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Earwax build-up

Overview

Open all pages about Earwax build-up

Symptoms of earwax build-up include hearing loss, ear ache and ringing or buzzing in your ears.

You can try to remove built-up earwax yourself using olive or almond oil (if you're not allergic).

A pharmacist can advise you about treating earwax build-up, including medicines to dissolve the earwax.

Earwax build-up can happen for several reasons, including having narrow or damaged ear canals or an inflammation of your ear canal.

You cannot prevent earwax. But using eardrops or oil regularly will soften the wax and help it fall out on its own.

Sometimes earwax can build up in your ears and block them. This can be uncomfortable and annoying, but can usually be treated.

Page last reviewed: 05/01/2024
Next review due: 05/01/2027