Too much earwax? Here’s how manage buildup safely

Put the cotton bud away: we see you. Turns out, there are other (and safer) ways to clean your ears. But what are they? How much earwax is too much? And what can you do to manage excess buildup safely? Read on and you’ll soon be an earwax aficionado...

Earwax is produced by specialised glands in the ear canal, combined with natural oils and shed skin cells. It helps to trap dust, dead cells and skin, in addition to clearing the ears of potentially harmful bacteria or fungi.¹ Similar to how mucus in the nose or tear film in the eyes traps dust and microbes, earwax traps debris and helps protect the ear canal. The skin of the ear canal grows towards the outside of the ear like a conveyor belt, slowly carrying wax and anything trapped inside it out.

Earwax is natural and most of the time we can just let it do its job. But some people produce more earwax than others and it might become uncomfortable. If there’s too much, it could become difficult to hear properly or you may have a blocked sensation or itchy ears. Occasionally, trapped wax can also contribute to irritation.² You may also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or feel dizzy if earwax buildup becomes significant.²

The most common reasons include:²

If you have a ‘normal’ amount of earwax and it’s not bothering you, you usually don’t need to do anything to remove it. Putting objects in your ears could cause more harm than good.

Avoid poking your fingers down your ears to try and get it out or use cotton buds or other implements to scoop it out. This may push the wax further in, which could potentially damage your ear canal skin or your eardrum.

If symptoms don’t improve after using pharmacy options for a few days, or if a buildup is affecting your hearing, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional. You should also seek advice if you experience pain, dizziness or any bleeding or unusual discharge from your ear.³

As tempting as it might be to try and remove earwax yourself, it’s usually best to leave it alone. Want to learn about some more body bothers? Discover why your skin’s so itchy or what causes warts on fingers...

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.