Why Does Ear Wax Build Up? Causes, Myths, and When to Seek Help
Why Does Ear Wax Build Up? Causes, Myths, and When to Seek Help
Ear wax (also called cerumen) often gets a bad reputation, but the truth is it’s there for a reason. It protects your ears by trapping dust, bacteria, and debris while keeping your ear canal moisturised. However, when ear wax builds up, it can cause blocked ears, reduced hearing, ringing (tinnitus), dizziness, or even pain.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real causes of ear wax build-up, bust some common myths, and share NHS- and NICE-backed advice on when to seek professional help.
Why Does Ear Wax Build Up?
Ear wax naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own, but sometimes it doesn’t clear properly. Common causes of build-up include:
Narrow or curvy ear canals – making it harder for wax to escape naturally.
Excessive ear wax production – some people simply produce more wax than others.
Use of hearing aids or earphones – devices can push wax deeper inside.
Age – wax tends to become drier and harder with age.
Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis – which affect the ear canal.
Previous ear surgery – can alter how wax exits the ear.
Common Myths About Ear Wax
Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions:
“Cotton buds are fine for cleaning ears.”
Wrong cotton buds actually push wax deeper and risk damaging your eardrum. NICE guidelines strongly advise against using them (NICE, 2018).“Ear candles remove wax safely.”
False ear candling is ineffective and can cause burns or blockages. PubMed studies confirm it is not recommended (Seely et al., 1996).“If I can hear, my ears are fine.”
Not always even partial wax build-up can cause muffled hearing, earache, tinnitus, or dizziness.“Ear drops always clear wax.”
Sometimes olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops can help soften wax, but often professional removal is needed if the blockage is large or hard.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You should book an appointment with a trained clinician if you experience:
Persistent blocked ears or hearing loss
Ear pain or discomfort
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Dizziness or balance problems
History of ear infections or surgery
A perforated eardrum
The Safe Solutions: Microsuction vs Irrigation
At Clear Ear Clinic, we offer both microsuction and water irrigation, following NICE guidelines and using only clinically approved equipment.
Microsuction – a gentle, dry vacuum that safely removes wax, ideal for patients with ear infections, perforated eardrums, or hearing aids (Prowse et al., 2020).
Irrigation – a controlled stream of warm water that quickly flushes out softer or sticky wax, safe for patients without ear complications (Clegg et al., 2015).
Evidence-Backed Ear Care
Both treatments are safe and effective when performed by trained professionals. NICE and NHS guidance confirm that cotton buds, syringing, and ear candling should be avoided, while microsuction and irrigation are the gold-standard treatments.
In short: Don’t poke, prod, or DIY seek professional care for safe and effective ear wax removal.
Final Takeaway
Ear wax is natural and protective, but when it builds up, it needs safe, expert care. At Clear Ear Clinic Manchester, our NHS-trained clinicians provide same-day appointments, using modern, evidence-based methods to get you hearing clearly again.
Clearer hearing.
Healthier ears.
Same-day relief.
