Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It serves an important purpose: trapping dust, debris, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. In most cases, earwax works its way out of the ear naturally. But for some people, wax builds up faster than the ear can clear it, leading to blockages that affect hearing and comfort.
Signs of Earwax Buildup
Common symptoms of excessive earwax include:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Muffled hearing or a noticeable decrease in hearing clarity
- Earache or discomfort that is not caused by infection
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) in the affected ear
- Itchiness inside the ear canal
- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance in some cases
Why Does Earwax Build Up?
Some people are simply more prone to earwax buildup than others. Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals can make it harder for wax to migrate out naturally. Regular use of hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs can push wax deeper into the canal and prevent normal self-cleaning. Age is also a factor, as earwax tends to become drier and harder in older adults, making it more likely to accumulate.
Cotton swabs are one of the most common causes of impacted earwax. Rather than removing wax, swabs tend to push it deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. Audiologists and physicians strongly advise against inserting anything into the ear canal for cleaning.
Safe Removal Methods
If earwax buildup is causing symptoms, professional removal is the safest and most effective approach. At Sense of Hearing, our audiologists use clinical-grade methods to remove wax gently and thoroughly.
Professional removal methods include:
- Microsuction: A gentle vacuum technique that removes wax under direct visualization. It is quick, comfortable, and does not require water.
- Irrigation: Warm water is flushed into the ear canal using a controlled pressure system to soften and rinse out the wax.
- Curette removal: A small, specialized instrument is used to carefully scoop out wax under magnification.
What About Home Remedies?
Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften mild wax buildup and are generally safe for occasional use. Mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide-based drops are commonly recommended. However, if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or an active ear infection, you should not use drops without first consulting a professional. Ear candling, a practice that claims to draw wax out using a hollow candle, has been shown to be both ineffective and dangerous and is not recommended.
Earwax and Hearing Aids
Hearing aid users need to be especially mindful of earwax. Wax can clog the speaker and tubing of your hearing aid, reducing sound quality and potentially causing damage to the device. Regular ear checks and professional cleanings can prevent wax-related issues. At Sense of Hearing, we include ear canal inspections as part of routine hearing aid follow-up appointments.
If your hearing aid sounds weak or muffled, earwax may be the culprit. Before assuming your device needs repair, book a quick ear check at your nearest Sense of Hearing clinic. In many cases, a professional cleaning solves the problem.
Dealing with blocked ears or muffled hearing? Book an earwax removal appointment at Sense of Hearing. Our audiologists provide safe, comfortable wax removal at all Ontario locations.
Book an AppointmentWritten By
Sense of Hearing Team
Audiologists & Hearing Instrument Specialists
Sense of Hearing is an independently-owned network of hearing care clinics serving Ontario. Our articles are written and reviewed by our team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists.