Earwax is one of those things most of us don’t think about until it starts causing problems.
Earwax is completely natural and plays an important role in keeping the ears healthy. But when earwax builds up and doesn’t clear on its own, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms that are hard to ignore.
Knowing when to leave earwax alone and when to get professional advice can make all the difference to your comfort and hearing.
What does earwax normally do?
Earwax is also called cerumen. It protects the ear canal by trapping dust and debris. It also has antibacterial properties, and it stops the delicate skin inside the ear from drying out.
In most people, wax gradually moves out of the ear on its own. Jaw movement when talking or chewing helps this along.
Problems tend to happen when this natural clearing process slows down or stops.
Why does earwax build up?
Earwax can become impacted, which means it’s tightly packed in the ear canal. This can happen for a few different reasons.
Some people naturally produce more wax than others. Narrow or curved ear canals can make it harder for wax to move out. Hearing aids and earbuds can also push wax further into the ear, where it becomes stuck.
Cotton buds are a common culprit, too. Although they’re often used to clean the ears, they usually push wax deeper rather than removing it.
Symptoms that may point to impacted earwax
A build-up of earwax doesn’t always cause symptoms straight away. Symptoms often develop gradually.
Signs of impacted earwax can include:
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear – this can feel like pressure or a ‘plugged’ sensation
- Changes in hearing – Hearing may sound muffled or reduced. This is more likely if the wax is blocking the ear canal.
- Earache or discomfort – some people get soreness or a dull ache
- Tinnitus – a ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Vertigo – a spinning or dizzy sensation, even while you’re still
These symptoms can come on slowly, which is why earwax build-up is sometimes mistaken for a middle ear infection or age-related hearing changes.
When professional removal is worth considering
If symptoms are persistent or getting worse, it’s sensible to have your ears checked. Professional earwax removal is often recommended if wax is fully blocking the ear canal or causing hearing problems.
It’s especially important to seek help if you’ve tried home remedies (such as olive oil drops or sprays) for a week or two and there’s no improvement.
Professional advice matters even more if you:
- Have had ear surgery in the past
- Have a perforated eardrum, which is a hole or tear in the eardrum
- Get repeated ear infections
In these situations, home removal methods can do more harm than good.
Why you shouldn’t remove earwax yourself
Using cotton buds, hair grips or ear candles can damage the ear canal or eardrum. It can also increase the risk of infection. Even ear drops can cause discomfort if wax is already tightly packed.
Professional removal means your ear can be examined first. This helps confirm that earwax is the cause of your symptoms, and that removal is safe.
How earwax is removed professionally
At ENT Sheffield, earwax removal is usually carried out using microsuction. This is a technique that uses a small suction device to gently remove wax from the ear under direct vision with a microscope.
Before anything is removed, your ear is checked to make sure earwax is the cause of your symptoms and that the ear itself looks healthy.
The procedure is usually quick and comfortable, and many people notice their hearing feels clearer straight away once the blockage has gone.
Because microsuction doesn’t involve water, it can be suitable for people who have had ear infections, previous ear surgery or ongoing ear problems.
Book an appointment with ENT Sheffield
If blocked ears, hearing changes or discomfort are affecting your day-to-day life, you don’t have to put up with it. A straightforward assessment can confirm whether earwax is the cause and whether professional earwax removal would help.
At ENT Sheffield, earwax removal and ear assessments are carried out under the care of Mr Wale Olarinde, a consultant ENT surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing ear conditions. This means your ears are checked carefully, with any underlying issues considered before treatment goes ahead.
To arrange an appointment for earwax removal or a full ear check, contact ENT Sheffield today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable hearing.