Sodium Bicarbonate Drops Aren’t Enough: A Case Study in Professional Earwax Removal

At Home Visit Earwax Removal, we often see clients who have struggled with earwax buildup for years, trying over-the-counter or prescribed remedies without success. Recently, we helped a client who had been dealing with a sense of fullness in her ears for over a year.

Despite using sodium bicarbonate drops prescribed by her doctor, the wax remained, causing persistent discomfort. Through our professional methods—specifically microsuction and water irrigation—we were able to give her instant relief. In this article, we’ll explain why sodium bicarbonate drops often fail and why professional earwax removal is the gold standard.

The Client’s Struggle with Earwax Buildup

This client had experienced a constant sense of fullness in her ears for years. Despite visiting her doctor multiple times, the solution she was given—sodium bicarbonate drops—never provided any lasting relief. She persevered with the drops for over a year, but the earwax remained, leaving her frustrated and still suffering from hearing issues.

• Prescribed Drops Failed: Even though sodium bicarbonate is often prescribed for earwax removal, it doesn’t always work effectively, especially for deeply impacted wax.

• Prolonged Discomfort: The client had been using the drops diligently, but the fullness in her ears persisted, affecting her quality of life.

After a year of using ineffective treatments, she reached out to us for help, hoping to finally find a solution.

Professional Examination and Findings

When we visited her, it was clear from the start that her ears were fully occluded with wax, blocking her ear canal and making it impossible for her to hear properly. As per our recommendations, she had been using Earol Olive Oil for five days prior to our visit to soften the wax. However, upon examination, it was evident that deep, impacted wax was the real issue, and more intensive methods would be required to resolve it.

• Water Irrigation Attempt: We began with water irrigation, a method that uses gentle water pressure to flush out earwax. However, this proved ineffective, as the wax was too impacted to move.

• Switching to Microsuction: Recognizing that the wax was deeply embedded, we knew microsuction was the best option. This method uses controlled suction to safely and effectively remove even the hardest wax.

Removing the Blockage and Providing Relief

As you can see from the picture, the client had not only impacted earwax but also dead, dry skin within the ear canal, which was contributing to her discomfort. The right side of the picture shows the long threads of dead skin that were carefully removed before tackling the wax.

• Dry Skin Removal: The skin came out in long threads, reflecting the length of the ear canal. This needed to be removed before addressing the wax to ensure a complete and thorough cleaning.

• Wax Removal with Microsuction: Once the skin was removed, we used microsuction to extract the earwax. The process was quick and painless, and the client experienced instant relief.

After the procedure, her ear canal was clear, and she could hear much more clearly. When we examined her ear, we saw a healthy tympanic membrane (eardrum)—something she hadn’t been able to see or feel for over a year due to the blockage.

Why Sodium Bicarbonate and Syringing Aren’t Enough

This client’s case highlights the limitations of older methods like sodium bicarbonate drops and ear syringing. Here’s why these methods are outdated and often ineffective:

• Sodium Bicarbonate: These drops are designed to dissolve earwax over time, but they often fail to work on deeply impacted wax. They can also dry out the ear canal, causing irritation or discomfort without removing the root cause.

• Ear Syringing: An older method still used in some places, syringing involves flushing the ear with water under pressure. However, this method is less precise and carries a higher risk of damaging the eardrum or pushing wax deeper into the ear canal. For these reasons, syringing is no longer recommended by many professionals.

At Home Visit Earwax Removal, we use the latest techniques—water irrigation and microsuction—to ensure that the process is not only effective but also safe and comfortable.

The Gold Standard in Earwax Removal

This case shows why professional earwax removal is the gold standard for addressing earwax issues. Our combination of microsuction and water irrigation ensures that even the most stubborn wax is removed safely and efficiently.

• Precision and Safety: Unlike home remedies, our tools allow us to remove wax with precision, minimizing the risk of damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

• Immediate Results: Our client felt instant relief after the procedure, finally free from the discomfort she had lived with for over a year.

If you’re dealing with earwax buildup that over-the-counter or prescribed methods can’t resolve, book your appointment with us today. We’ll bring the gold standard of earwax removal directly to your home.

For clients like the one in this case study, professional earwax removal can provide the relief they’ve been searching for after years of ineffective treatment. At Home Visit Earwax Removal, we use the safest, most effective methods to ensure your ears are clear and healthy.

If you’ve been prescribed drops that haven’t worked or are still experiencing discomfort, let us help. Book your appointment today and experience the difference that professional care can make.

Simple Pricing

£40 per ear

For all Earwax removal appointments, we require a £40 non-refundable fee at the time of booking.

Should earwax removal be necessary for both ears, an additional £40 per will be charged during the appointment.

The non-returnable fee covers our specialist's time, expertise and travel, allowing us to provide convenient ear care across a large service area at a low cost, right to your home.