Ear Wax: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Removal Tips

November 20th, 2025 | by Kate Deman | Awareness

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance your ears produce to stay healthy. While it protects your ear canal from dust, bacteria, and moisture, too much wax can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, or even balance issues. Understanding ear wax, along with its causes, and safe removal tips can help you maintain your optimal ear health.

Key Takeaways

Ear wax is a normal protective substance that keeps your ears clean and moisturized.
Excess ear wax can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or ear pain.
Safe at-home cleaning is possible, but professional removal is often the most effective.
Recognizing symptoms of wax buildup early can prevent complications.
Using cotton swabs or inserting objects into the ear can worsen wax buildup or even cause injury.
Regular check-ups with a hearing healthcare professional can help maintain ear health.
Wax buildup is common in people who wear hearing aids or ear plugs frequently.
Early intervention can improve hearing, relieve discomfort, and prevent infections.

What Causes Ear Wax

Ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal and has several important functions:

Protection: Ear wax traps dirt, dust, and small particles, preventing them from reaching your eardrum.
Lubrication: Wax helps to keep your ear canal moist, which will prevent any dryness, irritation, or itchiness.
Antibacterial Properties: Wax also helps to prevent any bacteria from forming which can lead to infections.

Factors that cause wax buildup can include:

Improper Cleaning: Using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper into your ear canal and cause impaction.
Hearing Aids or Earplugs: Frequent use can prevent wax from naturally exiting the ear.
Overactive Wax Glands: Some people naturally produce more wax than others and may see buildup more frequently.
Ear Anatomy: Since everyone’s anatomy is different, those who have a narrower, or more “bendy” ear canal may see buildup as it can prevent wax from exiting.
Age: As we get older, wax tends to become drier and harder which can make it easier to accumulate.

While ear wax is essential to ear health, an imbalance between the production of wax and the natural removal your body provides can lead to buildup and blockages. Making regular ear check ups is an important part of maintaining healthy hearing.

What is the Best Way to Clean Wax Out of Ears

Proper ear cleaning is key in preventing discomfort, hearing issues, and infections. While your ears are self-cleaning to a point, wax can sometimes build up faster than your body is able to remove it. Knowing the right way to clean your ears helps protect your hearing and prevents damage to your ear canal.

Avoid Cotton Swabs

Using cotton swabs, or any small objects to remove ear wax can do more harm than good. Rather than cleaning the ear, cotton swabs push wax deeper into the canal, which can make it build up against the eardrum. Instead, the outer part of your ear can be wiped gently with a washcloth or tissue, avoiding inserting anything inside.

Ear Drops

Over-the-counter drops are designed to soften any ear wax that may have hardened, which makes it easier for the ear to naturally repel it. These drops often contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or saline solution. When using, it is important to follow the directions on the packaging and use them only as needed. At Hearing Solutions, we are pleased to be able to offer ear drops that can be purchased and walk you through the process of how to use them.

Irrigation or Flushing

Warm water irrigation is used to help soften wax. This can be done gently at home by using warm water irrigation with an ear syringe bulb, which is included with many ear drops, or professionally in a clinic. It is worth noting that irrigation should be avoided if you have ear tubes, a history of ear infections, or eardrum perforations, as water entering the middle ear can lead to infections and complications. It is also important to remember that at home irrigation can only go so far – if the impaction is too severe you will need to seek professional help.

Professional Removal

For many people, professional wax removal is the safest and most effective option. Audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and ENTs will use specialized tools, like a curette or a suction device to remove wax under direct visualization. It is a quick method that provides a more precise removal and reduces the risk of irritation or injury.

Because ear health varies from person to person, what works safely for one person might not be the best option for another. If you are experiencing pain, pressure, or hearing loss, it is recommended to speak to a hearing health professional to see what the best solution is.

Is Wax Removal Covered by OHIP

In most cases, ear wax removal is not covered by OHIP. While OHIP provides coverage for medically necessary services, ear wax removal is typically considered a routine or preventative procedure and falls outside of standard coverage.

When It’s Not Covered

If you are visiting a hearing clinic or your family doctor for routine wax removal OHIP will not typically cover the cost.
If the wax buildup is causing mild symptoms, the procedure is still classified as a non-insured service.
Patients are typically responsible for paying the fee directly to the clinic, and prices can vary depending on the provider you see.

When it May Be Covered

In limited situations, such as when wax buildup prevents a doctor from examining your ear, or if it’s causing a diagnosed medial issue like infection or severe hearing loss, your physician may bill OHIP. It is important to speak to your doctor or hearing health provider before the procedure to have a clear understanding of any charges you may incur.

Many private hearing clinics across Ontario offer professional ear wax removal services for a set fee. These appointments are performed by a trained hearing healthcare professional who will use safe and specialized tools during your appointment.

Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus

Yes, ear wax buildup can contribute to tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears. Wax buildup can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum properly, which creates pressure in your ear canal. This pressure can produce the perception of tinnitus sounds, even when there is none. In many cases, removing any wax buildup can alleviate tinnitus symptoms if wax buildup is the main cause.

Can Wax in the Ear Cause Vertigo

The answer is yes, excessive ear wax can sometimes affect balance, as severe blockage may alter the pressure in your ear canal or inner ear. In turn, this affects the vestibular system that controls balance and can lead to dizziness, light headedness, or vertigo.

Proper wax removal can usually resolve these balance related symptoms if managed properly.

Is It Worth Getting Ear Wax Professional Removed

Professional ear wax removal is often the safest option, especially when the wax is impacted or difficult to remove at home. If you are experiencing pain, dizziness, or hearing loss it is a good idea to consult with your physician or hearing healthcare provider to determine the best next steps.

Additionally, professional removal is also recommended if you have conditions such as diabetes, a history of ear surgery, or frequent ear infections.

Benefits of professional wax removal include:

The use of safe, specialized tools.
Reduces risk of damaging the eardrum or ear canal.
Ensures complete removal of wax to help improve your comfort and hearing.

What Are the Signs of Ear Wax Buildup

You may need ear wax removal if you notice any of the following:

Sudden hearing loss or muffled hearing. Sounds may seem quieter or “blocked” – especially in one ear.
Ear fullness or pressure. This can feel like your ear is plugged or congested, like what you may feel on an airplane.
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing), as wax can create pressure on the eardrum that leads to ringing or humming noises.
Earaches, discomfort, pain, tenderness – any feelings of irritation in the ear canal may indicate impacted wax.
Dizziness or balance issues, as a blocked ear canal can affect your equilibrium and cause light headedness or vertigo.
Frequent itching or discharge. These may be signs that wax is accumulation, trapping debris, or causing mild inflammation and is worth getting checked out.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your ears examined by a hearing care professional or audiologist. They’ll be able to quickly assess whether wax is the cause and safely remove it using specialized tools.

Even if symptoms seem minor, addressing them early can prevent further buildup, reduce the risk of infection, and improve your overall hearing comfort. Routine ear check are especially helpful for those who wear hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds frequently, as these can also increase the likelihood of wax accumulation.

Next Steps

Ear wax is a natural and protective part of your ear health, but excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing problems, and even balance issues. Understanding how to safely manage ear wax, recognizing the signs of buildup, and knowing when to seek professional removal can protect your hearing and prevent complications.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT call now 1-888-335-0771

References:

Hearing Solutions (n.d.) Ear Wax Removal. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-loss/hearing-health/ear-wax-removal/

Hearing Solutions (29, November 2024). The Truth About Cotton Swabs and Ear Health. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/the-truth-about-cotton-swabs-and-ear-health/

Hearing Solutions (16, November 2023). Is Hearing Loss Connected to Falling? https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/is-hearing-loss-connected-to-falling/

Mayo Clinic (20, September 2025). Earwax Blockage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353004

Very Well Health (03, October 2025). How to Safely Remove Earwax Buildup at Home. https://www.verywellhealth.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ear-wax-1192043

Healthline (15, May 2024). Understanding Ear Wax and Tinnitus. https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-wax-tinnitus

Sussex Audiology Centre (10, February 2024). Can Ear Wax Cause Vertigo? Understanding the Connection. https://sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk/can-ear-wax-cause-vertigo-understanding-the-connection/

American Hearing + Audiology (4, December 2023). Professional Ear Wax Removal: Is it Right for You? https://americanhearing.us/professional-ear-wax-removal-is-it-right-for-you/

Government of Ontario (9, April 2025). What OHIP Covers. https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers

Kate Deman