Does one ear feel blocked? Are sounds a little muffled? Or perhaps you've noticed you're turning the television up louder than usual.

It might be tempting to assume your hearing is getting worse, but sometimes the explanation is much simpler: a build-up of ear wax.

Ear wax is completely normal and actually plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. But when too much builds up, it can cause discomfort and affect how well you hear.

So, how do you know when you have too much ear wax, and what should you do about it?

What is ear wax, and why do we have it?

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a natural substance produced inside your ear canal.

Although it might seem like something you should regularly clean away, ear wax actually has an important job.

It helps protect your ears by trapping dust, dirt and other particles, while keeping the skin inside your ear canal lubricated.

In most cases, your ears clean themselves. Everyday jaw movements, such as talking and chewing, help move old wax towards the opening of the ear, where it naturally falls away.

However, sometimes wax builds up faster than it can leave the ear.

How do you know if you have impacted ear wax?

Impacted ear wax is when wax builds up in the ear canal and becomes difficult to clear naturally, sometimes causing a blockage.

Common symptoms include:

• A blocked or full feeling in one or both ears

• Muffled hearing

• Earache or discomfort

• Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)

• Itching inside the ear

• Occasionally, dizziness

You might notice these symptoms gradually, or they may become more obvious quite suddenly.

However, a blocked feeling doesn't always mean you have ear wax. Other ear conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to have your ears checked rather than assuming wax is the cause.

Can ear wax cause hearing loss?

Yes. A build-up of ear wax can cause temporary hearing loss by blocking sound from travelling through the ear canal.

You might notice that conversations sound muffled, you're struggling to hear clearly on the telephone or you're turning up the volume on the television.

The good news is that hearing affected by a wax blockage often improves once the wax has been safely removed.

However, not all hearing difficulties are caused by ear wax. If your hearing doesn't improve after removal, further hearing assessment may be recommended.

Important: Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, needs urgent medical assessment. Don't assume it's simply ear wax or wait for a routine removal appointment.

Why do some people's ears become blocked?

Some people naturally produce more ear wax than others.

A build-up can also be more likely if:

• You have naturally narrow or unusually shaped ear canals

• Your ear wax is particularly dry or hard

• You regularly wear hearing aids or earplugs

• You use cotton buds or other objects inside your ears

• You're getting older, as ear wax can become drier and harder to clear naturally

Having more ear wax doesn't necessarily mean your ears are dirty or that you're doing anything wrong.

It's simply something that can happen.

Can ear wax cause tinnitus?

Sometimes.

If ear wax builds up and blocks the ear canal, it can contribute to tinnitus — the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds when there's no external source.

For some people, tinnitus associated with a wax blockage may improve after the wax is removed.

However, tinnitus has several possible causes, and persistent or recurring symptoms should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to ear wax.

Should you use cotton buds to remove ear wax?

It's one of the most common ear-cleaning habits, but cotton buds shouldn't be inserted into your ear canal.

Rather than removing wax, they can push it further inside, making a blockage worse.

They can also irritate or damage the delicate skin of the ear canal and, in some cases, injure the eardrum.

The same goes for hairpins, fingers and other objects.

Your ears are generally very good at cleaning themselves, so there's usually no need to remove wax from inside the canal.

If you're experiencing symptoms of a blockage, it's safer to seek advice about appropriate treatment.

Can you remove ear wax at home?

Some ear wax build-ups can be managed using suitable ear drops that soften the wax and help it clear naturally.

A pharmacist or healthcare professional can advise on an appropriate product and how to use it.

However, ear drops aren't suitable for everyone, particularly if you have a perforated eardrum, certain ear conditions or a history of ear surgery.

Avoid ear candles and attempting to remove wax using tools or objects at home, as these can cause injury.

If your symptoms persist, or you're unsure whether wax is causing the problem, it's best to have your ears examined.

What happens during professional ear wax removal?

Professional ear wax removal begins with an examination of your ears to check whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.

One commonly used method is microsuction, which involves using a small suction device to carefully remove wax from the ear canal under direct visual guidance.

The procedure is usually relatively quick, although the time required depends on the amount and consistency of the wax.

You may hear some noise or experience mild discomfort during the procedure, and occasionally wax needs to be softened before removal.

A trained professional can explain the process, assess whether it's suitable for you and advise on any further care.

When should you have your ear wax checked?

If your ears regularly feel blocked, your hearing seems muffled or you're experiencing persistent discomfort, it's worth arranging an assessment.

You don't need to wait until your ears feel completely blocked.

It's also important to seek medical advice promptly if you experience significant pain, discharge, bleeding or other concerning symptoms.

And remember, if you're experiencing sudden hearing loss, seek urgent medical assessment rather than booking routine ear wax removal.

Could your ears just need a clean?

Sometimes, a simple build-up of ear wax can make everyday listening more difficult than it needs to be.

But the only way to know whether wax is responsible is to have your ears checked.

If you've noticed blocked ears, muffled hearing or discomfort, our team at Eye Emporium can help you understand the next steps and whether professional ear wax removal may be appropriate.

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