Is Earwax Normal? Understanding Its Purpose and When It Becomes a Problem

What Is Earwax Made Of?

Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It’s made up of:

• Shed skin cells

• Secretions from sebaceous and sweat glands

• Dust and tiny particles from the environment

The result is a sticky, waxy coating that acts as a barrier, trapping debris before it can go deeper into the ear.

Why Do We Need Earwax?

Far from being a nuisance, earwax helps protect your ears in several important ways:

• Cleans naturally: As your jaw moves when you talk or chew, it helps push old wax out of the ear canal.

• Prevents infections: Its slightly acidic properties help keep bacteria and fungi at bay.

• Shields the eardrum: Wax provides a buffer against dust, dirt, and even small insects.

• Moisturises the skin: It prevents the ear canal from becoming dry and itchy.

So When Does Earwax Become a Problem?

In most cases, earwax takes care of itself. But sometimes, it builds up and causes discomfort or symptoms such as:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear

• Muffled or reduced hearing

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds)

• Itching or irritation

• Dizziness or balance problems

Excess wax can be triggered by:

• Overuse of cotton buds (which push wax deeper)

• Wearing hearing aids or in-ear headphones regularly

• Naturally narrow ear canals

• Older age (as wax becomes drier and harder)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time for professional earwax removal.

Do I Need to Clean My Ears Regularly?

In most cases, the answer is no. The ears are self-cleaning. Movements like talking and chewing help old wax move outward naturally, where it dries up and falls away without you noticing.

However, if you’re prone to wax buildup or wear hearing aids or earbuds frequently, you may benefit from routine softening using olive oil drops. Simply apply 2–3 drops in the affected ear while lying on your side for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess. Doing this once a week or fortnightly can help prevent blockage.

You may also notice water entering your ears during a shower or bath. This is usually harmless and drains out on its own, but if you experience a blocked feeling afterward, it could be due to wax swelling. If this happens frequently, softening drops and a professional ear check may be useful.

If you suspect a blockage or are unsure, it’s best to have your ears checked by a professional rather than attempting to clean them yourself.

What Not to Do

Avoid inserting anything into your ears to “clean” them — especially cotton buds or hairpins. These can push wax deeper, cause impaction, or even damage the eardrum. Ear candles are also unsafe and ineffective.

Safe and Effective Earwax Removal in Gorleston

At OnlineChemist, we provide expert earwax removal services using:

• Ear irrigation (ear syringing) – gentle water-based flushing

• Manual extraction – precise removal using sterile tools

Our clinic is based in Gorleston, with easy access for patients in Great Yarmouth, Bradwell, Lowestoft, and surrounding areas. We’ll examine your ears first and recommend the safest and most effective option.

We also advise using olive oil ear drops for 3–5 days before your visit to soften wax and make the removal process smoother.