Hearing & tinnitus
Earwax blockage: symptoms, causes and what to do
"I feel like I have something blocking my ear" can mean two very different things. Either you're already wearing earplugs and feel a normal sense of pressure, or it's your own earwax blocking the ear canal — it's this second case, true earwax impaction, that this article is about.
Earwax naturally protects the ear, but it sometimes builds up instead of clearing on its own, particularly in older people, those who wear hearing aids, earbuds or earplugs very frequently, or who have a narrow or curved ear canal.
Quick answer
Earwax impaction typically causes a blocked-ear feeling, reduced hearing, sometimes itching or a temporary ringing (tinnitus). Cotton swabs and ear candles are discouraged by medical authorities: over-the-counter softening drops, or a doctor's opinion if symptoms persist, are preferred.
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Discover our earplugsWhat the science says
Michaudet C, Malaty J., American Family Physician, 2018
Clinical review for general practitioners
Earwax impaction affects about 10% of children, 5% of healthy adults, up to 57% of elderly nursing home residents, and a third of people with intellectual disabilities. The most common symptoms are hearing loss, a feeling of ear fullness, itching, pain, tinnitus, and more rarely a cough or balance issue.
Limitation: This is a literature review for clinical use, not a single controlled trial — prevalence figures vary by population studied, mostly North American.
View the study on PubMedSchwartz S.R. et al., Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2017
Clinical practice guideline (American Academy of Otolaryngology)
Clinicians are explicitly advised against ear candling, judged ineffective and potentially dangerous, and to favor validated methods: cerumenolytic drops, irrigation, or instrument-based removal by a professional.
Limitation: This is a consensus recommendation built on the evidence available at the time, not a clinical trial itself — aimed mainly at health professionals.
View the study on PubMedDiscover the models suited to your needs.
Discover our earplugsPractical tips
Never use a cotton swab in the canal
A cotton swab rarely removes earwax: it usually packs it down and pushes it further in, increasing the risk of a full blockage.
Avoid ear candles
Despite their popularity, medical authorities are clear: they don't remove earwax and carry a risk of burns or perforation.
Softening drops as a first step
Over-the-counter water- or oil-based drops are often enough to soften a developing blockage and help it clear naturally.
Why it sometimes comes back
Frequent use of earbuds, earplugs or hearing aids, or a narrow ear canal: some people are simply more prone to earwax buildup than others.
When to see a doctor
Sharp pain, sudden hearing loss, discharge, fever or dizziness call for prompt medical advice rather than a home removal attempt.
It's not the same as your earplugs
Earwax impaction is a natural ear-canal phenomenon; earplugs are an external accessory worn by choice. Kept clean (regular washing of reusable models), they don't particularly encourage earwax buildup.
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If you wear earplugs daily, choose a reusable, washable silicone model rather than foam worn for long periods: it's simpler to keep clean, and therefore more comfortable for your ear canal over time.
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Discover our earplugsFrequently asked questions
Is earwax impaction serious?+
No, in the vast majority of cases. It's a common, benign nuisance rather than a danger. It becomes a concern only with pain, fever, or sudden associated hearing loss.
Can you remove earwax impaction yourself?+
Over-the-counter softening drops are often enough. For more complete removal (irrigation, instruments), it's better to see a doctor or ENT specialist than to insert an object into the canal.
Does wearing earplugs encourage earwax impaction?+
Very frequent use can contribute to it in people already prone to it, but it isn't a major cause for most people. Good hygiene (clean earplugs, not inserted too deep) limits this risk.
Is there a link between earwax impaction and tinnitus?+
Yes, it's a possible and reversible cause of temporary tinnitus: by blocking the canal, earwax can create a ringing or buzzing sensation that disappears once the blockage is removed. If tinnitus persists after the blockage clears, an ENT consultation is recommended.
Also worth reading
Scientific sources
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