Methods for ear wax removal evaluated

News release from the National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment

06 May 2008

Research has been commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme to review methods for removing earwax. A build up of wax can block the ears causing difficulties for adults and children with hearing and may result in discomfort and, on occasions, infection. Earwax may cause problems in assessing hearing, blocking the view of the ear drum and interfering with the fitting of hearing aids. Impacted wax can sometimes be treated by ear drops to soften the plug but a more stubborn blockage may need syringing or other method of removal.

The research team, led by Professor Andrew Clegg from the University of Southampton, will review the existing evidence on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the different methods for the removal of earwax. They will review the evidence on all the standard methods used including drops, irrigation (e.g. syringing, electronic irrigators), mechanical removal other than syringing (e.g. suction, probes and forceps) or combinations of the different methods, and construct an economic model for cost effectiveness of the interventions.

“Problems caused due to the build up of ear wax are a common reason for people to visit their GP practice, with some people suffering from frequent recurrence of the condition. There is uncertainty concerning the relative benefits, risks and costs of the different methods for the removal of earwax,” says Professor Clegg. “It is therefore important that this research is conducted to establish the safest and most effective treatment and guide practitioners on the best method to adopt for their patients.”

To view full details about the project visit www.hta.ac.uk/1698

Notes for editors


  1. The HTA programme is a programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produces high quality research information about the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS. It is the largest of the NIHR programmes and publishes the results of its research in the Health Technology Assessment journal, with more than 400 issues published to date. The journal’s 2007 Impact Factor (3.87) ranked it in the top 10% of medical and health-related journals. All issues are available for download free of charge from the website, www.hta.ac.uk The HTA programme is coordinated by the National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment (NCCHTA), based at the University of Southampton.
  2. The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility.  The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first-class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training.  Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. www.nihr.ac.uk

Contact details

Naomi Stockley, Programme Manager (Communications)
Telephone: 02380 595 646, Email: ns5@soton.ac.uk

Helen Nikandrou, Assistant Programme Manager (Communications)
Telephone: 02380 595 584, Email: h.nikandrou@soton.ac.uk

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