Earwax: What It Does, Safe Care and When to Get Help
In short. Earwax is made by glands in the ear canal; it traps dust and germs, protects the skin, and usually moves out of the ear on its own. Cleaning inside the canal, especially with cotton buds, can push wax deeper and cause a blockage. A blocked feeling, ear pain, ringing or reduced hearing are reasons to have the ear checked rather than to dig further.
What earwax does
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural protection. It catches dust, germs and small particles, and helps protect the skin of the ear canal from water. In most people it slowly moves to the opening of the ear, where it falls out or is washed away during normal washing. The outer ear and ear canal explains the anatomy.
Why blockages happen
Sometimes the glands produce more wax than the ear clears, and it hardens. More often, cleaning attempts push wax deeper. Cotton buds, hairpins and other objects in the ear canal are the usual culprits. Some people who wear hearing aids or earplugs find that wax builds up more easily.
What a blockage can feel like
- A full or plugged feeling in the ear.
- Hearing that seems muffled or reduced.
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus).
- Earache.
Wax blockage is a common cause of reduced hearing that can be reversed. These symptoms can also have other causes, which is why a check is useful.
What is safe, and what to avoid
Generally avoid: cotton buds or any object in the ear canal, and over-cleaning. Clean only the outer ear, for example with a cloth over a finger.
Wax softening drops are commonly used, and some people rinse the ear with body-temperature water; cold water can cause dizziness. Check with a doctor or nurse before rinsing, and do not use drops or rinsing if the eardrum may be perforated or after recent ear surgery.
When to get it checked
- Wax will not come out, or the ear is uncomfortable.
- Pain, discharge from the ear, or fever.
- Hearing that stays reduced after the ear feels clear.
- A sudden drop in hearing, which needs prompt medical attention (see sudden hearing loss).
If you have a hearing test coming up and often feel blocked by wax, mention it when you book.
Key takeaways
- Earwax protects the ear and usually clears itself.
- Cotton buds and objects in the canal often push wax deeper.
- A plugged feeling, muffled hearing, ringing or earache can point to a blockage.
- Ask a professional before rinsing; never rinse if the eardrum may be perforated.
- Pain, discharge, fever or hearing that stays reduced need a check.
Questions and answers
Should I clean earwax out regularly?
Usually not. The ear clears itself. Cleaning the outer ear is enough for most people.
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
Yes, a blockage can reduce hearing, and it usually improves once the wax is cleared. If hearing stays reduced afterwards, have it checked.
Sources and further reading
This page draws on the following sources.
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This information is general and does not replace an examination by a qualified professional.