The Most Common Earwax Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Aarti Raicha • August 22, 2025

Earwax doesn’t get much credit. Most of the time, you don’t think about it at all until it causes trouble. But this sticky little substance is more than just an annoyance. It’s a built-in security guard for your ear, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they reach deeper parts of the ear.

Usually, it takes care of itself and works its way out naturally when you chew or talk. But sometimes, that system stalls. Instead of working its way out, earwax can sometimes build up inside. When this happens, many people mistake these symptoms for something else, such as age-related hearing changes, a lingering sinus problem, or just “one of those things” you live with. 

But being able to spot these symptoms early can save you from a lot of discomfort and, in some cases, prevent more serious issues.


6 Common Symptoms of Earwax Build-up


If you’ve ever wondered whether that odd feeling in your ear is worth checking, here are the most likely signs you’re dealing with more than just a little wax.

1. Muffled or Reduced Hearing

When wax blocks the ear canal, it stops sound waves from getting to your eardrum. Imagine trying to listen to music with a thick scarf wrapped around your ears; the sound is there, but it’s just dulled.

Unlike age-related hearing loss, which creeps in slowly, a wax blockage can happen overnight. And the best part? Once it’s cleared, your hearing usually snaps back to normal instantly.

2. Earache or Odd Discomfort

Not every earache means an infection. Hardened wax pressing against the walls of the ear canal can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s a dull ache that comes and goes. Other times it’s sharper, especially after a swim or shower when water gets trapped behind the blockage.

If the pain is constant or severe, don’t just put up with it. Earwax might be the issue, but infections and other conditions can cause similar pain, and those need treatment too.

3. That Itch You Can’t Scratch

We all get the occasional itch inside our ear. But if you feel like you’re constantly reaching for a cotton bud, something’s off. Wax that’s dried out or stuck can irritate the sensitive skin in your ear canal, triggering the itch.

Here’s the kicker: using a cotton bud might feel like a relief, but it usually pushes the wax deeper. That makes the problem worse, not better.



Illustration showing common earwax symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and ear blockage – highlighting signs that should not be ignored.

4. Ringing, Buzzing, or Humming (Tinnitus)

Ever had a faint ringing in your ear that just wouldn’t stop? When wax presses on the eardrum, it can trigger tinnitus, a sound only you can hear. It might be a high-pitched whistle, a low hum, or something in between.

Tinnitus can have many causes, but if it comes out of nowhere and you’ve got other ear symptoms, clearing the wax often quiets the noise immediately.

5. A Full or Blocked Feeling

This one’s hard to explain until you’ve felt it. It’s not pain and it’s not quite pressure; instead, it feels more like the sensation of water stuck in your ear after swimming. Sometimes chewing or talking shifts it for a moment, but it always comes back.

If the feeling becomes constant, it’s usually because the wax has fully blocked the canal.

6. Dizziness or Balance Wobbles

Your ears aren’t just for hearing your body’s built-in balance system. If wax pushes against certain areas inside, it can mess with your balance.

For some, it’s just a fleeting light-headedness. For others, it can feel like the room’s spinning. And if that dizziness comes with nausea, get checked quickly just to rule out other causes.



When It’s Time to Get Help


Illustration of earwax buildup showing symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, and muffled hearing in the ear canal.

tempted to fix the blockage yourself with cotton buds, hairpins, or even home irrigation kits. But most of these methods either push the wax further in or risk damaging your ear.

Some mild blockages clear with over-the-counter drops that soften the wax. But for stubborn or hardened build-up, it’s safer to see a professional.


Audiologists and ear-care specialists can remove wax safely using gentle suction (microsuction) or controlled warm water irrigation. Both are quick, and in many cases, you’ll feel the difference immediately.


Conclusion,


Earwax is one of those things you don’t notice until you do. Most of the time, it’s harmless and even helpful. But when it builds up, it can cause a whole list of symptoms that affect how you hear, how you feel, and even how you move.

If you’re ready to get relief and have your ears looked after by professionals, book an appointment with Ealing Hearing Centre. 

How Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Health

By Aarti Raicha • July 24, 2025
Ever feel like conversations are getting harder to follow even in quiet places? You’re not alone. Many people don’t realise their hearing has changed until it starts affecting daily life. What’s often missed, though, is how hard your brain and body are working behind the scenes just to keep up. In this post, we will look at how untreated hearing loss affects more than just your ears and why a quick hearing test in Stanmore could make a real difference.

Safe & Effective Earwax Removal in Ealing: Why Microsuction Is the Best Choice

By Aarti Raicha • June 21, 2025
Did you know that about 2.3 million people in the UK need earwax removal treatment every year? Yet, since 2019, nearly 10 million people in England can no longer access free NHS earwax removal services. Without access to treatment, many people turn to risky self-removal methods at home. This can lead to further problems, like ear infections or damage to the ear canal. The government says GPs can still refer patients to specialists if hearing loss is involved but, in many cases, it isn’t easy to get the help you need. If you live in Ealing and you’ve been struggling with blocked ears or muffled hearing, you do have a safe option: microsuction earwax removal. You can access this service locally at Ealing Hearing Centre where your ear health comes first. Why Does Earwax Build Up? Earwax, or cerumen, is produced by glands inside your ear canal. It helps to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, protecting your ears from infection. Usually, earwax moves out of your ear naturally. But sometimes, it builds up. Some people naturally produce more earwax so it builds up quicker, however, some of the more common reasons for earwax buildup include: If you have narrow ear canals You use hearing aids or earplugs regularly You frequently clean your ears with cotton swabs You have excessive ear hair Symptoms of Ear Wax Blockage  If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms listed above, then chances are you have earwax buildup and you just may need a microsuction cleaning. What Is Microsuction Ear Cleaning? Microsuction ear cleaning is a safe and effective method used by hearing professionals to remove earwax. Before starting, they will examine your ear canal using a tool called an otoscope to check for any blockages. In some cases, they might also use a small camera with a light called an endoscope to get a clearer view inside your ear. During the procedure, a tiny suction device works like a gentle vacuum. It helps to loosen and remove the built-up wax from your ear canal. Because the equipment is specialised, not all clinics offer microsuction. You may need to visit a hearing specialist or private clinic, such as Ealing Hearing Centre , to access this treatment. How Does Microsuction Work? Before you have microsuction, your hearing care professional will ask you a few questions like Do you have any history of ear conditions? What symptoms are you currently experiencing? Do you have any allergies or known reactions to medications? Microsuction is a good option for most people, but in some cases, for example, if you have certain ear infections or a perforated eardrum, your practitioner may suggest another method. Once your medical history is reviewed, they will carefully examine your ear canal using an otoscope or an endoscope. In some clinics, you may even be able to watch the process on a screen as they take a look inside your ear. The actual microsuction procedure only takes a few minutes. Your practitioner will use a thin suction tube to gently loosen and remove the built-up wax from your ear canal. Most people find the procedure comfortable and are surprised at how quick it is. Once your ears are clear, you’ll likely notice an immediate difference in your hearing. Benefits of Microsuction There are several reasons to choose microsuction for earwax removal. They include: It’s safe and gentle No water is used The practitioner can see exactly what they’re doing It usually only takes 15–30 minutes It works well even on hard or stubborn wax It’s a good option for sensitive ears or people with past ear problems Your Local Option: Ealing Hearing Centre Since NHS earwax services are now limited, many people in Ealing are turning to local private options. At Ealing Hearing Centre , you can get fast, safe, and professional care for your ears. The experienced team will welcome you, check your ears carefully, and provide the best treatment for your needs. Whether this is your first visit or you need regular care, they’ll help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear. Conclusion, Earwax build-up is common, but it doesn’t have to cause you discomfort. With safe, professional earwax removal in Ealing , you can enjoy clear hearing again — without risking damage from DIY methods. Microsuction is one of the best ways to remove earwax. If you’ve been struggling with blocked ears, why not take the next step? Book an appointment with Ealing Hearing Centre and experience the benefits for yourself.

Can Hearing Aids Help Reduce Dementia Risk?

By Aarti Raicha • May 24, 2025
It starts subtly. You’re in a crowded café, and you miss the punchline of a joke. You smile anyway, pretending you heard it. At dinner, you ask someone to repeat themselves for the third time. Even though you turn the TV volume as high as it goes, you notice it still sounds muffled, almost like you're wearing headphones. You tell yourself it’s nothing serious—just a bit of background noise, maybe some tired ears. But in the back of your mind, there’s a whisper: “What if it’s more?” If you’re starting to notice these signs, you’re not alone. Hearing loss affects millions of people, especially as we get older. But what many people don’t realise is how closely hearing is tied to brain health. Researchers are now uncovering a powerful link between untreated hearing loss and dementia . The question is—can using hearing aids make a difference? The simple answer is yes. Let's examine how and why. The Link Between Hearing and the Brain Although your brain isn't responsible for hearing, it processes, remembers and understands all sounds the ear sends. But when the ear starts struggling with its duty and sends scrambled signals, it makes your brain work harder to interpret these sounds. Have you ever tried having a conversation at a party with the music blaring and, to top it off, the other person is whispering? That frustration you feel, yes, that's what your brain feels when you have untreated hearing loss. Over time, this extra effort piles up (because your brain is running extra shifts it isn't built for). The longer this goes on, the harder it is to remember things and concentrate, which in turn affects your social connections.. You might find yourself withdrawing from conversations, avoiding social situations, and feeling more isolated. It’s not just a feeling—studies have shown that social isolation, often caused by hearing loss, is a major risk factor for dementia. However, there’s another reason hearing matters so much: when the brain doesn’t get regular stimulation from sound, it begins to change. Areas that once processed sound start to shrink. Connections weaken. Memory suffers. This process is slow, but it’s real—and it’s one reason why hearing loss is now considered the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia. So, Where Do Hearing Aids Come In? If hearing loss increases your risk of dementia, then treating it might reduce that risk. That’s exactly what researchers have been looking into—and the findings are hopeful. A major study published in 2023 found that people at risk of dementia who wore hearing aids had slower cognitive decline than those who didn’t. Other studies suggest that people who use hearing aids stay more socially engaged and mentally active, two important ways to protect the brain as we age. When you wear hearing aids, you’re not just making sounds louder—you’re giving your brain the information it needs to stay sharp. Conversations become easier. You start picking up on little sounds again—the birds outside, the kettle boiling, the soft rustle of leaves. These sounds keep your brain active. They help you stay present. And when you feel more confident hearing and engaging with others, you’re more likely to take part in life—to laugh, listen, share stories, and keep your mind busy. These small everyday moments are what protect memory and slow decline. Early Action Makes the Biggest Difference The key is not to wait. Many people put off getting hearing aids, sometimes for years. Maybe it’s the stigma. Maybe it’s denial. But the longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it becomes for your brain to adjust. Those pathways that once processed sound grow quiet, and it takes more effort to wake them up again. Getting help early means your brain doesn’t lose those connections. It means adapting more easily to hearing aids. And it means giving yourself the best chance to stay sharp, social, and independent. You don’t need to wait until your hearing is “bad enough.” If you’ve noticed changes—struggling to follow conversations, avoiding noisy environments, feeling tired from listening—then it’s time to get a hearing test. It’s quick. It’s painless. And it could make more of a difference than you think. You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Guess At Ealing Hearing, we’ve seen how powerful hearing support can be. We’ve watched people go from withdrawn to engaged, from struggling to smiling. We take the time to understand your hearing, your lifestyle, and your goals. And if hearing aids are the right step for you, we’ll help you find a natural and empowering solution. Dementia Action Week is a reminder that brain health matters at every stage of life. This year, the action you take could be as simple as booking a hearing check. Because sometimes, the first step to protecting your memory isn’t a crossword or a brain-training app—it’s listening. Listening to the sounds around you. Listening to your loved ones. Listening to your own needs. Book Your Hearing Test Today If you’re ready to take control of your hearing health—and support your brain along the way—we’re here to help. Contact us at Ealing Hearing to book your hearing test or speak with one of our audiologists. Better hearing isn’t just about sound; it’s about staying connected to others, to life, and to yourself.