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Ear health is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of our overall well-being. Many people don’t think about their ears until they experience discomfort, muffled hearing, or an unusual popping or crackling sound. More often than not, these issues are related to earwax buildup.
Earwax (cerumen) is not harmful in itself; in fact, it’s a protective substance that keeps the ears healthy. But when too much earwax accumulates, it can block the ear canal and cause problems ranging from mild irritation to significant hearing loss.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about earwax removal — causes, symptoms, safe cleaning methods, risks of DIY solutions, and when to seek professional earwax cleaning. We’ll also discuss how earwax impacts children, seniors, and people using hearing aids.
Understanding Earwax: Nature’s Ear Protector
Earwax is produced naturally by glands in the outer ear canal. While many consider it “dirty,” earwax is actually beneficial:
- Cleans and protects – It traps dust, dirt, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum.
- Moisturizes – Prevents the skin in the ear canal from becoming dry, itchy, or cracked.
- Antibacterial properties – Acts as a natural defence against infections.
Normally, the body regulates earwax naturally. Chewing, talking, and jaw movements slowly push wax outward, where it dries and falls away. Problems occur when this process doesn’t work efficiently, leading to earwax blockage.
Causes of Earwax Buildup
Not everyone experiences earwax problems, but certain factors increase the risk:
1. Overproduction of Earwax
Some people simply produce more earwax than others due to genetics or skin conditions.
2. Narrow or Unusual Ear Canals
A smaller ear canal shape can make it difficult for wax to exit naturally.
3. Use of Earplugs or Hearing Aids
Wearing hearing aids or earplugs daily can push wax deeper and prevent it from leaving the ear canal.
4. Cotton Swabs and DIY Cleaning
Ironically, attempts at ear cleaning with cotton buds usually push wax deeper instead of removing it.
5. Age-Related Changes
Older adults often produce drier earwax, which is more likely to cause blockages.
If buildup isn’t addressed, it can affect hearing test accuracy, which is why patients undergoing an audiometry test in Singapore are often checked for earwax first.
Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
How do you know if you have earwax buildup? Common symptoms include:
- Hearing loss – Sound may seem muffled or distant.
- Earache or discomfort – A feeling of fullness or blockage.
- Tinnitus – Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear.
- Dizziness or imbalance – The inner ear affects balance, and blockage can disrupt it.
- Coughing – Stimulation of nerves in the ear canal can trigger reflex coughing.
Persistent symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate the need for professional ear cleaning by an audiologist in Singapore.
Safe Ear Wax Removal Methods
When it comes to ear cleaning, safety is the top priority. Let’s look at recommended methods:
1. Over-the-Counter Ear Drops
These drops soften hardened earwax, allowing it to fall out naturally. They are available in pharmacies and are usually the first step for mild cases.
2. Ear Irrigation
A stream of warm water or saline solution flushes out wax. This is safe when performed by a professional but risky at home, especially if the eardrum is damaged.
3. Manual Removal by a Specialist
An ear specialist in Singapore can use tools such as curettes, forceps, or suction devices to remove wax safely.
4. Microsuction
This modern method uses a gentle suction device under magnification. It’s quick, effective, and safe for patients with perforated eardrums or chronic infections.
Unsafe Methods to Avoid
Not all ear cleaning methods are safe. Some popular DIY practices are actually harmful:
- Cotton Swabs – Push wax deeper into the canal.
- Ear Candling – Poses risks of burns, blockages, and ear damage.
- Sharp Objects – Hairpins, toothpicks, or other items can puncture the eardrum.
Self-cleaning methods may provide temporary relief but can cause long-term harm.
Professional Earwax Cleaning in Singapore
Professional earwax removal is recommended if you:
- Experience hearing loss
- Have frequent tinnitus or dizziness
- Use hearing aids or hearing protection devices daily
- Have a history of ear infections
Treatment is especially important for:
- Children – Young ears are delicate, and improper cleaning can cause damage. Sometimes, persistent earwax may interfere with learning or require a hearing aid for children.
- Elderly patients – Age-related changes often worsen earwax buildup. Seniors with hearing loss may also benefit from hearing aids for senior citizens or a hearing aid for the elderly in Singapore.
- Tinnitus patients – Blocked ears can worsen tinnitus, making tinnitus treatment essential.
Earwax and Hearing Aids
Hearing aid users must pay extra attention to earwax removal. Wax buildup can:
- Block microphones or receivers
- Muffle sound quality
- Shorten the lifespan of the device
Audiologists usually include regular earwax checks as part of hearing aid maintenance.
Risks of Ignoring Earwax Blockage
Leaving earwax untreated can lead to:
- Persistent hearing loss
- Increased risk of infections
- Irritation and discomfort
- Complications during hearing tests
In severe cases, untreated blockages may require hearing loss treatment in Singapore.
Preventing Earwax Buildup
While you cannot prevent earwax entirely, these tips help reduce excessive buildup:
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal
- Keep your ears dry after swimming or showering
- Use softening drops if you are prone to wax buildup
- Schedule routine visits with a hearing specialist in Singapore
Conclusion
Earwax removal is an essential part of ear health, especially for people prone to buildup, hearing aid users, children, and seniors. While earwax is a natural protector, too much of it can lead to earwax blockage, discomfort, and hearing loss.
DIY cleaning is not always safe, so trust a professional when in doubt. With the right care, you can maintain clear hearing, reduce risks of tinnitus, and protect your ears for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, professional earwax removal is generally safe and painless. Some people may feel mild pressure or a tickling sensation, but not actual pain. When performed by an audiologist or hearing specialist, it’s a comfortable process designed to protect your ears.
Yes, a buildup of earwax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss. Once the blockage is safely cleared, hearing usually returns to normal. In some cases, regular ear cleaning helps prevent repeated blockages.
Most people only need ear cleaning once or twice a year. However, those who produce excess earwax, wear hearing aids, or use earphones frequently may need more regular cleaning. An audiologist can advise on the best schedule based on your ear health.
No, ear candling is unsafe and ineffective. Instead of removing wax, it can cause burns, push wax deeper, or even damage the ear canal and eardrum. Safe earwax removal should always be carried out by a trained professional.
Not always. Ear irrigation is safe for many people, but those with ear infections, a history of eardrum perforations, or recent ear surgery should avoid it unless recommended by a hearing specialist. Alternatives like suction or manual removal may be safer in such cases.
Yes, blockages may cause ringing or buzzing. If symptoms persist, a hearing aid for tinnitus may be helpful alongside treatment.
Yes, but only under professional supervision. Children’s ears are sensitive and require gentle handling.
If you have pain, hearing loss, dizziness, or tinnitus that doesn’t improve with drops, see an audiologist.
Yes, hearing aids can trap wax and push it deeper. Regular cleaning is recommended for all users.
Both are qualified, but starting with an audiologist in Singapore is often best for safe and effective care.
Evlin is passionate about helping people with hearing loss. With years of experience in audiology, she has diagnosed and treated a wide range of hearing conditions across all age groups. She is accredited to conduct comprehensive hearing assessments and provide treatments for patients from newborns to the elderly. Committed to personalized care, she strives to empower patients to fully engage in life with better hearing.
Designation: Clinical Audiologist
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (Audiology), University of Science Malaysia
Membership: .Society of Audiology Professionals in Singapore (SAPS)