Have you noticed that your earwax seems soft, wet or sticky?
Earwax can naturally vary in colour, texture and consistency from person to person.
Sticky earwax is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. However, if you are also experiencing a blocked or full feeling in your ear, muffled hearing, itching or other changes, it may be worth having your ears assessed.
In this blog, we explain what sticky earwax can mean, why earwax builds up and when professional assessment may be appropriate.
What Is Ear Wax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a normal substance produced in the ear canal. It helps protect and lubricate the skin of the ear canal and can help trap dust and other particles.
The amount and consistency of earwax vary naturally between people. Some people have softer or wetter wax, while others have drier or harder wax.
Earwax also changes as it moves through the ear canal and is naturally transported towards the outer ear.
Having sticky earwax does not necessarily mean that your ears are unclean or that you need to have the wax removed.
Why Is My Ear Wax Sticky?
There are several reasons why earwax may appear soft, wet or sticky.
Natural differences in earwax
Everyone produces earwax slightly differently. The consistency of earwax can depend on how much oil is produced by the glands of the ears in each individual. Sticky wax can sometimes cause the sides of the ear canal to “stick together”, often waking in the morning if you have been lying on your side, compressing the ear.
Other individuals don’t produce much oil from the ear glands and may instead have itchy or irritated ears from their dry wax.
Earwax build-up
Sometimes the ear’s natural self-cleaning process does not clear wax and expel it from the ear canal effectively. Wax can then build up and become more noticeable.
Some people are more prone to earwax build-up because of factors such as narrow or hairy ear canals, flaky skin conditions, or regularly using items such as ear plugs or hearing aids.
Cleaning inside the ear canal
Using cotton buds or other objects inside the ear can push wax further into the ear canal rather than removing it.
Regularly putting objects into the ear canal can also irritate or damage the delicate skin of the ear.
For this reason, it is generally recommended that you avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into your ear canal.
What Does Sticky Ear Wax Look Like?
Sticky earwax may appear:
- Soft or moist
- Tacky or oily
- Yellow, light brown or darker brown
- Mixed with small amounts of dry skin or other debris
The appearance of earwax alone does not tell you whether there is a big blockage or whether removal is necessary.
An examination of the ear canal is the appropriate way to determine whether there is an accumulation of wax and whether it may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can Sticky Ear Wax Block Your Ear?
A build-up of earwax no matter the type can contribute to a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. Other possible symptoms include muffled hearing, earache, itchiness or ringing in the ear.
However, not every blocked ear is caused by earwax.
Blocked or muffled hearing can have other causes, such as ear infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction. This is why it is important not to assume that wax is the cause based on symptoms alone.
Should You Remove Sticky Ear Wax Yourself?
If you think you have excess earwax, it can be tempting to try to remove it yourself.
It is recommended to avoid putting cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax further into the ear and may damage the skin of the ear canal or eardrum.
Earwax often clears naturally without treatment. If wax is causing symptoms or the ear remains blocked, an appropriate health professional can examine the ear and advise on suitable management.
When Should You Have Your Ears Assessed?
Consider having your ears assessed if you are experiencing:
- A persistent blocked or full feeling
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ear discomfort or itchiness
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Recurrent problems with earwax
- Concerns about wax affecting a hearing aid
An assessment can help determine whether earwax is present and whether it may be contributing to your symptoms.
It is important not to assume that all ear symptoms are caused by wax.
If you have significant ear pain, discharge or fluid from the ear, dizziness, sudden hearing loss, or a history of ear surgery or an injured eardrum, seek appropriate medical assessment. Healthdirect recommends medical assessment in a number of these circumstances.
How Is Sticky Ear Wax Removed?
If an examination identifies earwax that is contributing to symptoms and removal is appropriate, there are several methods that a health professional may consider.
At Crystal Clear Ears, The Ear Nurses provide ear assessment and earwax removal using microsuction where appropriate.
Microsuction is a water-free method in which wax and debris are removed from the ear canal using suction while the ear is viewed directly.
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears use direct visual examination when performing microsuction. The appropriate approach depends on the individual ear and the findings during assessment.
Learn more about microsuction earwax removal →
How The Ear Nurses Can Help
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears provide professional ear assessment and earwax removal services, for all ages,across six Melbourne locations.
During an appointment, the Ear Nurse can discuss your symptoms and examine your ears. If earwax is present and removal is considered appropriate, microsuction can be performed.
If your symptoms appear to have another cause, you may be advised to seek further medical assessment.
Find Your Nearest Crystal Clear Ears Clinic
We have clinics in:
- Brighton
- Epping
- Glen Waverley
- East Melbourne
- Surrey Hills
- Truganina
Looking After Your Ears
Your ears have a natural self-cleaning process, so routine cleaning inside the ear canal is not necessary for everyone.
A few simple habits can help:
- Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal.
- Clean only the outer ear.
- If you have recurring earwax problems, discuss suitable management with a health professional.
- If your hearing changes or you develop pain, discharge, dizziness or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice.
Sources and Further Information
For additional information about earwax and ear health, visit:
Healthdirect Australia – Ear Wax- covers earwax, symptoms, causes, examination and management.
Better Health Channel Victoria – Ear Wax – covers earwax build-up, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options.
Read more about earwax and ear health →