How to Prepare for Ear Wax Removal

If you’re coming to Bristol Ear Health for earwax removal, using olive oil drops or spray for a few days beforehand may help soften the wax and make it easier to remove.

For most adults, our usual preparation advice is to use olive oil for 3–5 days before your appointment. Follow the product instructions and contact us if you’re unsure whether to use drops.

Why we recommend olive oil

Olive oil helps soften and lubricate earwax. It’s available as drops or as a spray designed for use in the ear. Either form can be used by following the instructions on the product you choose.

Some people also use almond oil, but don’t use it if you have an almond allergy. Other earwax products work differently, so check their labels and follow advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional. NHS earwax guidance, Cambridge University Hospitals: Information on ear wax

For your Bristol Ear Health appointment, we recommend olive oil drops or spray unless a healthcare professional has advised you otherwise.

How to use olive oil drops

Lie on your side, or tilt your head so the ear you’re treating faces upwards.
Apply the amount stated on the bottle into the ear.
Stay in that position for around 5–10 minutes to let the oil reach the wax.
Gently massage the area just in front of your ear, then wipe away any excess oil.

Use the product as directed. NHS guidance also suggests lying with the affected ear facing upwards after applying oil. NHS earwax guidance, Rotherham NHS: How to use olive oil drops

What about sodium bicarbonate or Otex Express?

These products act differently from olive oil. They may be recommended in some circumstances, but their instructions and suitable duration of use vary. They can also cause irritation or temporary changes in hearing for some people.

For your Bristol Ear Health appointment, use olive oil rather than starting or switching to another product. If you’ve already been using sodium bicarbonate or Otex Express, follow the package instructions and contact us if you’re unsure what to do next. If you have started using these products and plan to have ear wax removal, we recommend you stop and switch to olive oil. This will give you best results.

Advice for anyone under 18

Please don’t use olive oil before an appointment if you’re under 18, unless your doctor, pharmacist or our team has advised you to. In our experience, earwax in younger patients is often soft already, so extra oil may not be needed.

If a doctor or pharmacist has recommended regular oiling and now you think you require microsuction treatment, then we suggest you stop oiling all together and allow 5-7 days for the earwax to slighly thicken or hardened. This will help to allow the earwax to come out easier and stop the spread of it around your ear canal.

If you wear hearing aids

If you use olive oil, apply it at night when you’ve taken your hearing aids out. This helps avoid getting oil on the hearing aid. Put the aids back in according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When not to put drops in your ears

Don’t use ear drops if you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum. Contact a healthcare professional and tell us about the perforation before your appointment. Product leaflets may list other situations where drops should not be used, so check the instructions and ask a pharmacist or clinician if unsure. NHS earwax guidance, Otex patient leaflet.

Book your earwax removal appointment

For clinic earwax removal in Bristol, visit our Ear Wax Removal in Bristol page to see prices, learn what to expect and book at Kingswood or Bedminster.

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