Introduction: More Common Than You Think
Earwax is something we all produce — but many of us don’t know when it’s become a problem. You may assume your ears are clear just because you’re not in pain. But what if the signs are much subtler?
In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 7 signs of earwax buildup that often go unnoticed. You’ll learn:
- What to watch out for
- Why these symptoms occur
- How to treat earwax buildup safely and effectively
🟧 What Is Earwax Buildup?
Before diving into the signs, let’s understand what earwax buildup actually is.
Earwax (or cerumen) is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its purpose is to:
- Trap dust, dirt, and foreign particles
- Prevent bacteria and fungi from entering the ear
- Keep the ear canal lubricated
Normally, earwax moves to the outer ear and falls out on its own. But for many people, this doesn’t happen efficiently — leading to impaction or buildup.
Causes of earwax buildup include:
- Narrow or curved ear canals
- Use of cotton buds (which push wax deeper)
- Wearing hearing aids, earplugs, or headphones
- Skin conditions like eczema or excess oil production
- Aging (wax becomes harder with age)
Top 7 Signs You Might Have Earwax Buildup
1. Muffled or Reduced Hearing
🧠 Most people associate hearing loss with aging — but one of the most common and reversible causes is impacted earwax.
When excess wax blocks the ear canal, sound waves can’t travel freely to your eardrum. This causes muffled hearing, especially in one ear.
You might notice:
- Sounds seem dull or distant
- You turn up the TV or ask people to repeat themselves
- One ear feels “quieter” than the other
✅ Microsuction earwax removal can instantly restore hearing in many cases.
2. Feeling of Fullness or Pressure in the Ear
Have you ever felt like your ear is “clogged” after a flight or swimming? That same sensation can happen due to wax buildup.
This feeling of pressure or blockage is caused when wax traps air in the canal. You may try yawning or swallowing to relieve it — but it won’t go away until the wax is removed.
3. Earache or Discomfort (Even Mild)
Contrary to popular belief, earwax buildup doesn’t have to be painful to be a problem. But some people do feel:
- Sharp or dull aches
- General irritation or discomfort
- A tickling or crawling feeling inside the ear
This discomfort can worsen when chewing, talking, or lying down.
4. Ringing or Buzzing Sounds (Tinnitus)
Tinnitus isn’t always caused by hearing loss — in fact, impacted earwax is a common and treatable cause.
Earwax can put pressure on the eardrum or affect how sound is processed, leading to:
- Ringing
- Humming
- Whooshing
- Buzzing
💡 Many patients report their tinnitus disappears after professional wax removal.
5. Dizziness or Balance Issues
The inner ear is responsible for more than just hearing — it helps control balance and spatial orientation.
If wax buildup affects the pressure in your ears or presses against sensitive structures, it can lead to:
- Light-headedness
- Unsteadiness while walking
- Vertigo-like symptoms
While rare, this is a sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
6. Itching or Irritation in the Ear Canal
Earwax helps keep your ears moisturised, but too much of it can cause the opposite effect: dryness, itchiness, or flaking.
You may feel an urge to scratch your ear or wiggle your finger inside. Resist the temptation — scratching can worsen the irritation or even cause damage.
Instead, opt for a gentle check-up to determine if wax removal is needed.
7. Odour or Discharge from the Ear
A lesser-known sign of wax impaction is an unpleasant smell or visible discharge from the ear canal.
While wax itself isn’t harmful, old or infected wax can carry a musty or sour smell. Sometimes, trapped bacteria cause the wax to break down, leading to:
- Pus-like discharge
- Unusual colours (greenish or dark brown)
- Odour that doesn’t go away
📞 If this happens, it’s crucial to get checked by a professional clinician.
👂 “But I Don’t Have Any Symptoms — Should I Still Get Checked?”
Yes, especially if:
- You wear hearing aids or earbuds frequently
- You’re over the age of 50
- You’ve had earwax problems in the past
- You regularly swim or dive
- You’re experiencing unexplained ear discomfort or hearing changes
Routine ear check-ups every 6–12 months are recommended — just like you’d visit a dentist even if your teeth don’t hurt.
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Why Microsuction Is the Gold Standard for Earwax Removal
At Better Ears, we use camera-assisted microsuction, which is:
- 💧 Dry: No water, unlike syringing
- 🩺 Safe: Guided by high-resolution visuals
- ⏱️ Quick: Takes less than 30 minutes
- 🧘 Comfortable: No pressure, no pain
It’s the method used by ENT specialists and audiologists around the world.
📍 Home or Clinic? You Choose!
We offer:
🏠 Home Visits: For convenience, mobility issues, or child care needs
🏥 Clinic Appointments: For those who prefer a traditional setting
You’ll be seen by a fully insured ear clinician using top-quality medical-grade equipment.
💬 Hear from Our Happy Clients:
“I didn’t realise how blocked my ears were until I had them cleaned. The difference was instant!”
— Sarah, Westbromwich
“Better Ears came to my home, and the whole process was so professional. Highly recommend!”
— Daniel, Radlett
📝 Recap: Top 7 Signs of Earwax Buildup
- Muffled hearing
- Fullness or blockage
- Ear discomfort or pain
- Ringing or buzzing
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Itchy, irritated ears
- Odour or discharge
📞 Book Your Appointment with Better Ears Today
👩⚕️ Fully insured ear clinician
📍 Home or clinic visits available
🔬 Safe, professional microsuction removal
📞 Call 07706135883
🔗 Visit betterears.org
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse — your hearing health deserves attention.
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