What are the signs of an earwax blockage?

An earwax blockage, sometimes called impacted earwax, happens when wax builds up and cannot clear on its own. Earwax is actually normal and protective, but occasionally it accumulates enough to affect hearing and comfort. The signs are usually easy to recognise, and they often affect one ear more than the other.

What are the common symptoms?

Typical signs of an earwax blockage include:

• A feeling of fullness or that the ear is blocked or plugged.
• Reduced or muffled hearing on the affected side.
• Earache or a sense of pressure.
• Itchiness inside the ear.
• Ringing or other sounds in the ear (tinnitus).
• Occasionally mild dizziness, or a sense that your own voice sounds different.

Symptoms can come on gradually, or more suddenly if water gets behind the wax and causes it to swell, such as after swimming or a shower.

Why does earwax build up?

Some people simply produce more wax than others, and factors such as narrow ear canals, hearing aid or earbud use, and the regular use of cotton buds can contribute. Cotton buds are a common culprit because they often push wax deeper rather than removing it. As we get older, wax can also become drier and harder to clear naturally.

In most people, the ear is self-cleaning and wax works its way out on its own, so no routine cleaning is needed. Problems tend to arise when this natural process is disrupted, for example by frequently inserting objects into the ear or wearing devices that sit snugly in the canal. Understanding this can take some of the worry away, because a blockage is common and usually straightforward to deal with.

What should you avoid doing?

It is best not to poke around inside your ears. In particular:

• Avoid cotton buds, hairpins, or other objects, which can push wax further in or damage the ear.
• Approach ear candling with caution, as it is widely regarded as ineffective and potentially harmful.
• Be careful with over-the-counter kits if you have ear pain, discharge, or a known perforated eardrum, and check with a professional first.

Gentle softening drops can sometimes help mild cases, but if in doubt it is safer to have your ears looked at.

When should you get it checked?

If your symptoms are persistent, affecting your hearing, or accompanied by pain, discharge, or dizziness, it is worth having your ears examined. A blockage can usually be confirmed by looking into the ear canal, and it can often be managed safely and comfortably by a professional. This is generally a good idea before trying to remove stubborn wax yourself, particularly if you wear hearing aids, have had ear surgery, or are prone to ear problems.

At Hearing Help in Newport on the Redcliffe Peninsula, we can examine your ears and check whether wax is affecting your hearing as part of a hearing assessment. Because reduced hearing can be caused by more than just wax, having it properly checked also helps rule out other causes rather than assuming wax is to blame. If you have severe pain, bleeding, or sudden hearing loss, please see your GP promptly.