Ear Wax Blockage

Key facts about ear wax blockage:

• Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural substance that protects your ears from dust, debris, and infection

• Blockage occurs when wax builds up and can't naturally work its way out of your ear canal

• Common symptoms include muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, and discomfort

• Cotton swabs and improper ear cleaning often make the problem worse by pushing wax deeper into the ear canal
• Professional ear cleaning using microsuction is the safest and most effective treatment option

Ear wax blockage is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss in New Zealand. The good news is that it's easily treated with professional ear cleaning, and your hearing typically returns to normal immediately after removal.

Unlike some ear problems, ear wax blockage doesn't usually indicate an underlying health issue. Most people experience it at some point in their lives, especially as they get older or if they wear hearing aids or earplugs regularly.

Also known as cerumen impaction.

Ear wax is a waxy substance produced by glands in your outer ear canal. It serves important protective functions including trapping dust and debris, preventing infection, and keeping your ear canal skin moisturised.

Normally, ear wax naturally moves out of your ear canal through jaw movements like chewing and talking. Old wax dries up and falls out on its own, taking any trapped dirt with it.

However, sometimes this self-cleaning process is disrupted. When wax builds up faster than it can be naturally removed, or when something blocks its path, it can become impacted. This creates a plug that partially or completely blocks your ear canal.‍

Types of ear wax

Everyone produces ear wax, but the amount and type varies from person to person. Some people naturally produce more wax than others, which can make them more prone to blockages. The consistency can range from soft and wet to dry and flaky.

There are several reasons why ear wax might build up and block your ear canal:

Using cotton swabs or other objects

This is the most common cause of ear wax blockage. When you insert cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects into your ear, you push wax deeper into the canal rather than removing it. This can compact the wax against your eardrum, creating a hard plug.‍

Wearing hearing aids or earplugs

Regular use of hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds can interfere with the natural movement of wax out of your ear. These devices can also stimulate your ears to produce more wax as your body tries to push the "foreign object" out.‍

Natural ear wax production

Some people simply produce more ear wax than others. This is completely normal and is determined by genetics, just like hair colour or height.

Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals

If you have narrow ear canals or ear canals with an unusual shape, wax may have difficulty making its way out naturally.‍

Age

As you get older, ear wax tends to become drier and harder, making it more difficult to move out of the ear canal naturally.‍

Excessive ear hair

Having a lot of hair in your ear canals can trap wax and prevent it from moving out naturally.

The symptoms of ear wax blockage can develop gradually and may affect one or both ears.

Common symptoms include:

• Muffled hearing or hearing loss

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear

• Earache or discomfort

• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

• Itchiness in your ear canal

• Dizziness or loss of balance

• A sensation of something stuck in your ear

• Coughing (the ear canal and throat share nerve pathways)

It's important to note that not everyone with ear wax blockage experiences all of these symptoms. You might have just one or two. The symptoms often worsen gradually as more wax accumulates.

If the blockage is complete, you may notice sudden or significant hearing loss in the affected ear. This can be particularly noticeable when you're trying to hear in noisy environments or on the phone.‍

If you suspect you have ear wax blockage, there are several treatment options available. The right approach depends on the severity of the blockage and your individual circumstances.‍

What NOT to do

Before we discuss safe ear cleaning methods, it's important to know what to avoid:

• Don't use cotton swabs inside your ear canal – they push wax deeper and can damage your eardrum

• Don't use ear candles – there's no evidence they work, and they can cause serious burns or injuries

• Don't use sharp objects like bobby pins, keys, or twisted napkin corners

• Don't attempt ear cleaning at home if you have ear pain, drainage, or suspect an infection – see a healthcare provider first‍

At-home softening

For mild blockages, you can try softening the wax to help it come out naturally:

Use a few drops of olive oil in your affected ear twice a day for 2-3 days. Tilt your head to the side and let the drops sit in your ear for a few minutes before tipping your head to let excess oil drain out.

You can also purchase ear drops from your pharmacy that are specifically designed to soften ear wax. Follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Softening drops work best when the blockage is mild. If you've had symptoms for a while or your ear feels completely blocked, professional removal is usually needed.‍

Professional ear cleaning

Professional ear cleaning is the safest and most effective option, especially for moderate to severe blockages. There are several methods healthcare professionals use:

Microsuction ear cleaning

A small suction device gently removes wax while the healthcare provider looks into your ear with a microscope or special headset. This ear suction method is considered the gold standard for ear wax removal as it's precise, comfortable, and doesn't use water. Also known as ear wax suction, it's the preferred technique used by ear, nose and throat specialists.

Manual removal

Your healthcare provider may use special instruments like a curette (a small scoop) to carefully remove the wax under direct vision.

Irrigation

In some cases, body-temperature water is used to flush out the wax. However, this method is less commonly used now as it carries slightly more risks than ear suction methods.

Professional ear cleaning is quick, typically painless, and you'll usually notice improved hearing immediately afterward.

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You should see a healthcare professional if:‍

You have symptoms that affect your daily life

If ear wax blockage is causing noticeable hearing loss, discomfort, or other symptoms that interfere with your work, social life, or wellbeing, it's time to seek help.‍

At-home methods haven't worked

If you've tried softening drops for several days without improvement, professional removal is needed. Don't keep trying at-home methods for weeks – this can sometimes make the problem worse.‍

You wear hearing aids

If you use hearing aids and suspect ear wax blockage, it's best to have your ears checked by a professional. Wax can affect how well your hearing aids work and may even damage the devices.‍

You have certain health conditions

See a healthcare provider before attempting any removal if you have:

• A history of ear surgery or a perforated eardrum

• Diabetes (which can increase infection risk)

• A weakened immune system

• Eczema or skin problems in your ear canal

• Ongoing ear infections‍

You develop warning signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe ear pain

• Discharge or fluid draining from your ear

• Blood coming from your ear

• Sudden, complete hearing loss

• Severe dizziness or vertigo

• Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)

These symptoms may indicate a more serious problem that requires urgent care.‍

Regular check-ups

If you frequently experience ear wax blockages, consider scheduling regular ear cleaning appointments every 6-12 months. This preventive approach can stop problems before they start, especially if you wear hearing aids or produce a lot of wax naturally.

While you can't completely prevent ear wax buildup, these strategies can help reduce your risk:‍

Clean your ears correctly

Safe ear cleaning means only cleaning the outer part of your ear with a soft, damp cloth. Never insert anything into your ear canal – not cotton swabs, fingers, or any other objects. Your ears are self-cleaning organs that don't need internal cleaning. Proper ear cleaning focuses on the external ear only.‍

Consider preventive drops

If you're prone to blockages, your healthcare provider might recommend using softening drops (like olive oil) once a week to help wax move out naturally.‍

Be careful with earplugs and hearing aids

If you use these devices regularly, have your ears checked more frequently. Make sure hearing aids fit properly and keep them clean. Remove earplugs or earbuds regularly to give your ears a break.‍

Chew sugar-free gum

The jaw movement from chewing helps move ear wax naturally out of the ear canal. Some people find this helpful, especially if they're prone to blockages.‍

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water helps keep ear wax at the right consistency, making it easier for it to move out naturally.‍

Schedule regular check-ups

If you know you produce a lot of ear wax, book regular appointments for professional ear cleaning before blockages develop. Many people benefit from ear cleaning every 6-12 months to maintain healthy ears.

At Tend, we understand how frustrating ear wax blockage can be. Our specially trained nursing team provides safe, professional ear cleaning using modern microsuction techniques.

Our ear wax removal service includes:

• Assessment of your ear canal and wax buildup

• Gentle ear suction using specialised microsuction equipment

• No GP referral needed – book directly with our nursing team

• Quick, comfortable procedure with immediate results

• Aftercare advice to help prevent future blockages

Microsuction ear cleaning is a gentle, precise method that removes wax without using water. Our nurses use a small ear wax suction device with clear visualisation of your ear canal, ensuring safe and thorough removal.

You'll typically notice clearer hearing immediately after the ear cleaning procedure. Most people find the process quick and comfortable, though you may hear some noise from the suction device.

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Ready to get relief from blocked ears?

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Book an appointment with Tend for professional earwax removal. You can book online through the Tend app by selecting Book a Service > Select profile > Skin, sutures, suction & wound > Ear wax removal.

If you don't see this service in the app, it means it's not currently available in your area. You can also call your local clinic to check availability – earwax removal is currently available at Tend Kingsland in Auckland and Tend Greerton & Tend Pāpāmoa in Tauranga.

If you have questions about whether ear wax removal is right for you, our team is here to help. We can also provide advice on preventing future blockages based on your individual needs.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about your ear health, please consult with a medical professional.