Earwax Causes And Treatment: Everything You Need To Know About Earwax
Learn about earwax causes, symptoms, and effective treatments. Discover why earwax forms, how to safely clean your ears, and when to seek medical help.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
The ear, as an organ, is complex, comprising a canal and an eardrum that protects the inner parts of the organ. However, maintaining ear hygiene is of utmost importance to ensure there are no infections or further complications. But, to ensure that the eardrum and other parts are well protected, the body naturally produces earwax, a substance formed by tiny glands inside the ear. The earwax typically consists of sebum, dead skin cells, and hair. It serves as a protective barrier against dust, debris, and infections. At the same time, the ear also cleans itself, and every two to three months, it expels the excess ear wax.
Causes of Earwax Build-up
Some of the major reasons behind the ear wax build-up are:
Skin Conditions: Existing skin conditions, such as eczema and lupus, are one of the major reasons for ear wax build-up.
Using Hearing Aids: Hearing aids and earplugs also result in the excessive formation of earwax. When these come in contact with the hair follicles in the ear, they instigate them to manufacture even more earwax.
Ageing: With age, ear wax becomes hard, making it difficult to expel organically, leading to build-up.
Using Foreign Objects: Using items like cotton swabs pushes the earwax into the ear canal, worsening the build-up.
Narrow or Blocked Ear Canals: Some individuals have naturally narrow or curved ear canals, which can trap earwax and prevent it from clearing out on its own.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to dust, pollution, or frequent swimming can cause earwax to accumulate faster, leading to blockages and discomfort.
Symptoms of Ear Wax Impaction
Some of the major symptoms of ear wax build are:
Hearing loss and the condition get worse with time
Itching inside the ears
Ears start feeling full
Ringing sensation in the ear or tinnitus
Pain in the ear
Coughing
Vertigo
Diagnosis of Earwax Impaction
The diagnosis of earwax impaction involves visiting an ENT specialist, who will assess earwax build-up by visually inspecting the ear canal for blockage, discomfort, and hearing difficulties.
They also use a specialised medical instrument called the otoscope. An otoscope is a specialised tool with a light and magnifier that can examine the ear canal and confirm the condition.
Treatment Options for Earwax Build-up
Some of the treatment options for earwax build up are:
Over-The-Counter Ear Drops: Earwax-softening drops, available at pharmacies, help loosen hardened wax. It allows the earwax to come out naturally without any pain.
Ear Irrigation: Healthcare professionals use a syringe filled with warm water or saline to flush out excess wax safely, preventing damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
Manual Removal: In severe cases, the doctors intervene and use specialised equipment like curettes or suction devices for this process.
Home Remedies and Practices
Some home remedies and practices can be used to prevent earwax blockage. These are:
Saline solutions are used to cleanse the ear canal. These solutions wet the ear wax, which helps flush and clear it out. This is a very safe method, and it helps in most cases.
Some people also put olive oil and mineral oil in their ears. This application softens the ear wax and helps in clearing it.
However, one thing should be kept in mind. The use of cotton swabs and earbuds can be dangerous as they play a part in the earwax build-up. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting anything in the ear.
When to See a Doctor?
One should see a doctor in case he/she experiences the following symptoms:
Ear pain
Itchiness in ears
Tinnitus
Dizziness
Loss of hearing
Fullness of ears
Some other major complications may also arise, so we should immediately consult a doctor. Symptoms like need drastic medical treatment
Fever
Lingering ear pain
Bad smell from the ear
Liquid coming from the ear (otorrhea)
Prevention of Earwax Blockage
The best way to prevent ear wax build-up is through regular cleaning of the ears. Individuals can best use ear drops that soften the earwax and clean it properly. However, it is best not to use cotton swabs (earbuds) for it as they often push the ear wax inside and make it difficult to clean it.
Conclusion
Earwax is the secretion from the glands in the ear canal that is produced to protect the ear drum. The ear usually cleans the sebum, but when it accumulates over time, it fails, leading to ear wax build-up. Usually, ear drops in pharmacies cure the blockages; if someone wants, they might get the ears cleaned by a doctor. Otherwise, they can also use home remedies to help and refrain from using ear swabs inside the ear. However, it is always advisable to maintain self-hygiene and keep the ears clean to avoid facing such complications.
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