Earwax is a normal part of how your ears protect themselves, but when too much of it builds up, it can start to affect the way you hear. The NHS lists both hearing loss and tinnitus among the recognised symptoms of earwax build-up, alongside earache and a blocked feeling in the ear. Knowing when earwax has built up enough to affect your hearing can help you deal with it early, rather than putting up with muffled sound or ringing in the ears longer than you need to.
What Is Earwax and Why Does It Build Up?
Earwax, or cerumen, is produced naturally to trap dust and dirt and to keep the ear canal lubricated. It usually works its way out on its own, but a build-up can develop if you have:
- Narrow or naturally curvy ear canals.
- A lot of hair inside the ear canal.
- A skin condition affecting the scalp or the skin around the ear.
- Regular use of hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones, which can stop wax from clearing naturally.
Can Earwax Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes, it can. When earwax builds up enough to block the ear canal, it stops sound waves reaching the eardrum properly, which can leave one or both ears sounding muffled. NICE’s guideline on hearing loss in adults recognises earwax as a common, treatable cause of hearing difficulty, and recommends that it be assessed and managed before other causes are considered. This type of hearing loss usually comes on gradually, often affecting one ear more than the other, and many people first notice it as a sense that conversations or their own voice sound different than usual.
Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus?
Earwax build-up can also trigger tinnitus, the ringing, buzzing or humming sound some people hear with no outside source. NHS guidance on earwax build-up lists tinnitus as a possible symptom of earwax build-up, and it may improve once the wax has been safely removed.
What Are the Signs That Earwax Is Affecting Your Hearing?
It is worth booking an ear check if you notice:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing, particularly in one ear.
- A feeling that your ear is blocked or full.
- Ringing, buzzing or humming sounds (tinnitus).
- Itchiness in or around the ear canal.
- Vertigo or a spinning, dizzy sensation.
How Can You Manage Earwax Build-Up at Home?
For mild build-up, the NHS recommends simple self-care before seeking further treatment. You can:
- Put two to three drops of medical grade olive or almond oil into the affected ear, three to four times a day for three to five days.
- Lie on your side for five to ten minutes after applying the drops so they can work through the ear canal.
- Avoid cotton buds, fingers or any other object inside the ear, as these push wax further in rather than clear it.
- Steer clear of ear candles, which have no proven benefit and carry a real risk of injury.
If your symptoms haven’t improved after about five days, or your ear feels completely blocked, it’s worth getting it checked professionally rather than continuing to self-treat.
Where Can You Get Earwax Removal in Gerrards Cross and Fulmer?
You can book professional earwax removal at Aroga Pharmacy, serving residents looking for earwax removal in Gerrards Cross and earwax removal in Fulmer from our Farnham Common pharmacy.
Our team uses microsuction, a gentle, water-free technique that removes earwax under close visual control rather than flushing it out with water. It’s generally painless, takes around 30 minutes, and can leave your hearing clearer straight away when wax is the cause of the blockage. The service costs £60 for both ears, and no GP referral is needed.
Concerned Earwax Is Affecting Your Hearing? Speak to Aroga Pharmacy
If muffled hearing or ringing in your ears isn’t settling down, it’s better to have your ears checked than to leave it and hope it improves on its own. Aroga Pharmacy offers earwax removal in Gerrards Cross, Fulmer and the surrounding area from our pharmacy in Farnham Common. Book your consultation with Aroga Pharmacy today for expert ear care and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can earwax cause tinnitus?
Yes. A build-up of earwax is a recognised cause of tinnitus, and the ringing or buzzing may improve once the wax has been safely removed.
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
Yes, if it builds up enough to block the ear canal. This is usually temporary and can improve once the earwax has been professionally removed.
How long does it take for hearing to return to normal after earwax removal?
Some people notice clearer hearing immediately after microsuction, although it can take a day or two for your ears to feel fully settled.
Do I need a GP referral for earwax removal near Gerrards Cross?
No. Aroga Pharmacy’s earwax removal service can be booked directly, without seeing your GP first.
How much does earwax removal cost at Aroga Pharmacy?
Ear microsuction for both ears costs £60, with no referral required.
How do I book earwax removal in Fulmer?
You can book with Aroga Pharmacy, based in Farnham Common and serving Fulmer and nearby areas, by phone or through our website.