Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Ear Wax Buildup
- Dec 11, 2025
- 5 min read
Why “blocked ears” deserve proper attention
If you’re dealing with muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, ringing (tinnitus) or dizziness, it’s easy to assume it’s “just wax.” Sometimes it is—but not always. As an ear wax removal specialist at Ear Wax Solution, I see many people who have been uncomfortable for weeks because they weren’t sure what their symptoms meant, what was safe to try, or when to escalate.
This guide is designed to answer the real questions patients ask in clinic and during home visits—covering definitions, causes, symptoms, red flags, and safe next steps using a patient-centred structure aligned with semantic SEO principles..
What is ear wax (cerumen), and why does the body produce it?
Ear wax (cerumen) is a normal substance produced by glands in the skin of the ear canal. It helps trap dust and debris, lubricate the canal, and support the ear’s natural defences.
In most people, earwax gradually moves outward naturally (helped by jaw movement like chewing and talking) and falls away without any special cleaning.
What is ear wax buildup (ear wax blockage / cerumen impaction)?
Ear wax buildup happens when wax doesn’t clear properly and accumulates in the canal. If it becomes tightly packed and blocks the canal, it may be described as ear wax blockage or cerumen impaction.
This matters because a blockage can:
Reduce hearing (often described as “muffled” or “underwater” hearing)
Trigger discomfort, itching, tinnitus, dizziness/vertigo, or irritation
Symptoms of ear wax buildup: what you may notice
Ear wax buildup can be symptom-free. When symptoms occur, the most common include:
Typical symptoms
Hearing loss / muffled hearing
Earache or a blocked/full sensation
Ringing/buzzing (tinnitus)
Dizziness/vertigo
Itching in the ear
Odour or discharge (less common, and may indicate another issue)
Coughing (yes—this can happen for some people)
Important reality check
Earache or hearing loss does not automatically mean wax. Other ear conditions can mimic the same symptoms, which is why a proper look in the ear canal is so important.
Causes of ear wax buildup: why some people are more prone than others
You cannot (and should not try to) “stop” ear wax production—wax is protective. But several factors make buildup more likely.
1) Ear canal anatomy and physical factors
A buildup is more common if you have:
Narrow or damaged ear canals
Lots of hair in the ear canal
2) Skin and inflammation conditions
Wax buildup can be associated with:
Skin conditions affecting the scalp or area around the ear
Inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa)
3) Devices that trap wax
Wax may not migrate outward as well if you use:
Hearing aids or earbuds (they can trap wax and reduce natural clearance)
4) Home “cleaning” that pushes wax deeper
This is one of the biggest drivers of stubborn blockages:
Cotton buds and other objects commonly push wax further in rather than removing it.
Red flags: when to seek medical advice rather than assuming it’s wax
Please seek GP / NHS assessment (and urgent help if severe) if you have:
Sudden change in hearing that doesn’t seem like typical wax-related muffling
Significant ear pain, itching, or discharge (possible infection)
You cannot hear anything from one ear due to a severe blockage (infection risk can increase)
Ear symptoms plus a history of ear surgery, a known perforated eardrum, or ear drainage (extra caution is needed with drops and DIY approaches)
How ear wax buildup is assessed (and why guessing often fails)
Clinicians assess wax buildup by:
Taking a brief history of symptoms (hearing change, pain, dizziness, tinnitus, discharge)
Looking into the ear with an otoscope to confirm wax and rule out other causes
At Ear Wax Solution, assessment is built into the appointment: we examine your ear canal first, then choose the safest method for your ears (and we will tell you if wax is not the true cause).
Safe next steps: what you can try at home (and what to avoid)
What the NHS suggests for self-care
If wax is mild and you have no perforated eardrum, you can try softening wax using olive or almond oil drops for several days. The NHS provides a simple approach and specifically warns not to put fingers or objects like cotton buds in the ear.
Also note: the NHS advises not to use drops if you have a hole in the eardrum.
What to avoid
Cotton buds / hairpins / “digging” tools (risk of pushing wax deeper and damaging delicate skin)
Ear candling: not recommended and evidence does not support that it works nhs.
“Vacuum” gadgets and many irrigation kits can be risky if used incorrectly—if symptoms persist, it’s safer to be assessed.
Professional treatment options: what actually removes ear wax blockage
If wax is impacted or symptoms persist, professional removal is typically faster and safer than repeated DIY attempts.
Common clinical options (and when they’re used)
Microsuction (wax removed under direct vision using a fine suction device)
Irrigation (controlled flushing in appropriate cases)
Manual removal with fine instruments in selected cases
The NHS notes that services may use irrigation, microsuction, or a small device to remove wax, but availability varies across GP surgeries.
How we help at Ear Wax Solution (clinic and home visits)
Ear Wax Solution provides professional ear wax removal across multiple clinics, and we also offer home visit ear wax removal & mobile microsuction across Surrey, London and Kent.
What you can expect
A focused ear history and ear examination
Selection of the most appropriate method (microsuction is commonly used; irrigation/manual extraction may be considered where clinically appropriate)
Clear aftercare guidance and advice on recurrence
If you’d like to proceed:
Book microsuction ear wax removal: Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Prefer to be seen at home: Home Visits
FAQs people ask before booking
How do I know if my symptoms are wax or an infection?
You can’t confirm this reliably without an ear examination. Symptoms like earache and reduced hearing may be wax—or may be another condition—so inspection is key.
Does ear wax buildup cause dizziness or vertigo?
It can. Dizziness/vertigo is listed among recognised symptoms of ear wax build-up/blockage.
Is ear candling a safe alternative?
No. It is not recommended and evidence does not support its effectiveness.
Why do I keep getting ear wax blockage?
Common reasons include anatomy (narrow canals), hair, skin conditions, inflammation, and device use (hearing aids/earbuds) that reduces natural wax clearance.
Can a pharmacist help?
Yes—pharmacists can advise and may recommend products to help dissolve wax (when appropriate).
if you want relief from blocked ears
If you suspect ear wax buildup—and especially if symptoms are persistent—book a proper ear examination and safe removal.
Clinic appointment (microsuction): Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Mobile Ear Wax Removal
Prefer an at-home appointment: Home Visit Ear Wax Removal Mobile Ear Wax Removal
If you have red-flag symptoms (significant pain, discharge, sudden hearing change), please seek GP/NHS advice first.
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