Cerumen, or “earwax,” is a naturally occurring substance that has an important role to protect and lubricate the ear canal. However due to certain factors, in some individuals it can lead to blockage of the ear canal causing a host of symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, fullness, itching, ear pain and even odor. It can also affect hearing tests as hearing loss detected in ears with impacted ear wax may not reflect “true” hearing.

Whilst the common medical method used by GPs and nurses for ear wax removal has been ear irrigation with water, it often is associated with discomfort and is contraindicated in certain ear conditions such as perforation of tympanic membrane.