Updated November 2026
A blocked ear can be uncomfortable, frustrating and surprisingly disruptive to your hearing. Ear wax build-up is one of the most common causes, especially if your hearing has gradually become muffled or your ear feels full or plugged. But not every blocked ear is caused by wax, so it helps to know the signs, what you can safely try at home and when to get your ears checked.
Signs you may need ear wax removal
- Muffled or reduced hearing in one or both ears
- A blocked, plugged or full feeling
- Pressure, earache or discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Itching inside the ear
- Dizziness or vertigo
If symptoms have not cleared after around 5 days of olive oil drops, or your ear is completely blocked, book an ear examination. Seek medical advice urgently for sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding.
Why does my ear feel blocked?
Ear wax is a natural substance that protects your ears by trapping dust and other particles. It normally works its way out without you needing to do anything. Sometimes, though, it builds up or becomes impacted in the ear canal, creating that familiar blocked feeling and affecting your hearing.
Other problems can cause similar symptoms, including ear infections, pressure changes and fluid behind the eardrum, so do not automatically assume every blocked ear is wax.
What does an ear wax blockage feel like?
Symptoms vary depending on how much wax has built up and whether one or both ears are affected. They often develop gradually. Many people first notice a problem when conversations become harder to follow, the television needs turning up or one ear seems quieter than the other. Common signs include muffled hearing, a plugged or full feeling, pressure or earache, tinnitus, itching and dizziness.
Why do some people get blocked ears more often?
Some people naturally produce more wax or have ears that do not clear it as easily. Build-up is more likely if you have narrow or damaged ear canals, a lot of hair in the ear canal, certain skin conditions, inflammation of the ear canal, or if you use hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones. Repeated blocked ears do not mean you are doing anything wrong.
Can ear wax cause hearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness?
Hearing loss
Yes. A significant build-up can block the ear canal and cause temporary, muffled hearing, which often improves once the wax is removed. However, sudden or unexplained hearing loss should never be assumed to be wax. Seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting for an ear wax appointment.
Tinnitus
Wax build-up can sometimes be linked to ringing or buzzing in the ear, which may ease once the blockage is cleared. Tinnitus has many causes, so new, persistent or troublesome tinnitus should be properly assessed.
Dizziness
Dizziness or vertigo can occur alongside wax build-up, but it has many other causes too. Seek medical advice for significant, persistent or unexplained dizziness, especially alongside other symptoms.
What should I do if my ear feels blocked?
If your symptoms are mild and you suspect wax, start with self-care. The NHS advises using olive or almond oil to soften built-up wax so it can leave the ear naturally, and suitable ear drops are available from the pharmacy. Our team can advise you on which product is right for you.
Do not use ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum unless you have been specifically advised to.
How long should I try ear drops before getting help?
Drops work by softening wax gradually, so they will not clear a blockage instantly. The NHS recommends seeking further advice if symptoms have not cleared after around five days. If your ear is severely blocked and you cannot hear at all, get it checked rather than continuing to manage it yourself.
What should I not do with a blocked ear?
Never try to dig wax out yourself. Do not put cotton buds, fingers, hairpins, tweezers, keys, pen lids or anything else into your ear canal. This pushes wax further in and can injure the ear canal or eardrum.
- Ear candles: there is no good evidence they remove ear wax, and they can cause burns and other injuries.
- Home ear vacuums: the NHS states there is no evidence they remove ear wax effectively. Professional microsuction is different because the practitioner can see inside the ear canal throughout.
When should I book ear wax removal?
Consider booking an ear examination if:
- Your ear feels persistently blocked
- Your hearing has gradually become muffled
- Ear drops have not cleared the problem after around 5 days
- You regularly get wax build-up
- You use hearing aids and suspect wax is causing problems
- You are unsure whether professional removal is needed
Our Health and Wellbeing Consultants can examine your ears, confirm whether wax is the cause and remove it there and then if appropriate.
Blocked ear? Get it checked in Longfield
Examination and microsuction in one 15-minute appointment. Adults 18 and over, no GP referral needed.
How microsuction ear wax removal helps
Microsuction uses a precision suction device to remove wax while the practitioner views your ear canal under illuminated magnification. Unlike ear irrigation, it does not flush water into the ear. Your appointment includes a consultation, an examination and, where appropriate, microsuction, and takes around 15 minutes.
Most people tolerate it well. You will hear suction noises and may feel unusual sensations, and very hard wax can cause temporary discomfort, which is why we recommend softening it first with 1 to 2 drops of olive oil, twice daily, for 3 to 5 days. Read our full guide to what to expect from microsuction.
What if my ear is blocked but there is no wax?
This is exactly why the examination matters. If there is no wax to remove, you only pay our £20 consultation fee, and we will advise you on the right next step based on what we find.
How much does ear wax removal cost?
| Appointment | Total price |
|---|---|
| Consultation only (no wax removal needed) | £20 |
| Microsuction, one ear (including consultation) | £50 |
| Microsuction, both ears (including consultation) | £80 |
See how these prices compare in our guide: how much does ear wax removal cost in the UK?
When should I seek medical advice instead?
Some symptoms need assessment beyond routine ear wax removal. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you have:
- Sudden or significant hearing loss
- Severe or worsening ear pain
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear
- Significant or persistent dizziness
- Symptoms after an injury to the ear or head
- Feeling generally unwell alongside ear symptoms
- Hearing problems that continue after wax has been removed
Frequently asked questions
Why does my ear feel blocked but there is no pain?
Ear wax can cause a full or blocked feeling without pain. There are other possible causes, so persistent symptoms should be checked.
Will a blocked ear clear on its own?
If wax is the cause, it may work its way out naturally, and olive oil drops can help soften it. If symptoms last more than around 5 days, get your ears examined.
Can you check my ears at the pharmacy?
Yes. At Hodgson Pharmacy, an ear examination is part of every microsuction consultation, so we can confirm whether wax is present before removing it.
Can ear wax completely block your hearing?
A large build-up can substantially reduce hearing in the affected ear. Complete or sudden hearing loss should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be wax.
Should I use cotton buds if my ear feels blocked?
No. Cotton buds push wax further into the ear canal and can make a blockage worse.
How do I know if it is wax or an ear infection?
Symptoms can overlap, so it is not always possible to tell yourself. Pain, discharge or feeling unwell may need further medical assessment.
Do I need a GP referral for microsuction?
No. Adults aged 18 and over can book directly with Hodgson Pharmacy.
How long does an ear wax removal appointment take?
Around 15 minutes, including consultation and examination.
Ear wax removal in Longfield, Dartford and Gravesend
Professional microsuction at our family-run Longfield pharmacy clinic, 59 Station Road, since 1983. Find out more about our ear wax removal service.
Call 01474 707341