Ear Wax and Hearing: When a Blocked Ear Affects Your Hearing

AudiologyOctober 6, 20266 min read

Ear wax is normal. It protects and cleans the ear canal, and in most people it moves out of the ear on its own without any help. Sometimes, though, it builds up and blocks the canal, and that can make hearing feel muffled, as if the ear is full or plugged.

The safest approach is usually to leave your ears alone, avoid cotton buds and get advice if a blocked feeling does not settle. Because a blocked ear can sometimes be something more serious, such as sudden hearing loss, any sudden drop in hearing should be checked by a doctor promptly.

What is ear wax and why do we have it?

Ear wax is a natural substance made by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. It traps dust and dirt, helps keep the skin of the canal moisturised and has a protective role against infection. Jaw movements from talking and chewing slowly carry old wax towards the opening of the ear, where it dries and falls away.

The amount and type of wax varies from person to person. Some people naturally produce more, and some have narrow or curved ear canals that make build-up more likely.

How can ear wax affect hearing?

When wax builds up enough to block the ear canal, sound cannot travel through to the eardrum as easily. This causes a conductive hearing loss: sounds seem quieter or muffled, usually in one ear. The good news is that this kind of hearing loss is usually temporary and improves once the blockage is cleared.

Signs of a wax build-up can include:

Muffled or reduced hearing
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Earache or discomfort
Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
Itchiness in the ear
Feeling slightly dizzy in some cases

These symptoms are not unique to wax, so it is worth having your ears looked at rather than assuming; an ear examination and, where needed, a hearing test show what is really going on. For an overview of other causes, see Hearing Loss: Types, Causes, Signs and What to Do Next.

Is it wax or something else?

A blocked feeling can also come from fluid in the middle ear, a cold, an ear infection or, importantly, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is a medical emergency. Wax usually builds up gradually. If your hearing dropped suddenly, especially in one ear, do not assume it is wax: see a doctor straight away. Read Sudden Hearing Loss in One Ear: Why It Needs Urgent Medical Attention to understand why timing matters.

What should you avoid?

Cotton buds. They tend to push wax deeper into the canal, can make a blockage worse and can injure the ear canal or eardrum. Use them only on the outer ear, if at all.
Fingers, hair pins, keys or other objects in the ear canal.
Ear candles. They are not recommended as a way to remove ear wax and carry a risk of burns and other injuries.
Home suction devices or forceful syringing without professional guidance.
Putting drops in your ear if you have, or may have, a hole in your eardrum, or if you have ear pain or discharge, unless a doctor advises it.

What safe habits help?

Clean only the outer ear with a washcloth.
Let the ear canal clean itself; most people never need to remove wax.
If your ear feels blocked, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice. They may suggest suitable ear drops to soften wax and tell you how to use them safely.
If the blockage does not clear, a doctor or trained ear-care professional can remove the wax, for example by gentle irrigation or microsuction.
If you are prone to build-up, mention it at your check-ups so your ears can be looked at regularly.

Ear wax and hearing aids

Hearing aid users often notice more wax problems. A hearing aid or earmould sitting in the ear canal can interfere with the natural movement of wax out of the ear, and wax can block the small openings of the hearing aid itself. Signs include a hearing aid that suddenly sounds weak, distorted or silent.

Daily cleaning of the hearing aid and regular ear checks help. If your device sounds weak, read Hearing Aid Sounds Weak or Silent? A Step-by-Step Checklist before assuming it is faulty.

When to see a specialist

Get advice or book a check if:

A blocked or full feeling lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back
Your hearing still feels reduced after wax has been treated
Your hearing aid keeps getting blocked with wax
You have ringing in the ears that does not settle

See a doctor promptly if hearing drops suddenly, if you have ear pain with discharge, swelling, a high temperature, or dizziness with hearing loss.

Once any wax problem has been dealt with, a hearing test can show whether there is any underlying hearing loss that needs attention. No referral is needed, and you can book online.

Frequently asked questions

Are cotton buds safe for cleaning ears?

Cotton buds are not recommended for cleaning inside the ear canal. They often push wax further in, which can cause a blockage, and they can injure the skin of the canal or the eardrum. Cleaning the outer ear with a cloth is usually enough.

Can ear wax cause hearing loss?

Yes. When wax blocks the ear canal it can cause muffled hearing, usually in one ear. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary and improves once the wax is removed safely. If hearing stays reduced afterwards, or if it dropped suddenly, have it checked.

Do hearing aid users get more ear wax problems?

Many do, because a device in the ear canal can interfere with the natural movement of wax and wax can block parts of the hearing aid. Daily cleaning of the device and regular ear checks help prevent problems. A professional can advise on how often your ears should be checked.

Sources

NHS — Earwax build-up

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Adult Hearing Tests & Assessment Ashfeera Ashraf