A blocked ear can be uncomfortable, frustrating and sometimes surprisingly disruptive to your hearing.
Ear wax build-up is one possible cause, particularly if your hearing has gradually become muffled or your ear feels full or plugged. However, not every blocked ear is caused by wax, and knowing when to try self-care and when to seek professional advice is important.
In this guide, we explain the common symptoms of ear wax build-up, what you can safely try at home, when to speak to a pharmacist and when your symptoms may need further medical assessment.
Why Does My Ear Feel Blocked?
Ear wax is a natural substance produced inside the ear canal.
It helps protect your ears by trapping dust and other particles and normally works its way out naturally without you needing to do anything.
Sometimes, however, wax accumulates or becomes impacted inside the ear canal.
This can create the familiar sensation of having a blocked ear and may affect your hearing.
Other problems can cause similar symptoms, though, including ear infections, changes in pressure, fluid within the ear and other hearing conditions.
This means you shouldn’t automatically assume that every blocked ear is caused by wax.
What Does an Ear Wax Blockage Feel Like?
The symptoms can vary depending on how much wax has accumulated and whether one or both ears are affected.
Common symptoms of ear wax build-up include:
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muffled or reduced hearing
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a blocked or plugged sensation
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pressure or fullness inside the ear
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earache or discomfort
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ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
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itching inside the ear
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dizziness or vertigo
You might notice the symptoms gradually rather than waking up one morning with a completely blocked ear.
Some people first notice a problem when conversations become harder to follow, the television needs to be turned up or one ear seems noticeably quieter than the other.
Can Ear Wax Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes. A significant build-up of ear wax can obstruct the ear canal and cause temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing.
If wax is responsible for the blockage, hearing may improve once it has been successfully removed.
However, sudden or unexplained hearing loss should not simply be assumed to be ear wax.
If you experience a sudden significant change in your hearing, particularly without an obvious history of wax build-up, seek appropriate medical advice rather than waiting for an ear wax removal appointment.
Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus?
A build-up of ear wax can sometimes be associated with tinnitus.
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds such as ringing or buzzing when there isn’t an external source producing them.
If wax is contributing to your tinnitus, symptoms may improve after the blockage has been removed.
However, tinnitus can have many different causes.
Persistent, new or troublesome tinnitus should therefore be appropriately assessed rather than automatically attributed to ear wax.
Can Ear Wax Make You Feel Dizzy?
Dizziness or vertigo can sometimes occur alongside ear wax build-up.
However, dizziness has many potential causes.
If you’re experiencing significant, persistent or unexplained dizziness, particularly alongside other symptoms, you should seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming ear wax is responsible.
Why Do Some People Get Blocked Ears More Often?
Some people naturally experience more troublesome ear wax than others.
Factors that can make wax build-up more likely include:
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narrow or damaged ear canals
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having a lot of hair within the ear canal
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certain skin conditions
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inflammation affecting the ear canal
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naturally producing more wax
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using hearing aids, earplugs or devices that sit inside the ear
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wax becoming harder and drier
You may therefore experience repeated blocked ears even if you aren’t doing anything wrong.
What Should I Do If My Ear Feels Blocked?
If your symptoms are mild and you suspect ear wax, you may be able to start with self-care.
The NHS advises that olive or almond oil can be used to soften built-up wax and encourage it to leave the ear naturally.
Suitable pharmacy ear drops may also be available.
A pharmacist can advise you on appropriate products and whether they are suitable for you.
Do not use ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum unless you’ve been specifically advised that it is appropriate.
How Long Should I Try Ear Drops Before Getting Help?
Ear wax doesn’t necessarily disappear immediately after using drops.
The purpose of oil or wax-softening products is generally to soften the wax so that it can gradually work its way out naturally.
The NHS recommends seeking further advice if symptoms of ear wax build-up haven’t cleared after around five days.
If your ear is severely blocked and you cannot hear anything, you should also seek professional advice rather than continuing to manage the problem yourself.
What Shouldn’t I Do With a Blocked Ear?
One of the most important things is to avoid trying to physically dig the wax out yourself.
Don’t insert:
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cotton buds
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fingers
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hairpins
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tweezers
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keys
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pen lids
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other objects
into your ear canal.
It can be tempting when you can feel that something is blocking the ear, but inserting objects can push the wax further inside and potentially injure the ear canal or eardrum.
What About Ear Candles?
Ear candles are sometimes marketed as a way of drawing wax from the ear.
However, there isn’t good evidence that ear candles effectively remove ear wax, and they can carry risks.
They aren’t something we’d recommend using to treat a blocked ear.
What About Home Ear Vacuums?
Home suction devices are also available online.
The NHS states that there is no evidence that ear vacuums remove ear wax effectively.
Professional microsuction is different because the practitioner examines and views the ear canal while carrying out the procedure using specialist equipment.
When Should I Speak to a Pharmacist About a Blocked Ear?
A pharmacist can be a useful first point of contact if you think your symptoms may be caused by ear wax.
Consider speaking to a pharmacist if:
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your ear feels persistently blocked
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your hearing has gradually become muffled
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ear drops haven’t resolved the problem
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you’re unsure which ear drops to use
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you regularly experience wax build-up
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you use hearing aids and suspect wax is causing problems
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you’re unsure whether professional removal is appropriate
The pharmacist can discuss your symptoms and advise you on an appropriate next step.
When Might I Need Professional Ear Wax Removal?
Professional removal may be appropriate when wax has become impacted or is causing troublesome symptoms and hasn’t cleared with appropriate self-care.
At Hodgson Pharmacy, we provide microsuction ear wax removal from our pharmacy in Longfield.
Before any wax is removed, your ears are examined.
This is important because it confirms whether there is actually wax present and allows the practitioner to assess the ear canal before proceeding.
What Is Microsuction?
Microsuction is a professional method of removing ear wax using a precision suction device.
The practitioner views the ear canal using illuminated magnification while removing accessible wax.
Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction doesn’t rely on flushing water through the ear canal.
At Hodgson Pharmacy, your appointment includes an initial consultation, examination and, where appropriate, microsuction treatment.
Most appointments take around 15 minutes in total.
Does Microsuction Hurt?
Most people tolerate microsuction well.
You may hear suction noises during the procedure and experience unusual sensations as the wax is removed.
If the wax is particularly hard or the ear canal is sensitive, you may experience some temporary discomfort.
Preparing the ear with olive oil beforehand can help soften hardened wax.
If you experience discomfort during treatment, tell the practitioner so the procedure can be paused if necessary.
What Happens If My Ear Is Blocked but There Isn’t Any Wax?
This is exactly why an examination is useful.
A blocked sensation doesn’t automatically mean that wax is present.
If we examine your ears at Hodgson Pharmacy and there isn’t any wax requiring removal, you will only pay our £20 consultation fee.
Based on your symptoms and what we can see during the examination, we can then advise you on an appropriate next step.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice Instead?
Some symptoms shouldn’t simply be treated as routine ear wax.
Seek appropriate medical advice if you experience symptoms such as:
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sudden or significant hearing loss
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severe or worsening ear pain
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discharge or bleeding from the ear
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significant or persistent dizziness
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symptoms following an injury to the ear or head
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feeling generally unwell alongside ear symptoms
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hearing problems that remain after wax has been removed
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is wrong, but they may require assessment beyond routine ear wax removal.
Can a Pharmacist Remove Ear Wax?
Some pharmacies offer professional ear wax removal where trained practitioners and appropriate equipment are available.
Hodgson Pharmacy provides private microsuction appointments for adults aged 18 and over at our pharmacy in Longfield.
No GP referral is required.
How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost?
At Hodgson Pharmacy, a consultation costs £20 if no wax removal is required.
If microsuction is required, treatment costs £50 for one ear, including the consultation, or £80 for both ears, including the consultation.
This means your ears can be examined first and you’ll only pay the full microsuction fee where treatment is required.
How Should I Prepare for Microsuction?
Before your appointment, we recommend using 1 to 2 drops of olive oil in each affected ear twice daily for 3 to 5 days.
This helps soften the wax and can make removal easier.
You shouldn’t attempt to manually remove the softened wax yourself.
Simply use the drops as advised and allow us to examine the ear during your appointment.
Blocked Ear FAQs
Why does my ear feel blocked but there is no pain?
Ear wax can cause a feeling of fullness or blockage without necessarily causing pain. However, there are other potential causes, so persistent symptoms should be appropriately assessed.
Will a blocked ear eventually clear itself?
If ear wax is responsible, it may gradually work its way out naturally. Ear drops or olive oil can help soften wax. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Can a pharmacist check my ears?
Where the appropriate service is available, your ears can be examined to determine whether wax is present. At Hodgson Pharmacy, examination forms part of our private microsuction consultation.
Can ear wax completely block your hearing?
A significant build-up can substantially reduce hearing in an affected ear. However, complete or sudden hearing loss should be medically assessed rather than automatically assumed to be caused by wax.
Should I use cotton buds if my ear feels blocked?
No. Cotton buds can push wax further into the ear canal and make a blockage worse.
How do I know whether my blocked ear is wax or an infection?
Symptoms can overlap, which is why it isn’t always possible to tell yourself. Pain, discharge, feeling unwell or other concerning symptoms may require further assessment.
Do I need a GP referral for microsuction?
No. Adults can arrange a private microsuction appointment directly with Hodgson Pharmacy without a GP referral.
How long does an ear wax removal appointment take?
Appointments at Hodgson Pharmacy typically take around 15 minutes, including consultation and examination.
Ear Wax Removal in Longfield, Dartford and Gravesend
Hodgson Pharmacy provides professional microsuction ear wax removal from our pharmacy at 59 Station Road, Longfield, Kent.
We regularly support patients from Longfield, Dartford, Gravesend and the surrounding areas.
Hodgson Pharmacy is an independent, GPhC-registered pharmacy that has been serving the local community since 1983.
Our microsuction service is available to adults aged 18 and over, and no GP referral is required.
A consultation where no wax removal is required costs £20. Microsuction for one ear costs £50 including consultation, while treatment for both ears costs £80 including consultation.