Top 10 Signs You Need Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax, or cerumen, is produced naturally by glands in the ear canal to trap dust, microorganisms, and foreign particles, preventing them from reaching deeper into the ear. While it's a protective mechanism, sometimes the body produces too much ear wax, leading to a build-up.

The most common cause of excess ear wax is overproduction by the glands in response to irritation or inflammation. For example, frequent use of in-ear headphones or hearing aids can stimulate the glands and make them produce more wax than usual. Additionally, age plays a factor. As we grow older, our ear wax tends to become drier and harder, making it more likely to accumulate.

Improper ear cleaning practices are also a significant contributor. Many people use cotton swabs or other objects to clean their ears, but this usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. This not only worsens the blockage but can also cause trauma to the delicate ear canal lining.

Certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as well as anatomical features such as narrow ear canals or excess hair, can also make people more prone to wax build-up. Furthermore, individuals with ear infections or allergies might produce more wax as a protective response.

Lastly, environmental factors like working in dusty or dirty environments can cause the ears to produce more wax as a defense mechanism. The body increases wax production to filter out the extra particles.

If you're experiencing symptoms like muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or even earache, it might be time to seek professional help. At Cleaner Ears, we offer professional ear wax removal services using safe and effective techniques like microsuction to address build-up without the risks associated with DIY methods.

Most people don't need to think about their ear wax unless it becomes a problem. In many cases, ear wax exits the ear naturally as part of a self-cleaning process. However, when this mechanism fails or becomes disrupted, ear wax can accumulate and cause a variety of symptoms that may warrant professional removal.

A key sign is hearing loss. If you suddenly feel like sounds are muffled, or you're struggling to hear conversations or the television, it could be due to impacted wax blocking your ear canal. This often happens gradually, so many people don't realize how much hearing they've lost until it's removed.

Another common symptom is a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear. You may feel like there's water or something “stuck” in your ear. Some individuals also report experiencing itchiness or irritation inside the ear, which may indicate trapped wax or an accompanying minor infection.

Ear pain or earache can also result from wax pressing against the ear canal or eardrum, and in more severe cases, the pressure can lead to temporary dizziness or vertigo due to the delicate structures involved in maintaining balance.

Other indicators include tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears—which can be exacerbated by wax build-up. If you're experiencing this alongside any of the symptoms above, it's worth getting checked.

While home remedies like olive oil drops can sometimes soften wax and help it come out naturally, they may not work for everyone. In fact, if wax becomes impacted or too hard, home treatments may just make things worse.

At Cleaner Ears, our trained clinicians use advanced microsuction techniques, considered the gold standard in ear wax removal. This method is safe, quick, and doesn’t involve flushing water into the ear, making it suitable even for people with ear infections or perforated eardrums.

Yes, in most cases, microsuction is considered the safest and most effective method for ear wax removal. It has become the preferred technique used by audiologists and ear care professionals for a number of reasons.

Microsuction involves using a fine suction device and a special microscope to precisely remove wax from the ear canal. This technique allows the clinician to directly visualize the wax and ensure it's removed carefully without damaging the ear canal or eardrum. There's no water involved, which significantly reduces the risk of infection or damage—especially for individuals with ear drum perforations or recurrent ear infections.

By contrast, ear syringing, which involves flushing the ear canal with warm water, is often used in GP practices but comes with a higher risk of complications. Water-based removal methods can push wax deeper into the canal, and if not performed correctly, may cause dizziness, ear infections, or in rare cases, ear drum rupture. While it can be effective for some, it's not recommended for everyone, especially those with certain medical histories.

Ear drops, on the other hand, are non-invasive and can be used at home. They work by softening the wax, allowing it to exit naturally. However, this process is slow—it can take 3–7 days to work, and in some cases, it may not be effective at all. Also, for people with eczema or sensitivities in the ear canal, ear drops may cause irritation.

Another advantage of microsuction is that it's usually a quick and comfortable procedure, often completed in under 30 minutes. Patients frequently report instant improvement in hearing and comfort.

At Cleaner Ears, we specialize in microsuction ear wax removal, and our team is trained to deliver the service with precision and care. If you’ve had a poor experience with syringing or failed results with drops, microsuction may be the right choice for you.

Yes, in certain cases, a significant build-up of ear wax can cause balance problems, dizziness, or even vertigo. The ear isn't just responsible for hearing—it's also integral to our sense of equilibrium.

Deep within the inner ear lies the vestibular system, which includes structures like the semicircular canals. These structures detect movement and help us maintain balance. While the wax itself forms in the outer ear, if it becomes impacted and presses against the eardrum or exerts pressure within the canal, it can indirectly affect the inner ear's functioning.

The sensation is similar to having water stuck in your ear. You may feel slightly off-balance or dizzy, especially when moving your head quickly or getting up from a sitting or lying position. Some patients even report feeling nauseous due to the imbalance in sensory input between their ears and eyes.

This can be particularly distressing for older adults, as it increases the risk of falls, which can lead to further injury. It’s often misdiagnosed as a separate condition when, in fact, ear wax is the root cause.

In extreme cases, impacted wax can even mimic the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)—a disorder of the inner ear that causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness.

The good news is that this type of dizziness caused by ear wax is typically easily resolved with safe and thorough wax removal. At Cleaner Ears, we use microsuction, which doesn’t involve the use of water, making it ideal for patients with balance concerns. Many of our clients report an almost immediate sense of relief and improved balance following treatment.

If you’re unsure whether your dizziness is ear-related, we recommend a consultation with our clinicians. We’ll conduct a detailed examination and advise the appropriate course of action.