Ear wax often gets a bad reputation, but it’s actually an important part of keeping your ears healthy.
Also known as cerumen, ear wax is your body’s natural defence system. It helps trap dust, dirt and bacteria, lubricates the ear canal, and protects the delicate skin inside your ears. In most people, ear wax moves out of the ear naturally without causing any problems.
However, sometimes ear wax builds up faster than it can be removed naturally. When this happens, it can lead to blocked ears, reduced hearing and discomfort.
Signs You May Have a Build-Up of Ear Wax
Excess ear wax can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A blocked or full sensation in the ear
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Ear discomfort or mild pain
- Itching in the ear canal
- Dizziness or balance disturbances in some cases
- Hearing aids that suddenly don’t seem to work as well
Many people assume these symptoms mean they’re experiencing hearing loss, when the cause may simply be impacted ear wax.
Why Does Ear Wax Build Up?
There are several reasons why wax can become impacted, including:
- Naturally narrow or curved ear canals
- Age-related changes that make wax drier and harder
- Wearing hearing aids or earbuds regularly
- Frequent use of earplugs
- Producing more ear wax than average
- Using cotton buds, which often push wax deeper into the ear
While ear wax is completely normal, attempting to remove it yourself can often make the problem worse.
Why You Should Avoid Cotton Buds
Despite being a common habit, cotton buds are not designed to clean inside your ears.
Instead of removing wax, they often push it further down the ear canal, making it more difficult to remove. They can also irritate the skin, cause infections or even damage the eardrum.
As the saying goes, don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!
If your ears feel blocked, the safest option is to have them examined by a qualified professional.
The Benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
At Hear Again Audiology, we remove ear wax using microsuction, a modern technique that is considered one of the safest and most effective methods available.
Microsuction uses gentle suction and specialised equipment to carefully remove wax while the ear canal is viewed under magnification. This allows your clinician to clearly see what they’re doing throughout the procedure.
Unlike older methods that rely on flushing the ear with water, microsuction is:
- Gentle and precise
- Suitable for most people, including hearing aid users
- Comfortable for the majority of patients
- Water-free, making it ideal for people with ear infections, perforated eardrums or previous ear surgery
- Usually completed in a single appointment
Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their hearing once the wax has been removed.
How Often Should You Have Ear Wax Removed?
There is no single answer, as everyone produces ear wax differently.
Some people may never need professional removal, while others benefit from regular appointments—particularly if they wear hearing aids or naturally produce excessive wax.
If you’re prone to wax build-up, your audiologist can recommend a review schedule based on your individual needs.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an examination of your ears using specialised equipment to determine whether wax is present and assess the health of your ear canals.
If wax removal is appropriate, microsuction is performed carefully and gently. Once complete, we’ll recheck your ears to ensure the canals are clear and discuss any further recommendations if needed.
If we identify something other than wax that’s affecting your hearing, we’ll explain the findings and guide you on the next steps.
When Should You Book an Appointment?
It’s worth arranging an ear examination if you experience:
- Blocked or muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness in one or both ears
- Ringing in your ears
- Difficulty hearing with your hearing aids
- Ear discomfort or itching
- A sudden reduction in hearing
Prompt assessment can often provide quick relief and help rule out other ear conditions.
Safe, Professional Ear Wax Removal on the Sunshine Coast
At Hear Again Audiology, we provide gentle, professional ear wax removal using microsuction in a comfortable clinical environment.
As an independent audiology clinic, we also assess your overall ear health and hearing during your visit, ensuring you receive the most appropriate advice for your individual needs. Whether your symptoms are caused by wax build-up or something else, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
If your ears feel blocked or your hearing isn’t as clear as it should be, don’t ignore it. A simple ear examination could be all that’s needed to restore your hearing and your peace of mind.
Clear ears. Better hearing. Hear Again.