Understanding ear wax build-up: causes, symptoms & safe removal

Ear wax build-up is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss and ear discomfort. While earwax (also called cerumen) is completely natural and even protective, too much of it can lead to blocked ears, muffled hearing, or a full sensation in the ear.

At Leightons, we know that blocked ears can be frustrating and even affect your day-to-day confidence. The good news is that it’s a simple problem to solve. Our qualified audiologists offer safe, gentle, and effective earwax removal using clinically approved methods that restore comfort and clarity quickly.

What is ear wax and why do we have it?

Ear wax is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal. Its purpose is to protect and clean your ears. It traps dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the eardrum, and helps maintain the ear’s delicate balance of moisture.

Normally, ear wax moves out of the ear on its own as part of the body’s natural cleaning process. However, sometimes it can become hard or build up faster than it can leave the ear canal, leading to blockage or discomfort.

Ear wax is not a sign of poor hygiene - in fact, it’s a sign your ears are working properly. Problems only occur when it becomes impacted or prevents sound from passing through the ear canal.

What causes ear wax build-up?

Everyone produces ear wax, but some people are more prone to build-up than others. Common causes include:

· Using cotton buds or similar objects - these often push wax deeper into the ear rather than removing it.

· Wearing hearing aids or earplugs - these can block the ear canal and stop wax from coming out naturally.

· Narrow or curved ear canals - some people’s anatomy makes it harder for wax to exit the ear.

· Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis - can cause dry, flaky wax that’s more likely to block the ear.

· Ageing - as we get older, ear wax tends to become harder and less mobile.

Around 1 in 20 adults and up to 1 in 3 older adults experience ear wax build-up at some point. It’s one of the most common reasons people visit an audiologist.

Common symptoms of ear wax build-up

A small amount of ear wax is normal, but when it becomes impacted, you might notice symptoms such as:

· A blocked or full feeling in one or both ears

· Muffled or reduced hearing

· Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)

· Earache or discomfort

· Dizziness or balance issues

· Coughing, caused by nerve stimulation in the ear

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important not to try removing the wax yourself. Inserting cotton buds, hairpins, or other objects can make the problem worse and even damage your ear canal or eardrum.

How to remove ear wax safely

Your ears are self-cleaning, but when wax becomes blocked or impacted, professional removal is the safest option. At Leightons, our audiologists use gentle, effective methods tailored to your needs:

· Microsuction - A quick, comfortable procedure that uses a fine suction device to gently remove wax. It’s safe, precise, and doesn’t involve water.

· Irrigation - A gentle flow of warm water is used to flush out softened wax (suitable for certain patients following a consultation).

· Manual removal - Specialist tools can remove stubborn wax safely when other methods aren’t suitable.

Each appointment includes an ear health check before treatment, ensuring your ears are healthy and ready for wax removal. Most people notice an instant improvement in hearing and comfort after their appointment.

Home remedies - what’s safe and what to avoid

While over-the-counter ear drops can help soften wax, they may not remove it completely. Always follow the product’s instructions and avoid using drops if you have a perforated eardrum or ear infection.

Avoid inserting objects into your ears, and never use ear candles, as these can cause burns and make the blockage worse.

If you often experience wax build-up, regular ear health checks can help prevent it from becoming uncomfortable or affecting your hearing.

Why choose professional ear wax removal at Leightons?

At Leightons, we combine expert clinical care with a gentle touch. Our qualified audiologists provide:

· Safe, comfortable procedures using modern techniques

· Professional assessment of your ear health before and after treatment

· Instant results, with most people noticing clearer hearing straight away

· Friendly, reassuring care in a clean, professional environment

If your ears feel blocked or your hearing seems muffled, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our team can help you feel clearer, more comfortable, and confident again.

Book your free hearing assessment today and discover how easy it is to take care of your hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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