Earwax is a normal and useful part of ear health. It helps protect the ear canal by trapping dust and small particles while supporting the ear’s natural cleaning process. For many people, earwax gradually moves towards the opening of the ear and comes away without treatment.
When Can Earwax Become a Problem?
Sometimes, earwax can accumulate or become impacted. This may cause a blocked sensation, muffled hearing, itching, discomfort or difficulty using hearing aids.
Understanding the role of earwax and knowing when to arrange an ear assessment can help you make informed decisions about your ear care.
At Crystal Clear Ears, our Registered Nurses, known as The Ear Nurses, provide ear examinations and earwax removal at clinics across Melbourne. No referral is required.ay absorb water during showering or swimming. As a result, the wax can expand and temporarily cause a blocked or full sensation.
What is earwax ?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced naturally in the outer ear canal. It combines with skin cells and small particles before gradually moving out of the ear.
Earwax can vary in colour and consistency. It may be soft and yellow, firm and brown, or dry and flaky. These variations are often normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem.
Earwax has several roles. It helps:
- protect the delicate skin of the ear canal
- trap dust and small particles
- reduce dryness in the ear canal
- support the ear’s natural cleaning process
Because earwax is protective, ears generally do not need to be cleaned internally as part of a daily hygiene routine.
Why does earwax build up?
Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. A build-up may also occur when the ear canal is narrow, curved or affected by skin conditions. Hearing aids, earplugs and in-ear headphones can sometimes interfere with the natural movement of wax out of the canal.
Common factors associated with earwax build-up include:
- naturally firm, dry or excessive earwax
- narrow or curved ear canals
- regular use of hearing aids, earbuds or earplugs
- inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear
- increased hair within the ear canal
- previous ear surgery or changes to the ear canal
- skin conditions affecting the outer ear
Earwax and ear health issues may also become more noticeable when it absorbs water during showering or swimming, creating a temporary feeling of fullness or blockage.
Signs of impacted earwax
Earwax does not always cause symptoms. When a build-up blocks part or all of the ear canal, you may notice:
- a blocked or full feeling in one or both ears
- muffled or reduced hearing
- itching in the ear canal
- ringing or noises in the ear
- discomfort
- hearing-aid whistling or reduced hearing-aid performance
However, conditions other than earwax can also cause these symptoms. Therefore, an ear examination can confirm whether wax is present and determine whether you need care from another health professional.
Can cotton buds remove earwax?
Do not insert cotton buds into the ear canal. They can push wax further into the ear, irritate the canal or injure delicate ear structures. Keep hairpins, keys, ear candles and other objects out of your ears.
For routine care, clean only the visible outer ear with a soft cloth. If your ear feels blocked, arrange an assessment rather than trying to remove material that cannot be clearly seen.
What is microsuction earwax removal?
Microsuction is a method used to remove earwax and debris from the ear canal. The clinician examines the ear using magnification and uses a fine suction device to remove material under direct vision.
At Crystal Clear Ears, a Registered Nurse first asks about your symptoms and relevant ear and medical history. Your ear canals and eardrums are then examined. If earwax removal is clinically appropriate, the nurse will explain the proposed procedure, and what you may experience before seeking your consent.
The approach used depends on the examination findings and your individual circumstances. Earwax may not always be fully removed in one appointment. Firm or deeply positioned wax, a sensitive ear canal, anatomy, discomfort or an unexpected finding may mean that treatment is modified, stopped or continued at a later appointment.
Should I soften earwax before my appointment?
Softening drops such as olive oil may be recommended before some earwax-removal appointments. Crystal Clear Ears generally advises suitable patients to use olive oil for two nights before attending.
Do not place oil or drops into an ear if you have, or think you may have, a perforated eardrum, grommets, recent ear surgery, ear discharge or an active ear infection. If you are uncertain, contact the clinic or speak to speak to our Ear Nurses.
Earwax and hearing aids
Hearing-aid users may be more likely to notice the effects of earwax. Wax can obstruct sound, interfere with the fitting of an earpiece or block parts of the hearing aid. It can also contribute to feedback or whistling.
If your hearing aid is not performing as expected, check the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions and arrange an ear examination if the problem continues. Do not assume that earwax has caused sudden or unexplained hearing changes.
Earwax in children
Children also produce earwax, and in most cases it should be left to move out naturally. If a child has ear pain, discharge, fever, hearing concerns, persistent blockage or changes in behaviour, seek advice from a GP or other appropriate health professional.
Crystal Clear Ears sees children of all ages. Parents and carers must call our reception team to book appointments for children under five and receive the relevant booking information.A procedure will only continue while the nurse considers it clinically appropriate and the child can remain settled enough for treatment.
When should you see a GP or seek urgent care?
Do not assume that every blocked or uncomfortable ear is caused by earwax. Arrange medical assessment if you have:
- significant or increasing ear pain
- fluid, pus or blood coming from the ear
- fever or swelling around the ear
- sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss
- severe dizziness or new balance problems
- facial weakness or drooping
- symptoms following a head or ear injury
- a foreign object or battery in the ear
Sudden hearing loss requires prompt medical assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, contact your GP, an urgent-care service or emergency services as appropriate.
How often should earwax be removed?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Many people never require professional earwax removal. Others may experience recurring build-up because of their ear-canal anatomy, wax consistency, skin conditions or hearing-aid use.
The timing of any future assessment should be based on your symptoms, examination findings and the advice of your treating health professional. Routine removal without symptoms or a clinical reason may not be necessary.
Supporting everyday ear health
Simple habits can help protect the ears:
- keep cotton buds and other objects out of the ear canals
- clean only the visible outer ear
- follow professional advice before using ear drops or oils
- keep hearing aids and earpieces clean according to their instructions
- arrange an assessment for persistent blockage, discomfort or hearing changes
- seek prompt medical attention for sudden hearing loss, discharge, severe pain or significant dizziness
Earwax removal across Melbourne
Crystal Clear Ears provides nurse-led ear care at clinics in East Melbourne, Brighton, Epping, Glen Waverley, Surrey Hills and Truganina. Our Registered Nurses use magnification to examine the ear and discuss the findings with you before any proposed treatment.
We offer appointments from Monday to Friday, and you do not need a referral. Parents and carers must call our reception team to book children under five.
Book an earwax and ear health assessment with Crystal Clear Ears if you are experiencing blocked ears or would like your ears examined. Treatment recommendations depend on your history, examination findings and individual clinical needs.
Frequently asked questions about earwax and ear health
Clinical information note: This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Recommendations and outcomes vary according to each person’s circumstances and clinical findings.
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