Wax is a normal secretion which cleans and protects the skin lining the ear canal.  It does not need to be removed unless it is causing symptoms such as difficulty hearing or it is in the way for a clinical procedure such as fitting a hearing aid. Ear wax usually makes its way out of the ear by itself, but when you experience a build-up, wax can be softened by using simple remedies that are often cheap to buy and readily available from your pharmacist.

Causes of build-up - You might have ear wax build-up because:

•     You naturally have more wax in your ears – this is completely normal.
•     You have hairy or narrow canals (the tubes that link the eardrum and outer ear)
•     Of your age – as we get older wax becomes harder and it doesn’t fall out of the ear as easily.
•     You are a hearing aid wearer or use ear plugs or similar items that are placed in the ear. These can push the wax further in and cause a build-up.

How to tell if my ear is blocked with wax - You may be experiencing:

•     Difficulty hearing
•     Earache
•     Itchiness
•     Dizziness
•     An ear infection
•     Sounds coming from inside the ear (tinnitus)

Once the build-up is removed however, your symptoms should improve.

When to consider visiting your practice - Consider contacting your practice if:

•     Your ear hasn’t cleared after 4 weeks, and self-irrigation has been unsuccessful or is unsuitable for you.
•     Your ear is badly blocked, and you can’t hear anything.
•     Your ear is painful.
•     Your ear is discharging smelly or blood-stained liquid.

Some GP practices can remove build up by:

•     Flushing the wax out with water (ear irrigation, also known as syringing)
•     Sucking the wax out (microsuction)

These treatments are usually painless. You might have to pay to have them done privately.

Most patients will be required to try to manage their ear wax build-up at home, get advice from a pharmacist or see a nurse at their practice before they will be referred on elsewhere for further treatment. Unless there is a reason not to do so, then in Devon referral for further treatment is not available until ear irrigation has been tried at least twice.

For more information please visit:https://myhealth-devon.nhs.uk/my-condition/ear-wax-build-up