Updated November 2026
One of the most common questions we are asked at Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield is: how often should you have ear wax removed? The answer surprises many people. For most of us, ear wax never needs removing at all. This guide explains why, who is more likely to need regular treatment, how to spot when it is time for an appointment and how to reduce build-up between visits.
The short answer
There is no set schedule. Ear wax only needs removing when it builds up enough to cause symptoms.
- Most people: rarely or never, as wax clears naturally
- Occasional build-up: as and when symptoms appear
- Prone to build-up or hearing aid users: some people need treatment every 3 to 6 months
The best guide is your symptoms, not the calendar.
Why you should not remove ear wax routinely
Ear wax is not dirt. It keeps the skin of the ear canal moisturised and traps dust, dirt and bacteria before they reach the eardrum. The ear is self-cleaning: old wax slowly moves outwards and falls out as new wax forms. Removing healthy wax is unnecessary, and trying to clean inside your ears yourself can push wax deeper and cause a blockage.
Signs it is time for ear wax removal
Consider booking an appointment if you notice:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A blocked, full or plugged feeling
- Earache or discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Itching in the ear
- Hearing aids that whistle, sound weaker or have wax on the mould
Try olive oil drops first for mild symptoms. If they have not cleared after around 5 days, book an examination. Read more about the signs you may need ear wax removal and how ear wax can cause hearing loss.
How often should you have ear wax removed? A guide by situation
| Situation | What usually happens | How often you may need removal |
|---|---|---|
| Most adults | Wax clears naturally | Rarely or never |
| Occasional blockage | Wax builds up now and then, often in one ear | Only when symptoms appear |
| Hearing aid users | Hearing aids stop wax moving out of the ear | Some need treatment every 3 to 6 months |
| People prone to build-up | Narrow or hairy ear canals, or naturally high wax production | Some need treatment every 3 to 6 months |
| Older adults | Wax becomes drier and harder, so it is more likely to become impacted | When symptoms appear, which may be more often |
| Regular earplug or in-ear headphone users | Devices can push wax back into the ear canal | When symptoms appear |
These are general patterns. Your Health and Wellbeing Consultant can advise what is right for your ears after examining them.
Ears feeling blocked again?
Book an ear check in Longfield. We examine your ears first and only remove wax if it is needed.
Why do some people get recurring ear wax?
Recurring build-up does not mean anything is wrong with your ears. Common reasons include naturally producing more wax, narrow or hairy ear canals, skin conditions such as eczema, wearing hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones, and using cotton buds. With age, wax also tends to become drier and harder to clear.
How to reduce ear wax build-up between appointments
- Do not use cotton buds or put anything inside your ear canal.
- Keep wax soft: if you are prone to build-up, a few drops of olive oil occasionally may help. Ask our team whether this is suitable for you, and do not use drops if you have a perforated eardrum.
- Clean hearing aids and earplugs regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean only the outer ear with a washcloth.
- Avoid ear candles and home ear vacuums, which are not proven to work.
Ear wax removal at Hodgson Pharmacy
We provide microsuction ear wax removal at our Longfield pharmacy clinic for adults aged 18 and over, with no GP referral needed. Every appointment starts with an examination, so if there is no wax to remove, you only pay the consultation fee. Appointments take around 15 minutes. Find out what to expect during microsuction or visit our ear wax removal service page.
| Appointment | Total price |
|---|---|
| Consultation only (no wax removal needed) | £20 |
| Microsuction, one ear (including consultation) | £50 |
| Microsuction, both ears (including consultation) | £80 |
See how these prices compare: how much does ear wax removal cost in the UK?
Frequently asked questions
How often should ear wax be removed?
Only when it is causing symptoms. Most people never need professional ear wax removal because wax clears naturally. People prone to build-up, such as hearing aid users, may need treatment every few months, while others only ever need it once.
Should I have my ears cleaned regularly?
No, not routinely. Ear wax protects your ears, and removing healthy wax is unnecessary. Book an appointment when you notice symptoms such as muffled hearing or a blocked feeling.
How often do hearing aid users need ear wax removal?
It varies. Some hearing aid users need microsuction every 3 to 6 months because hearing aids stop wax clearing naturally. Watch for symptoms such as muffled sound, whistling (feedback) or wax on the ear mould.
Why does my ear wax keep coming back?
Some people naturally produce more wax or have narrow or hairy ear canals. Hearing aids, earplugs, in-ear headphones, skin conditions and cotton bud use can also make build-up more likely.
How can I stop ear wax building up?
Avoid cotton buds and other objects in your ears. If you are prone to build-up, a few drops of olive oil occasionally can help keep wax soft. Ask our team for advice on what is suitable for you.
Do I need a referral for ear wax removal?
No. Adults aged 18 and over can book microsuction directly with Hodgson Pharmacy.
Book an ear check in Longfield
Convenient for Dartford, Gravesend, Hartley, New Ash Green and Meopham. Appointments Monday to Saturday.
Call 01474 707341