Microsuction
Earwax is produced inside your ears to protect your ears from infection, keep them clean and free of germs. It usually migrates out of the ears naturally, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
A build-up of earwax is a common problem that can often be treated using eardrops or simple olive oil.
Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally produce a lot of earwax.
Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax include:
- producing naturally hard or dry earwax
- having narrow or hairy ear canals (the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum)
- being elderly, as earwax becomes drier with age
- bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal
Earwax can also block your ears if you frequently insert objects into your ear canal, such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids.
Symptoms of earwax build up.
A build-up of earwax in your ear can cause:
- earache
- hearing loss
- tinnitus
- itchiness in or around the ear
- vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- ear infections
These problems will usually improve once the excess earwax has been removed.
Never try to remove a build-up of earwax yourself with your fingers, a cotton bud or any other object. This can damage your ear and push the wax further down.