Overview
Symptoms
Earwax build-up can manifest itself in the form of:
- Earache
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo (dizziness)
- Ear infections
Causes
A build-up of earwax is in most cases caused by an excessive amount of wax in the ear. Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally produce a lot of earwax.
Other factors that can contribute to earwax build up include:
- Having narrow ear canals
- Having hairy ear canals
- Having bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal
- Frequently inserting objects such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids into the ear
Ear wax build up can also occur in elderly people as the ear wax produced dries out with age.
Treatment
Usually earwax build-up clears up by itself. However, if it is blocking your ear you can treat it by applying 2 to 3 drops of olive in the ear twice a day for a few of days. Olive oil and other types of ear drops can be bought at the local pharmacy where a pharmacist can help advise on a range of treatments.
It is important not to use your fingers or objects such as cotton buds to get rid of earwax as this will only push the wax in further.
If these treatments are unsuccessful, you should visit your GP.