Earwax build-up
Earwax build-up
Your ears make wax on their own to stay clean, and it usually clears out by itself. Sometimes, though, too much builds up and blocks the ear.
This is a common problem, and pharmacy eardrops can often treat it.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When to get medical advice
Speak to your GP practice if:
- you’re worried about your symptoms
- eardrops haven’t helped after 1 week
Causes
What causes earwax to build up?
Some people regularly get blocked ears simply because their body naturally produces a lot of earwax. Other reasons include:
- naturally hard or dry earwax
- narrow or hairy ear canals (the passage between the ear opening and the eardrum)
- older age, since earwax tends to become drier as people get older
- bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal
Earwax can also build up and block the ear if you often put objects into it, such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids.
Diagnosis
Your GP or the practice nurse can usually tell if earwax is behind your symptoms just by looking inside your ears. If needed, they may also do a few simple hearing checks to see how well you're hearing.
Treatment
If pharmacy treatment does not help, speak to your GP practice. They can offer other treatments, which may include:
- Ear irrigation: a quick and painless procedure in which an electric pump is used to push water into the ear and wash the earwax out
- Microsuction: a quick and painless procedure in which a small device is used to suck the earwax out of the ear (you may need to be referred for this)
These treatments are not suitable for everyone, and your doctor can talk this through with you. If they do not help, your GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.