Treatment for earwax buildup

A blocked ear can muffle sounds and may cause earache, pressure, itching or ringing in the ears. Hearing can improve once the wax is cleared, but these symptoms can have other causes. An examination lets a clinician look at the ear canal and eardrum before choosing treatment. A hearing test may be useful if hearing remains reduced after the canal is clear.

Use an appropriate wax-softening product as directed by a pharmacist or clinician. Keep objects, cotton buds and hairpins out of the ear because they can push wax deeper or injure the canal. Do not use drops or arrange irrigation if you may have a perforated eardrum, ear surgery, severe pain or discharge unless a clinician advises it. If softening does not help, ear wax removal may use microsuction or another suitable method.

Seek prompt medical advice for sudden hearing loss, significant earache, fluid or blood from the ear, fever, dizziness or symptoms after an injury. Arrange review if hearing stays reduced after removal, ringing persists, or the ear repeatedly blocks. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain with swelling around the ear or marked dizziness.

Ask whether wax is blocking the canal, which softener is suitable, whether removal is safe for your eardrum, and what to do if hearing does not return. Ask whether a hearing test is needed after the ear is clear.