What Is Earwax and Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed by It

Written By Jackie Misson

As an audiologist, one of the first steps during a hearing assessment is to visually examine the ear. I use a small instrument called an otoscope — essentially a magnifying glass with a light — to take a closer look at the ear canal and the eardrum.

More often than not, I’m met with a nervous laugh or an embarrassed apology:
“I didn’t clean my ears today!”
“Sorry if they’re dirty!”

But here’s the truth — earwax is normal. In fact, it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ears.

Table of Contents

This blog is all about what earwax is, why we have it, and why most people don’t need to be so quick to remove it.

TL;DR
1. What Is Earwax?

2. What Does Earwax Do?

3. When Does Earwax Become a Problem?

4. What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Blockage?

5. I Think I Have A Blockage. Should I Clean My Ears?

6. So, What’s the Safest Way to Remove Earwax?

7. FAQ

8. Conclusion

What Is Earwax?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance produced by tiny glands in the outer ear canal, including sebaceous glands and ceruminous glands. It’s made up of shed skin cells, long-chain fatty acids, and secretions from these glands, forming a thick, oily substance.

Depending on your genetics, earwax may appear dark brown, honey-coloured, dry and flaky, or soft and sticky. While the idea of “more ear wax” might seem off-putting, people naturally produce different amounts — and in most cases, it’s not a sign of poor hygiene or a problem at all.

What Does Earwax Do?

Earwax is more than just ‘gunk’ in the ear — it serves several important functions:

  • Trapping dirt & debris: It prevents foreign objects, like dust or small insects, from reaching the delicate skin of the inner ear.

  • Preventing infection: Earwax contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help protect against ear infections.

  • Repelling water: It’s hydrophobic, so it prevents moisture from building up in the ear canal — important for avoiding infections like swimmer’s ear.

  • Moisturising the skin: The natural oils in earwax keep the skin inside your ears from drying out or cracking, reducing irritation.

  • Self-cleaning: Your ears are designed to clean themselves. As the skin in your ear canal sheds, it moves earwax slowly outwards, carrying with it any trapped particles.

When Does Earwax Become a Problem?

In healthy ears, the natural cleaning process works without help. But for some people, wax builds up over time, leading to what’s known as cerumen impaction.

This occurs when excess earwax becomes too heavy or thick to migrate out of the ear opening on its own. It may also be pushed deeper inside the canal by cotton buds, hearing aids, or small objects like earbuds.

Common causes of wax blockage include:

  • Using cotton swabs or other items to “clean” your ears

  • Wearing hearing aids or in-ear devices

  • Having narrow or curvy ear canals

  • Producing more earwax than average

  • Skin conditions or excess dead skin cells

Concerned that some of these causes might’ve led to a blockage of your own? Continue on to find out if you could have been affected.

What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Blockage?

If you have too much earwax or a complete earwax blockage, you may notice:

  1. Temporary hearing loss or reduced hearing

  2. Ear pain or discomfort

  3. A feeling of fullness or “blocked up” sensation

  4. Itchiness in or around the outer ear

  5. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)

  6. Dizziness or vertigo

These symptoms can mimic more serious ear conditions, so it’s always best to have your ears examined by a professional.

I Think I Have A Blockage. Should I Clean My Ears?

Most of the time, no. Earwax removal isn’t necessary UNLESS you’re experiencing symptoms. The outer ear canal is self-cleaning — cleaning it yourself often does more harm than good.

Avoid using cotton buds or ear candles. These can push wax deeper, cause scratches or irritation, or even lead to eardrum damage.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, use a few drops of olive oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter wax softening drops for a few weeks before your appointment. These help to loosen the wax, making it easier to remove.

So, What’s the Safest Way to Remove Earwax?

If you do need to remove excess earwax, the safest method is professional microsuction — a gentle, controlled procedure performed by audiologists using a tiny suction device.


Read more about our earwax removal services in Hobart and how we can help you manage ear health safely.

Other Common Earwax-Related Questions You May Have

  • Absolutely. A wax build-up can block the receivers of hearing aids, reducing clarity and even causing malfunctions. If you wear a hearing aid and notice sound is muffled or distorted, excessive earwax could be the cause.

  • No — earwax is a healthy, protective substance. It only becomes an issue if it blocks the ear or causes symptoms.

  • Avoid DIY methods like an ear syringe or body temperature water unless advised by a professional. Water can cause damage if the eardrum is perforated.

  • In some otolaryngology head and neck procedures, clear ear canals may be needed. Your specialist will let you know if wax removal is recommended beforehand.

  • It comes down to genetics, environment, and sometimes skin conditions. Some people naturally produce more earwax due to tiny glands being more active.

Conclusion

Earwax is your body’s way of protecting one of its most delicate and vital systems. In most cases, it doesn’t need to be removed — and in fact, trying to clean your ears too much can lead to problems.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a wax blockage, don’t risk using DIY methods — instead, book an appointment with a qualified audiologist for safe and effective treatment.

Book your earwax removal appointment →

 

References

1. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation - ANMF Tasmanian Branch (2022, June 8).

Important Information Professional Indemnity Insurance [Image attached][Status update].

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2. Bird, S. (2003). The potential pitfalls of ear syringing. Minimising the risks. PubMed, 32(3),

150–151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12666354

3. Ernst, E. (2004) ‘Ear Candles: A triumph of ignorance over science’, The Journal of

Laryngology & Otology, 118(1), pp. 1–2. doi:10.1258/002221504322731529.

4. Radford, J.C. (2020) ‘Treatment of impacted ear wax: A case for increased

community-based microsuction’, BJGP Open, 4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20x101064.

5. Zackaria, M. and Aymat, A. (2009) ‘Ear candling: A case report’, European Journal of General

Practice, 15(3), pp. 168–169. doi:10.3109/13814780903260756.

Jackie Misson