9 Common Ear Wax Myths: What You Really Need To Know
Earwax is one of those things most of us do not think much about – until our ears suddenly feel blocked.
Perhaps sounds have started to seem muffled. Maybe you have noticed ringing in your ear, or you keep reaching for a cotton bud because your ears simply do not feel clean. When this happens, it is easy to start wondering what you should actually be doing.
Should I be cleaning inside my ears? Is olive oil enough to get rid of wax? Does wearing a hearing aid cause more earwax? And if my ear feels blocked, is wax definitely the problem?
There is a lot of advice about earwax online, and not all of it is helpful. Some common beliefs can even make the problem worse.
At our Plymouth clinic, we regularly see patients who have been trying to manage earwax themselves for weeks – often because they have been following advice they genuinely believed was correct. Here, we look at nine common earwax myths and explain what you really need to know.
Myth 1: "Earwax Means My Ears Are Dirty"
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about earwax.
Earwax – also known as cerumen – is not dirt, and having it does not mean you have poor hygiene. In fact, earwax has an important job. It helps protect the ear canal by trapping dust and debris and helping to keep the delicate skin inside the ear in good condition.
Your ears are designed to produce wax.
The amount you produce can also vary significantly from person to person. Some people naturally produce more wax than others, while factors such as the shape of the ear canal, age and the consistency of the wax can affect how easily it clears.
So, if you have more earwax than someone else, it does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong – or that your ears are “dirty”.
The problem usually arises when wax builds up and begins causing symptoms.
Myth 2: "I Need To Clean Inside My Ears Regularly"
Not necessarily. In fact, your ears are designed to clean themselves. As you move your jaw when talking and chewing, old wax gradually works its way towards the entrance of the ear, where it can dry out and fall away naturally.
Trying to clean deep inside the ear can interfere with that process.
You can gently clean the outside of the ear, but putting fingers, cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal is a different matter. Instead of removing the wax, you may simply push it further inside.
This can compact the wax and make a blockage more likely.
If your ears are comfortable and you are not experiencing symptoms, there is usually no need to go looking for wax to remove.
Myth 3: "Cotton Buds Are The Best Way To Remove Earwax"
Cotton buds can be misleading. You might use one and see wax on the tip afterwards, which makes it feel as though you have successfully cleaned your ear. However, while a cotton bud may pick up some wax near the entrance of the ear canal, it can also push wax further inside.
Over time, repeatedly doing this can compact the wax and contribute to a blockage.
Cotton buds can also irritate the sensitive skin inside the ear and, if inserted too far, may cause injury.
If you want to clean the visible outer part of your ear, a gentle wipe is usually enough. There is no need to insert a cotton bud into the ear canal.
What can go wrong with DIY methods
Beyond pushing wax deeper, DIY attempts carry other risks worth knowing about. Removing earwax strips away its natural protective barrier, which can let bacteria into the ear canal and if you’re using water at home, disturbing the ear’s natural balance can trap moisture and raise the risk of infection.
Using tools like cotton buds or ear picks can also irritate or damage the delicate lining of the ear canal, and in some cases, too much pressure can perforate the eardrum causing pain, hearing loss, discharge, or ringing in the ear. Damage to the ear canal lining can also lead to further problems, including excess wax build-up or drynes.
Myth 4: "Ear Candles Safely Remove Earwax"
You may have come across ear candling as a supposed natural way to remove earwax. The technique involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear and lighting the other end, with the idea that the heat creates suction that draws wax out.
However, there is no good evidence that ear candling safely or effectively removes earwax. In fact, it can cause burns to the ear or surrounding skin, and melted candle wax can enter the ear canal and cause further problems.
If you are concerned about earwax build-up, it is safer to use an appropriate earwax treatment or seek advice from a qualified professional rather than trying ear candling at home.
Myth 5: "Olive Oil Will Always Get Rid Of Earwax"
Olive oil can be helpful, but it is not a guaranteed solution to every earwax problem.
When used appropriately, ear drops or oil may help to soften earwax and allow it to work its way out naturally. This can also help prepare hardened wax before professional removal.
However, softened wax does not always disappear immediately. In some cases, particularly where there is a significant build-up, the wax may remain in the ear and continue causing symptoms. You may even notice that your ear feels temporarily more blocked as the wax softens.
If you are unsure whether drops are suitable for you, or your symptoms are continuing rather than improving, it is sensible to seek professional advice rather than repeatedly trying different home remedies. Not every softening product is equal, either.
If you have a Precision Health & Training appointment booked, we recommend using Earol spray for five days beforehand rather than olive oil drops – it’s easier to apply consistently.
Myth 6: "Ear Irrigation Is Painful And There Are No Other Options"
Myth 7: "Wearing Hearing Aids Means You Will Produce More Earwax"
This one is a little more complicated.
Wearing a hearing aid does not make your ears produce more wax. What it can do is get in the way of the ear’s normal self-cleaning process, since the mould or dome sits inside the ear canal where wax would otherwise gradually move towards the entrance and fall away. This means wax may not clear as easily as it otherwise would.
For some hearing aid users, wax-related problems can therefore become a more regular issue as a result – not because more wax is being produced, but because it has less opportunity to clear naturally. Build-up can also affect how well a hearing aid works if it begins blocking the ear canal.
If you wear hearing aids and regularly experience blocked ears or changes to your hearing, regular ear checks may be helpful.
At Precision Health & Training, Laura can examine your ears and advise whether wax is actually causing the problem.
Myth 8: "If My Ear Feels Blocked, It Must Be Earwax"
Earwax is certainly a common cause of blocked ears, but it is not the only possible explanation. A blocked sensation can sometimes be caused by other issues, including changes in pressure, congestion or problems affecting the ear itself. This is why it is important not to assume that every blocked ear needs wax removal.
At Precision Health & Training, the ear is examined before treatment so that we can assess what is actually happening. If there is no wax blockage, attempting to remove wax unnecessarily will not solve the underlying problem.
When should you seek medical advice?
If you experience sudden hearing loss, significant ear pain, bleeding or discharge from the ear, dizziness, balance problems, or symptoms following an injury, please seek medical advice.
These symptoms may need proper medical assessment rather than routine earwax removal.
Myth 9: "Healthy Ears Should Have No Wax In Them At All"
It may be worth having your ears checked if you are experiencing muffled or reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, ear discomfort, persistent problems with earwax build-up, or wax affecting the performance of a hearing aid.
An examination can help establish whether earwax is actually causing the problem. If your ears tend to act up more as the seasons change, our Winter Ear Care guide covers this in more depth.
Already Know It’s Wax? Here’s Where To Go Next
As a CQC-regulated clinic, every appointment starts with Laura properly examining your ears rather than assuming, with appointments typically from £35 for one ear or £50 for both and no hidden costs (see our full treatment price list).
Which method is right for you depends on your ears specifically. We offer both microsuction, a dry, suction-based technique that’s typically the preferred option, including for patients with a history of ear infections, a perforated eardrum, grommets or previous ear surgery, where introducing water isn’t appropriate, and ear irrigation, a water-based alternative that can be suitable where there’s no such history and the wax has already been softened. Laura will review your ear health history and examine your ears before recommending which is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earwax
Here are some of the questions we hear most often, along with straightforward answers to help you look after your ears.
Is it normal to have a lot of earwax?
Yes. The amount of wax people produce can vary considerably. Producing more wax than someone else does not automatically mean there is a problem.
How often should I clean my ears?
For most people, there is no need to clean inside the ear canal routinely. The ears are generally able to move wax out naturally.
Can I use olive oil for earwax?
Olive oil may help soften earwax and allow it to clear naturally. However, it is not suitable for everyone or every ear problem, so seek advice if you are unsure or your symptoms persist.
What should I do if I’ve already tried a DIY method and my ear hurts?
Stop straight away and avoid inserting anything further into the ear. Book an assessment so we can check for any damage or infection before recommending safe removal.
How long does it take for damage from DIY ear cleaning to heal?
Minor irritation usually settles within a few days. A perforated eardrum can take several weeks to heal and should always be checked by a professional rather than left to resolve on its own.
Why do my ears keep getting blocked with wax?
Some people are simply more prone to wax build-up. Factors such as the shape of the ear canal, the consistency of the wax and interference with the ear’s natural cleaning process can all play a role.
How do I know whether my blocked ear is actually caused by wax?
The most reliable way to find out is to have your ear examined. A blocked sensation can have different causes, and an examination can help establish whether earwax is present.
What happens if I don’t actually have a wax build-up?
That’s not a problem – we’ll assess your ears first. If removal isn’t needed, you’ll only be charged the £10 assessment fee, not the full treatment cost.
Book Your Ear Wax Removal In Plymouth
Earwax is completely normal, and having it does not mean your ears are dirty or that you have poor hygiene. The important thing is knowing when to leave your ears alone and when a build-up may need attention.
To book a free, no-obligation consultation, get in touch online or contact us on 07557 360885 or email laura@precisionht.co.uk.
Please note: sudden hearing loss, bleeding or discharge from the ear, significant pain, dizziness, balance problems or symptoms following an injury may require medical assessment rather than routine earwax removal.
