What Causes Excess Earwax? Causes, Symptoms and Safe Earwax Removal

Earwax is something most people rarely think about, until it starts causing problems. While earwax is completely natural and plays an important role in protecting your ears, excessive earwax build-up can lead to discomfort, blocked ears and temporary hearing loss.

Although anyone can be affected, earwax build-up is particularly common in older adults, children and people who wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly.

What is Earwax?

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. It consists of cerumen, dead skin cells and tiny hairs.

Although many people think of earwax as something that should be removed, it actually performs several important functions:

• Protects the ear canal from dust, dirt and other foreign particles
• Helps trap bacteria and other microorganisms
• Lubricates the skin inside the ear, preventing dryness and irritation
• Supports the ear’s natural self-cleaning process

In most cases, earwax gradually moves out of the ear canal naturally through everyday jaw movements such as talking and chewing. Problems arise when too much earwax is produced or when the ear is unable to clear it naturally.

What Causes Excess Earwax?

Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. In many cases, there is no underlying medical problem, it is simply the way their ears function.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of excessive earwax build-up, including:

• Narrow, curved or damaged ear canals
• Excess hair within the ear canal
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis affecting the ears or scalp
• Inflammation or infection of the ear canal, including swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
• Wearing hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones regularly, which can prevent earwax from leaving the ear naturally

Symptoms of Earwax Build-Up

When earwax becomes impacted, it can block the ear canal and cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Blocked ears or a feeling of fullness
• Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Earache or discomfort
• Itching within the ear
• Dizziness in some cases

If these symptoms persist, it is important to have your ears assessed by a qualified professional.

How Do We Remove Earwax?

We provide two of the safest and most effective earwax removal techniques available:

Microsuction Earwax Removal

Microsuction earwax removal is widely regarded as the gold standard for removing impacted earwax. Using a specialist microscope or magnification system, a trained clinician gently removes the wax with a small, low-pressure suction device. The procedure is:

• Safe and precise
• Usually quick and comfortable
• Suitable for most patients
• Water-free, making it ideal for people with previous ear problems or perforated eardrums

Endoscopic Earwax Removal

We also offer endoscopic earwax removal, an advanced technique that provides exceptional visibility of the ear canal and eardrum.

Using a high-definition endoscope connected to a video screen, your clinician can clearly see the ear canal throughout the procedure. This wider field of view allows for greater precision, particularly when removing stubborn or deeply impacted earwax.

The improved visualisation can often make treatment more efficient and may reduce the need for follow-up appointments.

Never Use Cotton Buds

If you notice wax at the entrance to your ear, simply wipe it away with a damp cloth. Avoid inserting cotton buds, or any other object, into your ears. Rather than removing earwax, cotton buds usually push it deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of impaction, discomfort and hearing problems. They can also irritate or damage the delicate skin inside the ear.

Book Your Earwax Removal Appointment

If you’re experiencing blocked ears, reduced hearing, tinnitus or discomfort caused by excessive earwax, we’re here to help.

Our experienced clinicians provide safe, professional microsuction and endoscopic earwax removal using the latest equipment to restore your hearing quickly and comfortably.

Contact our friendly team today to book your appointment or to discuss which earwax removal treatment is right for you.