Earwax build-up
What to do if you think your ear is blocked
Don't try to remove a build-up of earwax yourself with your fingers, a cotton bud or any other object. This can damage your ear and push the wax further down.
If the earwax is only causing minor problems, you can try buying some eardrops from a pharmacy. These can help soften the earwax so that it falls out naturally.
There are several different types of eardrops you can use, including drops containing sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil.
However, eardrops aren't suitable for everyone andsome canirritate the skin. For example, eardrops shouldn't be usedif you have a perforated eardrum (a hole or tear inyour eardrum).
Speak to your pharmacist about the most suitable product for you and make sure you read the leaflet that comes with it.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about what problems a build-up of earwax can cause, why it happens, and what can be done about it.
What can cause an earwax build-up?
Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally produce a lot of earwax. Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax include: producing naturally hard or dry earwax h
Symptoms of an earwax build-up
A build-up of earwax in your ear can cause: earache hearing loss tinnitus (hearing sounds from inside your body) itchiness in or around the ear vertigo (a spinning sensation) ear inf
What to do if you think your ear is blocked
Don't try to remove a build-up of earwax yourself with your fingers, a cotton bud or any other object. This can damage your ear and push the wax further down. If the earwax is only causing minor prob
When to see your GP
Contact your GP surgery if you have particularly troublesome symptoms or eardrops haven't helped after three to five days. Your GP or practice nurse will look inside your ears to check if they're blo
Treatments to remove earwax
There are several different earwax removal treatments available. The main treatments are: eardrops dropsused several times a day for a few days to soften the earwax so that it falls out by itself
Preventing an earwax build-up
Some people are naturally prone to earwax building up in their ears and may need frequent treatment to remove it when it becomes a problem. It's not clear if there's anything you can do tostop earwax
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