Earwax is normal, protective, and mostly self-cleaning. You don't need to remove it unless it blocks the ear canal and/or is causing symptoms — muffled hearing, blocked-up feeling, discomfort, ringing, or itchiness. Cotton buds push wax deeper and often trigger the very problem they're meant to solve; drops from the pharmacy soften it but don't always shift it.
If wax is genuinely causing a problem, we can remove it safely using irrigation or micro-suction under direct visualisation — much safer than ear candling or DIY approaches, both of which can perforate the eardrum or push wax against it. Never attempt to remove wax at home if you have a history of eardrum perforation, ear surgery, or grommets. Just come in and we'll assist.