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What Causes Earwax Build-Up and When Should You Get It Removed?

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Earwax is normal and healthy. But when earwax builds up too much, it can cause discomfort, ear infections, or hearing problems.

This guide explains why earwax build up happens, what symptoms to watch for, and when to see a professional.

What Is Earwax Build-Up?

Earwax, also called cerumen. is a natural substance made by tiny glands inside your ear canal. It’s made up of gland secretions, dead skin cells, and tiny hairs that trap debris before it causes problems.

Earwax helps by:
  • Trapping dust and dirt
  • Helping stop germs from causing infection
  • Keeping the ear canal from getting too dry and itchy
Normally, earwax works its way out of the ear on its own as you chew or talk. So, in most cases, you don’t need to do anything as the ear cleans itself.

Earwax build-up becomes a problem when too much earwax gets stuck and blocks the ear canal.

What Are the Symptoms of EarWax Build-Up?

Earwax does not always cause symptoms. Symptoms usually start when wax blocks the ear canal.

Common symptoms include:
  • A blocked or feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Muffled or reduced hearing
  • Earache or discomfort
  • Itching in the ear canal
  • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
  • Dizziness
Get urgent medical help if you have any of these:
  • Severe ear pain
  • Discharge, bleeding, or a bad smell coming from the ear
  • Fever or you feel very unwell
  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Numbness on one side of the face
These signs may mean you have an infection or another ear problem that needs medical care, not just earwax.

What Causes Earwax Build-Up?

Earwax build-up is caused by a mix of body-related factors and daily habits. These are the most common causes:

1. Using cotton buds or putting objects in your ear

This is the biggest cause. Cotton buds do not remove earwax. They push the earwax deeper. This can compact the earwax and cause a blockage. The same applies to using hair grips and any small objects.

2. Narrow or bendy ear canals

Some people have ear canals that are narrow or curved. This makes it harder for earwax to move out naturally.

3. Wearing earphones or hearing aids

Frequent or excessive use of earphones, headphones or hearing aids can block the earwax from moving out naturally and push the earwax deeper into the ear canal. This does not mean you should stop them. It just means you may need regular checks if you are prone to wax.

4. Ageing

As we get older, earwax can become drier and harder. This makes it less likely to come out naturally, leading to build up over time.

5. Overproduction of earwax

Some people naturally make more earwax. Working in dusty places can also increase build up.

6. Dry skin or skin conditions

Dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis can make earwax build up more likely.

When Should You Get Earwax Removed?

Not all earwax needs removing. If you have no symptoms, you usually do not need treatment.

You should book a professional earwax removal if you have:
  • Persistent blocked ears
  • Muffled hearing that does not improve
  • Ear pain or discomfort
  • Ringing in the ear (Tinnitus)
  • Dizziness
  • Hearing aids getting blocked by earwax
Do not try to remove a blockage yourself. DIY removal can make it worse.
Do not use:
  • Cotton buds
  • Ear candles
  • Hair grips or tools
  • Home syringes
You can damage the ear canal or eardrum and can also push the earwax deeper.

How Is Earwax Build-Up Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is simple and painless.

An audiologist will look in your ears using an otoscope. They check for:
  • Earwax blockage in the ear canal
  • Redness, swelling, or signs of infection
  • Anything that suggests another cause of symptoms
If there is an earwax build-up, the audiologist will recommend a suitable earwax removal procedure. If earwax is not the cause, further test will be done and advise on next steps.

How to Remove Earwax Build-Up

If you have earwax build-up that requires professional treatment. Here are the most common and safest professional earwax removal procedures:

1. Microsuction

Microsuction is one of the safest and most reliable ways to remove earwax. An audiologist uses gentle suction device while looking into the ear using a microscope or and endoscope. This provides immediate relief from ear blockage.

2. Ear irrigation

Ear irrigation involves gently flushing the ear canal with warm water. It’s ideal for soft or stubborn earwax and provides comfortable, effective relief.
Ear irrigation is often not suitable if you have:

  • A perforated eardrum
  • Ear infection
  • Grommets
  • Past ear surgery
A trained professional should decide if ear irrigation is safe for you.

3. Manual removal with instruments

This involves using specialised instruments like curettes or forceps to manually remove hardened earwax. This can be useful if the earwax is near the opening of the ear canal. Combined with microsuction, this approach can completely remove earwax.

4. Ear drops

For mild earwax build-up, you can use olive oil drops can soften the earwax, and it may come out naturally. However, it is important to note that eardrops don’t always remove earwax completely and can block your ears even more. If the buildup is excessive, you should consult a professional.

Important safety note: do not use ear drops unless you are sure you do not have:

  • Ear pain that is getting worse
  • Discharge from the ear
  • A perforated eardrum
  • Grommets
  • Recent ear surgery
If you are not sure, book an ear check first.

How to Prevent Earwax Build-Up?

You cannot stop your ears from making earwax. That is normal. But you can reduce the chance of earwax build-up.

Simple prevention tips:
  • Do not put cotton buds or objects inside your ear
  • Clean only the outside of the ear with a cloth or a cotton bud
  • Keep ears dry after bathing or swimming
  • Using ear drops once a week if you're prone to repeated blockages
  • Book regular check-ups
Prevention is simple but often overlooked. Small changes in habits can be helpful in preventing earwax build-ups and maintaining long-term ear health.

Conclusion

Earwax is essential for healthy ears, but earwax build-up can cause muffled hearing, feeling of fullness, dizziness or tinnitus. Understanding what causes earwax build-up will help you maintain ear health by preventing common triggers like cotton buds, earbuds, or over-cleaning.

If symptoms such as blocked ears, irritation, or muffled hearing appear, professional ear removal is the safest and most effective option.

At DirectEarCare, our experienced audiologist uses the safest, most effective methods to diagnose and remove earwax. You can book online or call 0330 133 0511 to choose a time that suits you.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have earwax build up?
Signs include muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, itching, ringing, or discomfort. The only way to know for sure is to have your ears checked by a professional.
The safest way to remove earwax build-up is to visit a professional to get a clear diagnosis and treatment. Earwax can be removed safely with microsuction, manual removal, or ear irrigation. In mild cases, you can use an ear drop to soften the wax, which may come out naturally. Avoid using cotton buds or putting anything inside your ear, as it might push the wax even further.
No. Most people don’t need regular cleaning. You only need treatment when earwax blocks the ear canal or causes symptoms.
Your body naturally produces earwax to protect the ear canals. Common causes of earwax build-up are cotton buds, narrow or curved ear canals, regular earbud or hearing aid use, ageing, and naturally producing more wax.
In most cases, mild build-up will clear on its own. But if there is excess earwax build-up, it can cause muffled hearing, discomfort, tinnitus, and a higher risk of outer ear infection.

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