Earwax Build-up & Removal
Earwax is healthy and usually clears on its own — but when it builds up and blocks the ear it can dull hearing and cause discomfort. Safe, professional removal clears it without the risks of cotton buds.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Marwan Alhalalmeh, ENT Specialist · Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Overview
Earwax (cerumen) is produced naturally to protect and clean the ear canal, and it normally works its way out on its own. Sometimes it builds up — pushed deeper by cotton buds, trapped by hearing aids or earphones, or simply produced in excess — until it blocks the canal. A blockage can muffle hearing, cause a feeling of fullness, mild earache, ringing, or even dizziness. The single most important rule is not to poke anything into the ear: cotton buds, fingers, and ear candles push wax deeper and can damage the canal or eardrum. An ENT specialist can look into the ear, confirm the blockage, and remove the wax safely — usually with microsuction, a quick and gentle method done under direct vision in clinic.
Symptoms
- Gradually muffled or reduced hearing
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Earache or mild discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Occasional dizziness
- An ear that feels worse after using cotton buds
When to see a doctor
- Hearing loss or a blocked ear that does not clear in a few days
- Ear pain, discharge, or a possible perforated eardrum
- Wax problems in a hearing-aid user, or a single hearing ear
- Symptoms after trying to remove wax yourself
- Repeated build-up that keeps returning
Treatment options
- Examination of the ear canal and eardrum to confirm the blockage
- Softening drops, such as olive oil, to loosen the wax first
- Microsuction — gentle removal under direct vision, the preferred method
- Irrigation (ear washout) when appropriate
- Advice on preventing build-up and protecting the ear safely
Common questions
Why should I not use cotton buds to clean my ears?
Cotton buds push most of the wax deeper into the canal, packing it against the eardrum and making a blockage worse. They can also scratch the canal or damage the eardrum. The ear is self-cleaning, so the outer ear only needs a wipe with a cloth.
What is microsuction?
Microsuction uses a small suction device, under a microscope or magnified view, to remove wax gently and precisely. No water is flushed into the ear, which makes it a safe, comfortable, and quick method — usually the preferred way to clear a blockage.
Should I soften the wax before having it removed?
Using olive or almond oil drops for a few days beforehand softens the wax and often makes removal easier and faster. Your ENT specialist will advise whether to soften it first in your case.
Can earwax cause hearing loss or dizziness?
Yes. A full blockage can muffle hearing and, less often, cause a feeling of fullness, ringing, or dizziness. These usually clear completely once the wax is safely removed.
How can I stop earwax building up again?
Avoid cotton buds and other objects, keep the ears dry, and use softening drops occasionally if you are prone to build-up. If wax keeps returning, an ENT specialist can advise a routine and clear it safely when needed.
Further reading
General information about this topic from an independent health authority:
NHSIf a blocked ear is affecting your hearing, Dr. Marwan can remove the wax safely with microsuction — usually in a single visit.
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