A blocked ear can be particularly frustrating in summer. Whether you are swimming, travelling, wearing earbuds more often or simply trying to enjoy a family holiday, muffled hearing and a feeling of pressure can quickly become distracting. Earwax is often the cause, but it is not the only possible reason for a blocked ear.
Earwax, also called cerumen, is normal and useful. It helps to protect the skin of the ear canal by trapping dust and debris, keeping the canal lubricated and helping to prevent infection. Most ears clear wax naturally. Sometimes, however, wax builds up, becomes hard or is pushed deeper into the ear canal. When this happens, professional earwax removal may be a safe and effective option.
Why ears can feel blocked during summer
Warm weather does not necessarily cause earwax to build up, but summer activities can make an existing wax problem more noticeable. Swimming and water exposure can cause wax to swell slightly, making the ear feel more blocked. Water may also become trapped behind or around wax, leading to a sensation of fullness, crackling or reduced hearing.
Travelling by plane can also draw attention to ear symptoms. Changes in air pressure may cause discomfort, particularly if you have a cold, allergies or congestion. This pressure-related problem is not always due to wax, but wax can make hearing feel more muffled and make it harder to tell what is causing the discomfort.
Other common summer factors include:
- Frequent swimming, paddling or water sports
- Using earplugs, hearing aids or in-ear headphones
- Dust, pollen and seasonal allergy symptoms
- Colds or sinus congestion while travelling
- Attempting to dry or clean the ears after swimming
It is worth remembering that a blocked feeling after swimming can sometimes be caused by water in the ear, irritation of the ear canal or an outer ear infection rather than wax. An assessment can help to identify whether earwax removal is appropriate.
Common symptoms of earwax build-up
Wax build-up can affect one or both ears. Symptoms vary depending on how much of the ear canal is blocked and whether the wax is dry, soft or compacted. Some people notice a gradual change, while others become aware of the problem after a shower or swim.
- Muffled hearing or needing to turn the television volume up
- A feeling of fullness, pressure or blockage in the ear
- Hearing your own voice unusually loudly
- Ringing, buzzing or other noises in the ear
- Mild discomfort or itching
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in busy places
- Hearing aid feedback or reduced benefit from hearing aids
These symptoms can also occur for other reasons, including infection, fluid behind the eardrum, allergy-related congestion or problems with pressure equalisation. For this reason, it is important not to assume that every blocked ear is caused by wax.
Why cotton buds and home tools can make things worse
It can be tempting to use a cotton bud, hair grip, tissue or ear-cleaning tool when your ear feels blocked. However, putting anything into the ear canal often pushes wax further in rather than removing it. This can compact the wax against the eardrum and make the blockage more difficult to clear.
Home tools may also scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, increasing the risk of irritation or infection. There is also a risk of injury to the eardrum. Ear candles are not recommended: they do not safely remove earwax and can cause burns or leave candle wax in the ear.
The outside of the ear can be cleaned gently with a damp cloth. In most cases, the ear canal itself does not need routine cleaning.
When softening drops may be suitable
For some people, earwax-softening drops or sprays may help soften wax so that it can move out naturally. A pharmacist can advise whether an appropriate product may be suitable for you and how to use it. These products are not right for everyone.
Do not use ear drops unless you have received suitable advice if you have, or think you may have:
- A perforated eardrum or a history of eardrum problems
- Grommets in place
- Ear surgery in the past
- Ear pain, discharge, bleeding or signs of infection
- Severe dizziness
- A known allergy to ingredients in the product
Even when drops are suitable, they may not clear a significant build-up completely. If your hearing remains reduced or your ear still feels blocked, an ear examination can help establish whether wax is present and whether removal is needed.
When professional earwax removal may help
Professional earwax removal may be helpful when wax is causing symptoms, is blocking the ear canal or is affecting the use of hearing aids. The first step is usually to look inside the ear. This is important because removal should only be carried out when wax is the likely cause and it is safe to proceed.
At Regent Pharmacy, the earwax removal service is designed to provide a convenient local option for people with suspected wax build-up. A trained clinician can assess your ears and explain whether wax removal is appropriate. If the examination suggests a different cause for your symptoms, you may be advised on the most suitable next step.
You may wish to consider booking an assessment if:
- Your hearing has become noticeably muffled
- You have persistent fullness or blockage that does not settle
- You can see wax near the entrance of the ear but cannot remove it safely
- Wax is interfering with your hearing aids or earplugs
- You have tried suitable softening drops as advised but symptoms continue
- You are preparing for travel, an event or a holiday and want the problem assessed
Depending on your individual assessment, you may be advised to use softening drops before removal. This can make wax easier to remove and may improve the likelihood of a comfortable, successful appointment. Follow the preparation instructions given when arranging your service.
Blocked ears after swimming: wax or infection?
If an ear becomes painful after swimming, particularly when you pull the outer ear or press the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal, it may be an outer ear infection. This can also cause itching, discharge, swelling or reduced hearing. Earwax removal is not usually the first step if there are signs of infection.
Try to keep your ears dry after swimming by tilting your head to each side and allowing water to drain naturally. Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. If you swim regularly and are prone to ear problems, ask a healthcare professional for individual advice before using preventative products or earplugs.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most wax-related symptoms are not urgent, but some ear symptoms need prompt medical assessment. Contact NHS 111, your GP or an urgent care service if you have concerning symptoms. Seek urgent help if you have sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, as this should not be assumed to be wax.
- Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss
- Severe ear pain
- Discharge, pus or blood from the ear
- Marked swelling around the ear or behind the ear
- Fever or feeling significantly unwell
- Severe dizziness, spinning sensations or vomiting
- Facial weakness
- A recent head injury or an object stuck in the ear
If you are unsure what is causing your blocked ear, it is safer to have it assessed than to attempt to remove wax yourself.
Book earwax removal at Regent Pharmacy
If blocked ears or reduced hearing are getting in the way of your summer plans, Regent Pharmacy can assess whether earwax may be the cause and whether removal is suitable for you. Book your earwax removal appointment at Regent Pharmacy in Regent Square, Northampton.