Ear Wax Build-Up

Ear wax build-up is a very common issue — and it can affect anyone, at any age.

Ear wax (or cerumen) isn’t just “gunk” in your ears — it’s actually a helpful substance. It plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy by cleaning and lubricating the ear canal, and protecting the inner ear from bacteria, fungi, dust, and water.

Usually, ear wax naturally works its way out of the ear with the help of jaw movements like talking and chewing; it rarely needs much attention.

But sometimes, the body produces too much wax, or the wax doesn’t clear properly — leading to a build-up.

Common Symptoms of Ear Wax Build-Up

  • Hearing loss (partial, complete, or fluctuating)

  • Hearing changes, such as:
    – Crackling or "wet" sounds when swallowing or pulling gently on your earlobe
    – Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
    – Hearing your heartbeat in your ears

  • Pain in or around the ears and jaw

  • Dizziness or vertigo

  • Itchy or sore sensations inside the ears

  • A feeling of fullness in your ears

Who’s More Likely to Experience It?

You may be more prone to ear wax build-up if you:

  • Regularly wear in-ear devices (like hearing aids or earbuds)

  • Use headsets or phones for extended periods (common in customer service roles)

  • Work in dusty or debris-filled environments (e.g. woodwork or construction)

  • Experience hay fever, viral infections, or elevated stress levels (which can affect wax production)

  • Have dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

  • Have narrow or misshapen ear canals, whether naturally or due to past injury or illness

  • Use cotton buds or other objects to “clean” your ears – this often pushes wax deeper, making things worse

Sometimes, however, there’s no obvious reason - some people just produce more ear wax. Whether there are genetic factors involved is not known.