Causes of earwax build-up

Although ear wax is a natural production of the ear and usually works its way out on its own, there are some factors that either cause excessive ear wax or cause a blockage of the ear canal from wax.

These can include:

  • you have narrow or damaged ear canals
  • you have lots of hair in your ear canals
  • you have a skin condition affecting your scalp or around your ear
  • you have inflammation of your ear canal (otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear”)
  • DIY cleaning methods i.e Ear buds
  • Overuse of earphones or earplugs

How do I know if I have ear wax

Symptoms of earwax build-up include:

  • hearing loss
  • earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
  • ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)