How to Deal with Blocked Ears at Home

Aarti Raicha • January 17, 2026

If your hearing feels blocked and getting to a clinic feels like more effort than it should be, you’re not alone. That’s usually when people start looking into mobile earwax removal.


This often comes up when the problem has been hanging around for a while. The first thing you’ll notice is sounds feel duller, or that one ear feels blocked on and off. At first, you think it’ll go away on its own. Then it doesn’t, and you tell yourself you’ll book an appointment, but life gets in the way.


By the time most people book, the wax has usually been there longer than they realise. However, not every blocked ear needs immediate attention. If it just started, or if it's mild and not affecting your day-to-day life, waiting a week or two is usually fine as earwax does sometimes clear on its own. 

But if it's been there for weeks and is getting in the way of conversations or work, then you probably need professional help. 


How earwax turns into a problem


Earwax is normal, everyone has it. Most of the time, it clears on its own as the skin inside the ear slowly moves outward.

The trouble starts when that process doesn’t work properly. This can happen if your ear canals are narrow, if you wear hearing aids or earbuds a lot, or if you’ve tried to clean your ears with cotton buds. Instead of helping, cotton buds often push wax further in.

Once the wax is compacted, drops can help soften it, but they don’t always clear it completely.


What does mobile earwax removal actually mean?


Mobile earwax removal simply means the appointment happens in your home rather than in a clinic. The steps don’t change.

The visit starts with a look inside the ear using an otoscope. This checks whether wax is present, where it’s sitting, and whether it’s safe to remove it that day. If the ear can’t be seen properly, removal doesn’t go ahead.

When removal is appropriate, microsuction is usually used. It’s a controlled suction method done under direct vision. No water is involved, and the process can be paused at any point.


What a home visit is like in real terms


Wax should only be removed when the view is clear. If it isn’t, the safest option is to stop and reassess rather than push on

Every home is different, so some time is spent getting the setup right. That usually means adjusting seating, head position, and lighting so the ear canal can be seen clearly.


That part matters. Wax should only be removed when the view is clear. If it isn’t, the safest option is to stop and reassess rather than push on.


Microsuction is also noisy. In a quiet room, the sound can feel loud inside the ear. People are usually told this beforehand so it doesn’t come as a surprise.


Sometimes the wax doesn’t all come out in one go. If it’s very hard or close to the eardrum, softening drops may be advised before trying again. Leaving some wax behind in that situation is a normal safety decision.


Why people in Ealing choose home visits


For some people, getting to a clinic is genuinely difficult. Transport, mobility issues, work hours, or caring responsibilities can all delay things.


Others just find it easier to deal with the problem at home, without travelling or waiting around. The reasons vary, but the situation is common.


A few safety points


Earwax removal isn’t something to rush. If there’s pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, or recent ear surgery, removal should be delayed and checked properly. That applies whether the appointment is at home or in a clinic.


Questions people usually ask


Does it hurt?


Most people tolerate microsuction well. The noise can be uncomfortable, and some people feel brief dizziness, but this usually settles quickly.


Do I need to use drops first?


Sometimes. It depends on how hard the wax is and where it’s sitting.


How long does it take?


Most visits take around 20 to 30 minutes.


Will it come back?


Some people are more prone to wax build-up than others. If it happens regularly, repeat treatment may be needed.


What to avoid


Avoid cotton buds, tissues, hairpins, and ear candles. These either push wax deeper or increase the risk of injury. Ear candles don’t have any proven benefit and can cause burns.


Conclusion


If blocked hearing is making everyday tasks harder and getting to a clinic isn’t straightforward, mobile earwax removal can be a practical option.



If you’re in Ealing and need mobile earwax removal, you don’t need to look further than Ealing Hearing Centre.

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