like clockwork, and it's just part of their routine now.
Special Situations and Concerns
Everyone's ears are different, and some situations need a bit of extra thought when it comes to ear wax removal. Let's cover the most common scenarios we see at our clinic.
If You Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aid users are basically guaranteed to need regular ear wax removal. The hearing aid sits in your ear canal and blocks the natural migration path, so wax builds up behind it instead of moving out.
Plus, the physical presence of the device stimulates your ear to produce more wax as a protective response. It's like your ear thinks there's a foreign object that needs lubricating (which, technically, there is).
We recommend hearing aid users get their ears checked every 3-4 months, even if they're not having symptoms. Prevention is easier than dealing with a complete blockage.
And here's a tip - clean your hearing aids daily. Wax on the device gets pushed back into your ear every time you insert it, creating a vicious cycle.
Swimmers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
If you're in the pool or sea regularly, water can push wax deeper into your ears or cause it to swell up and block your canal. This is called "swimmer's ear wax," and it's surprisingly common.
Before your ear wax removal appointment, try to avoid swimming for 48 hours if possible. Water-logged wax is harder to remove and can make the procedure messier.
After your appointment, wait at least two days before swimming. Your ear canals need time to settle, and jumping straight into chlorinated water can cause irritation.
Consider using swimmers' earplugs if you're getting repeated wax problems. They're not foolproof, but they help reduce how much water gets in.
If You've Had Ear Surgery or Problems
Previous ear surgery, perforated eardrums, or chronic ear infections change everything. We need to know about these before we start because they affect which removal method we can safely use.
Microsuction is usually safer for ears with a history of problems because we can see exactly what we're doing. Irrigation might be off the table if you've had certain types of surgery or your eardrum isn't intact.
Sometimes we'll recommend you see your GP or an ENT specialist instead of having removal with us. This isn't us being awkward - it's us making sure you get the safest care.
Bring any medical letters or information about your ear history to your appointment. The more we know, the better we can help.
During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often experience increased ear wax production due to hormonal changes. Some also retain more fluid, which can make existing wax feel more problematic.
Ear wax removal is completely safe during pregnancy. We don't use any medications or procedures that could affect you or your baby. Both microsuction and irrigation are fine at any stage of pregnancy.
The only thing to mention is if you're feeling particularly nauseous or dizzy (common in early pregnancy), as lying back in the chair might not be comfortable. We can adjust your position to help.
If You Have Tinnitus
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears) is often worsened by ear wax buildup. Many clients find their tinnitus improves significantly after removal.
However, the microsuction noise can temporarily make tinnitus more noticeable during the procedure. This settles down quickly afterwards, but it's worth knowing about.
If you have severe tinnitus, mention this when you book. We can take extra breaks during the procedure and make sure you're comfortable throughout.
Some people worry that ear wax removal will cause tinnitus. In our experience, this is rare. If tinnitus starts after removal, it's usually temporary and related to your ears adjusting to hearing clearly again.
Your Questions About First Appointments Answered
We get asked the same questions over and over, so let's tackle the most common ones right here.
"Will it hurt?"
Honestly? It shouldn't. Most people describe the sensation as weird rather than painful. You might feel pressure, tickling, or strange sounds, but sharp pain isn't normal.
If something hurts, we stop immediately. Pain usually means there's inflammation, infection, or we need to change our approach. We've done thousands of these procedures, and the vast majority of people are surprised by how comfortable it is.
The anticipation is almost always worse than the reality.
"How long does the appointment take?"
A standard ear wax removal appointment takes 20-30 minutes from start to finish. That includes the consultation, examination, and removal from both ears.
If your wax is particularly stubborn or we find complications, it might take longer. We'll never rush you - it's better to take our time and do it properly.
Some people are in and out in 15 minutes. Others need 45 minutes. Every persons ear and wax is different.
"Can I drive afterwards?"
Yes, absolutely. Ear wax removal doesn't affect your ability to drive. You might feel slightly dizzy for a minute or two after irrigation, but this passes quickly.
In fact, you'll probably drive better afterwards because you can hear traffic properly again.
Ready to Hear Clearly Again?
So there you have it - everything you need to know about preparing for your first ear wax removal appointment. It's not complicated, it's not scary, and honestly, most people wish they'd done it sooner.
The key things to remember are simple: use olive oil for 3-5 days before, avoid cotton buds, and turn up with any questions you've got. We'll handle the rest.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you've been putting off booking because you weren't sure what to expect, hopefully this guide has put your mind at ease. Blocked ears aren't something you need to live with, and getting them sorted is straightforward when you know what you're doing.
We've got appointments available throughout the week at Happy Ears Ear Wax Removal, and we're always happy to answer any questions before you book. Whether you're dealing with complete blockage or just noticing your hearing isn't quite what it should be, we can help.
Don't wait until you can't hear anything - book in now whilst you're thinking about it. Your ears (and everyone who's tired of repeating themselves) will thank you.
Ready to get started? Give your local ear wax removal specialist a call or book online. We'll get you hearing clearly again in no time.
What to Do Right Now
Here's your action plan:
- Start using olive oil drops twice daily if your appointment is coming up
- Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss
- Note any medications you're taking
- Book your appointment if you haven't already
And if you're still not sure whether you need ear wax removal, we've got other articles that might help. Check out our guide on the signs of ear wax buildup, or read about the difference between microsuction and irrigation.
Your first appointment is always the hardest because you don't know what to expect. But now you do - and there's really nothing to worry about.
