When it comes to clearing blocked ears, many people start with at-home remedies. From olive oil drops to candles for earwax, there’s no shortage of DIY solutions being discussed online. But not all treatments are created equal, and some may do more harm than good.

At Everest Pharmacy, we offer professional earwax removal in Lancashire, including the clinically preferred method of microsuction in Bolton. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common home earwax remedies, discuss their pros and cons, and explain why microsuction is often the safest and most effective choice.

What Causes Earwax Build-up?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect and lubricate the ear canal. However, too much wax can lead to:

• –> Blocked ears

• –> Muffled hearing

• –> Discomfort or pressure

• –> Dizziness

• –> Tinnitus (this can be a sign of something more serious, so be sure to explain all of your symptoms to our team)

While some people are more prone to wax build-up than others, using cotton buds or in-ear headphones can increase the risk of compacting wax deeper into the ear.

Home Remedies: What People Try

Olive Oil or Sodium Bicarbonate Drops

One of the most popular remedies involves applying olive oil, almond oil, or sodium bicarbonate drops into the ear to soften hardened wax.

Pros:

• –> Widely available

• –> Easy to use at home

• –> Helpful as a pre-treatment before professional wax removal

Cons:

• –> Slow to work — often requires several days or weeks of application

• –> Doesn’t remove the wax — only softens it

• –> Can make ears feel more blocked temporarily

Hopi Ear Candles

Also known as thermal auricular therapy, candles for earwax are hollow wax tubes that are inserted into the ear and burned at one end. The idea is that the heat creates a vacuum to draw out earwax.

Pros:

• –> Marketed as relaxing or holistic

• –> Readily available online or in wellness shops

Cons:

• –> Not medically supported — there is no evidence that ear candles remove wax

• –> Potentially dangerous — risk of burns, ear canal injury, or wax from the candle entering the ear

• –> Often gives the illusion of success — residue inside the candle is usually just burnt wax, not earwax

As healthcare professionals, we do not recommend candles for earwax removal. The risks far outweigh any potential benefit, and there are far safer, evidence-based options available.

Why Microsuction Is Best

At Everest Pharmacy, we offer microsuction in Bolton and other locations across the region. Microsuction is a clinical procedure that uses gentle suction and magnification to remove wax safely and precisely from the ear canal.

Benefits of microsuction include:

• –> No need for water or flushing

• –> Immediate relief — results are often instant

• –> Safe for patients with perforated eardrums or those prone to infections

• –> Suitable for people who haven’t responded to drops or irrigation

• –> Performed by trained healthcare professionals in a sterile environment

Unlike candles or home drops, microsuction physically removes the wax and allows us to see exactly what’s going on inside the ear with the help of a microscope or otoscope.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Before your microsuction appointment, we ask that you apply olive oil drops for five to seven days to help soften the wax. This makes the procedure quicker and more comfortable.

During the appointment:

• –> We’ll carry out a brief consultation and inspect your ears

• –> If wax is present, we’ll remove it using a fine suction probe

• –> Most appointments last around 20–30 minutes

• –> You’ll receive aftercare advice and recommendations for maintaining ear health

Our team is trained, experienced, and dedicated to providing safe and effective earwax removal in Lancashire for people of all ages.

Why Choose Everest Pharmacy?

We understand how frustrating blocked ears can be, and how difficult it can be to access ear care through GP services. That’s why we provide accessible, professional alternatives at our community-based clinics.

With multiple locations across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, including microsuction in Bolton, we’re a trusted local provider of expert ear care. Our services are discreet, affordable, and designed to get you back to clear, comfortable hearing without the risks of DIY remedies.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re dealing with blocked ears and have been trying candles for earwax, drops, or other home treatments without success, don’t suffer in silence.

Contact Everest Pharmacy today to book a professional microsuction appointment and experience safe, effective earwax removal in Lancashire. Whether you’re based in Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, or beyond, we’re here to help you hear clearly again.

No candles. No risks. Just proper care from people who know ears inside out.

This blog was written on behalf of Everest Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.