What should you know about severe earwax buildup?

Earwax normally protects the canal and moves outward. When it becomes tightly packed, it may create a blocked sensation, muffled hearing, earache, or ringing in the ears. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a clinician may need to look inside the ear rather than assume wax is responsible. Cotton buds, hairpins, and other objects can push wax deeper or injure the canal and eardrum.

Do not put objects, unapproved drops, or water under pressure into the ear. Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether softening drops are appropriate, particularly if you have had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, pain, or discharge. A trained professional can examine the canal and offer Ear Wax Removal using a suitable method. Hearing that remains reduced after removal may need a Hearing Test. Keep the outer ear clean and dry, without trying to scrape inside it.

Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe pain, bleeding, pus or other discharge, marked dizziness, facial weakness, or a severe headache. Arrange a review when hearing changes persist, symptoms affect one ear, or home measures have not helped. Children and people with diabetes, immune problems, previous ear surgery, or a known eardrum opening should obtain professional advice before treatment.

Is wax the reason for my symptoms? Is the eardrum intact? Which removal method and drops are safe for me? Should my hearing be checked afterward?