Ear Care

Ear wax usually clears on its own, but a build-up can cause dulled hearing, itching or earache. Softening drops — olive oil, or hydrogen-peroxide drops such as Otex — used for a few days often loosen it enough for it to work its way out naturally. Our pharmacist can advise which drops suit you.

No — putting cotton buds, fingers or anything else into the ear canal tends to push wax deeper and can damage the ear. Ears are self-cleaning, and wax normally moves out on its own. If your ear feels blocked, softening drops are the safer first step, and our pharmacist can talk you through using them.

Don't keep using drops indefinitely — if your ear still feels blocked after the few days recommended on the pack, it's time to get it looked at. Wax sometimes needs removing professionally, and your GP practice can advise on local earwax-removal services. Earache with discharge or fever suggests an infection rather than wax, which needs different treatment.

Earache in children often follows a cold and usually settles within a few days — paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease the pain in the meantime. Children aged 1–17 can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First: our pharmacist examines the ear and can supply treatment on the NHS where it's needed.

Yes. For adults 18 and over with a painful or itchy outer ear, our pharmacist can examine the ear with an otoscope and, where suitable, supply prescription ear drops or a spray after a consultation — see our ear infection treatment service. Anything deeper or more severe, and we'll direct you to your GP.