Hard earwax buildup: what to know

As wax becomes dry and compacted, it can press against the ear canal and reduce the passage of sound. People may notice a blocked sensation, muffled hearing, earache, or ringing. Earwax buildup presents with these symptoms, but infection, eardrum problems, or age-related hearing changes can feel similar. A clinician can inspect the canal and eardrum before recommending treatment. Repeated use of earbuds, hearing aids, or attempts to clean inside the ear may contribute to blockage or irritation.

Keep objects out of the ear canal; the outer ear can be cleaned gently with a cloth. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about a wax-softening product if you have no reason to suspect eardrum damage. Follow the product directions and stop if pain, dizziness, discharge, or worsening hearing occurs. If the plug remains, arrange ear wax removal by a trained professional. A hearing test may be useful when hearing does not return after the canal is clear.

Seek urgent help for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, bleeding, fluid or pus, severe dizziness, or facial weakness. Arrange a review for persistent blockage, repeated one-sided symptoms, or ringing that began suddenly. People with prior ear surgery, tubes, a perforated eardrum, or recurrent ear infections should obtain advice before using drops or irrigation.

Ask whether the ear canal and eardrum are clear, whether the symptoms could have another cause, which removal method is suitable, and whether hearing should be tested after treatment.