Advice · Ear wax
Ear wax build-up: what to try at home, and when to get it checked
Ear wax is normal and usually clears itself. Here's how to tell when it isn't, and what actually helps.
By Asa Richards, Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD, MSHAA)Published 8 September 2026Updated 24 September 2026
Ear wax usually clears itself, but it can build up and cause muffled hearing, a blocked feeling or a dull ache. Softening drops used for three to five days clear many mild cases. If symptoms carry on after a week, or affect your hearing day to day, it is time to have the wax removed professionally. Sudden hearing loss is different: contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day.
Why does ear wax build up?
Ear wax is normal and useful. It traps dust and dirt and moves slowly out of the ear on its own as you chew and talk. Problems start when it builds up faster than it clears, or gets pushed further in.
Some people simply produce more wax, or have narrow or curved ear canals. Hearing aids, earplugs and in-ear headphones can also stop wax moving out naturally. Using cotton buds is one of the most common causes, because they push wax deeper rather than removing it.
How do I know if ear wax is the problem?
These are the usual signs:
- Sound feels muffled, as if you have cotton wool in your ear
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in one or both ears
- Mild, dull earache without cold or infection symptoms
- Your own voice sounds unusually loud to you
- Ringing or buzzing that appeared alongside the blocked feeling
If a change in hearing came on gradually and isn’t linked to any of these, it’s worth having a hearing test rather than assuming it’s wax.
What can I safely try at home?
Don't use drops if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, an ear infection, or have had ear surgery. Ask a clinician first.
Olive oil drops, or an over-the-counter spray such as Earol, used twice a day for three to five days, will soften most wax. It may then clear on its own, or come away easily when it is removed professionally. Tilt your head, put the drops in, and stay still for a few minutes so they can work.
Softening the wax beforehand is also the most useful thing you can do before a removal appointment.
What should I avoid?
Cotton buds push wax further into the canal and can pack it against the eardrum. Ear candles have no evidence behind them and carry a real risk of burns. Home syringe kits are best avoided too, because without a proper view into the ear canal it’s easy to cause discomfort or, rarely, damage.
Ear wax removal at our Clevedon clinic costs up to £65 for one or both ears, with £10 off for returning patients. See how it works or call 01275 401401.
When should I see someone about ear wax?
Book a removal appointment if softening drops haven’t helped within a week, or if the blockage is affecting your hearing, work or sleep.
Some symptoms need a GP or NHS 111 rather than wax removal. Seek medical advice promptly if you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, a high temperature, or dizziness.
What happens at a wax removal appointment?
We start by looking in your ears with a video otoscope, so you can see the wax on screen. Then we remove it by microsuction, a gentle suction device used under magnification, or by warm water irrigation. We’ll explain which suits your ears and why.
It should not hurt. Most people describe microsuction as a slightly noisy tickle and irrigation as a warm, odd sensation. If anything is uncomfortable, tell us and we stop. Afterwards, we show you your clear ear canal on screen.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your ears or hearing, speak to a qualified clinician or your GP.
About the author
Asa Richards is an HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD03388), a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) and the founder of The Clevedon Hearing Clinic. The HCPC is the Health and Care Professions Council, the UK regulator for hearing aid dispensers. More about Asa
Related reading: What to expect at your first hearing test · Bluetooth hearing aids explained
Questions people ask
Ear wax FAQ
How do I know if my hearing problem is ear wax and not something else?
A muffled feeling, a sense of blockage or a dull ache that came on gradually often point to wax. If it came on suddenly, or with pain, dizziness or discharge, see your GP rather than assuming it is wax.
Are cotton buds safe for removing ear wax?
No. They tend to push wax further into the ear canal rather than remove it, and can pack it against the eardrum.
How long should I use olive oil drops before booking an appointment?
Three to five days, used twice daily, is usually enough to soften wax. It may then clear on its own or come away easily at your appointment.
Is ear wax removal painful?
It should not hurt. Most people describe microsuction as a slightly noisy tickle and irrigation as a warm, odd sensation. If anything is uncomfortable, tell us and we stop.
How often should ear wax be removed?
It varies from person to person. Some people never need it, while others build up wax regularly and find a routine appointment helps. We can suggest what makes sense for your ears.
Do hearing aid wearers get more ear wax problems?
Often, yes. Hearing aids can stop wax moving out naturally, and wax can block the hearing aid itself. We can check your ears at your aftercare appointments.
Still feeling blocked?
Book ear wax removal at our Clevedon clinic, often available within a day or two.