Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural, waxy substance produced by the ears. While it might seem unpleasant, earwax actually plays an important role in ear health. It works as a natural lubricant, has antibacterial properties, and helps protect the ear canal from dust and debris.
However, too much earwax can lead to problems. A buildup can cause hearing loss, discomfort, earaches, and in some cases, infections, which may necessitate earwax removal. So, how can you tell if you have too much, and when should you do something about it? In this guide, we’ll explain what causes earwax buildup, who’s more likely to be affected, and how to treat or prevent it safely.
What is Earwax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance naturally produced by glands in the outer ear canal. It is made up of a mix of dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris. Despite common belief, earwax is not something dirty or harmful. In fact, it plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy.
It helps trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the more delicate parts of the inner ear. It also has water-repellent and antibacterial properties, forming a protective barrier that supports overall ear health.
In most cases, earwax clears itself out. As the skin in the ear canal slowly moves outward, it carries older earwax, along with any trapped particles, towards the opening of the ear. It then dries up and either falls out or is rinsed away. Because of this natural process, using cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears is not recommended. This can push earwax further into the canal, increasing the risk of blockages or even damaging the ear.
What Causes Excessive Earwax
Although earwax plays a vital role in protecting the ears by trapping dust, bacteria, and debris, problems can arise when it accumulates excessively. In most cases, earwax naturally moves out of the ear canal, but sometimes it becomes compacted, a condition known as cerumen impaction.
This buildup can block the ear canal and lead to symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing, discomfort, or pain. If left untreated, it may even result in irritation or infection.
Earwax buildup happens when the ear’s natural self-cleaning process is disrupted or overwhelmed, either by physical or external factors, causing it to accumulate.
Common causes of earwax buildup include:
- Dry or hard earwax: Some people naturally produce drier wax, which can become stuck inside the ear canal instead of moving out easily.
- Hairy ear canals: Hair in the ear can trap wax and prevent it from exiting normally.
- Narrow or curved ear canals: A naturally narrow ear canal or an unusual shape can make it harder for earwax to come out on its own.
- Wearing earplugs or hearing aids: These devices can push wax deeper into the ear canal and interfere with its natural movement.
- Using cotton swabs or other objects: Attempting to clean your ears with cotton swabs often pushes wax further in, increasing the risk of impaction.
At Blackpool Express Chemist, we offer a professional microsuction earwax removal service to safely clear blockages and provide relief.
Who is Impacted By Earwax Buildup
Earwax buildup can affect anyone, including both adults and children. However, some people are more prone to it due to specific factors that interfere with the ear’s natural self-cleaning process.
These include:
- People with a lot of hair in their ear canals
- Individuals who wear hearing aids or earplugs regularly
- Those who use cotton swabs or other objects to clean their ears — a common mistake that often pushes wax deeper
- Older adults, as earwax can become drier and harder with age
- People with narrow, curved, or misshapen ear canals that make it harder for wax to exit naturally
If you fall into one of these categories and experience symptoms such as hearing loss or discomfort, professional earwax removal may help.
Symptoms of Earwax Impaction
When earwax builds up and becomes impacted, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can vary from mild irritation to more disruptive issues that affect daily life. Signs of earwax impaction may include:
- Earache or discomfort
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Itchiness or irritation inside the ear canal
In more severe cases, impacted wax can also lead to dizziness or even infections if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to seek professional care.
You can speak to your GP, but we understand that appointments aren’t always easy to come by. That’s why your local pharmacy can be a convenient first step. At Blackpool Express Chemist, we offer same-day consultations to check whether earwax buildup is contributing to your symptoms. If we find excessive earwax, we can offer professional microsuction earwax removal during the same appointment in most cases to provide instant relief.
How to Manage and Treat Earwax Buildup
Professional Earwax Removal at Blackpool Express Chemist
We know how irritating earwax buildup can be, from blocked hearing to constant discomfort. At Blackpool Express Chemist, we offer a fast, precise, and pain-free earwax removal solution using microsuction technology. Unlike traditional syringing, microsuction is a modern dry technique that uses gentle suction to remove wax without introducing moisture, making it cleaner, more controlled, and suitable for all ages.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Medical history check – Before we begin, we’ll ask a few questions about your medical history and examine your ears using specialist equipment. This helps us confirm whether microsuction is right for you and lets us assess the level of wax buildup. In some cases, we may recommend that you use olive oil drops at home for a few days before your appointment to help soften the wax. This can make the removal smoother and more effective, especially if the buildup is particularly dry or stubborn.
- Explanation & Procedure – Our trained professional will explain how the procedure works and answer any questions you may have. The actual procedure takes just 5–10 minutes per ear. If the wax is particularly hard, it might take a little longer. The process is safe, gentle, and completely pain-free.
- Aftercare & Follow-up – We re-examine your ears afterwards to ensure everything has been removed. If necessary, you’ll receive a free follow-up within four weeks. We also offer personalised aftercare advice, including tips on preventing future buildup.
Cleaning Your Ears at Home
While professional ear cleaning is the safest and most effective method, there is a natural way to soften earwax at home if needed. If you feel like you have a minor buildup of earwax, olive oil can help soften it and encourage it to move out naturally. This method is often recommended to remove stubborn earwax at home before professional microsuction.
How to use olive oil drops:
- Tilt your head so the affected ear faces upward.
- Place 2–3 drops of olive oil into the ear.
- Stay in that position for a few minutes to allow the oil to reach the wax.
- Over time, the softened wax may move closer to the opening and fall out on its own.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional advice rather than attempting further treatment at home.
How to prevent earwax buildup
The best way to prevent earwax buildup is to let your ears clean themselves by avoiding placing anything inside your ear canal, including cotton buds, which can push wax further in and lead to blockages or injury.
Stick to external cleaning only
Use a soft, damp washcloth to gently wipe around the outside of your ears. After bathing or showering, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly with a towel. This helps prevent moisture from getting trapped.
Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear
Although it’s common to use cotton buds, inserting them into the ear canal can push wax further in, potentially causing damage or compaction. If you use cotton buds, limit them to the outer part of the ear only.
Conclusion
Earwax plays an important role in protecting your ears from dust, dirt, and bacteria. While it’s a natural and necessary part of ear health, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing issues, and even infection if left untreated.
At Blackpool Express Chemist, we’re committed to making earwax removal safe, simple, and accessible. Our professional microsuction service is quick, precise, and suitable for all ages over 18, offering a modern alternative to outdated syringing methods.
At home, the best prevention is often the simplest: avoid inserting cotton swabs, stick to gentle external cleaning, and allow earwax to fall out naturally. For persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to book a professional consultation.