Excessive earwax can cause a blockage in the ear canal, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and coughing. Earwax is produced inside the ear to keep it clean and free of germs, and it usually passes out of the ear harmlessly. However, sometimes too much earwax can build up and block the ear canal. 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. Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax include:

• Narrow or hairy ear canals
• Age (older adults tend to produce less earwax)
• Using hearing aids or earplugs
• Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears, which can push the wax deeper into the ear canal

It is important to note that you should never try to remove a build-up of earwax yourself with your fingers, a cotton bud, or any other object, as this can damage your ear and push the wax further down. The main treatments for excessive earwax include:

• Eardrops bought from a pharmacy
• Ear irrigation or syringing, which involves using a syringe to rinse out the ear canal with water or saline solution
• Softening the wax with over-the-counter drops to make it easier to remove

If these treatments dont work, you should contact your GP practice, who may suggest having your ears washed out or refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department for specialized treatment.