Will ear wax affect my hearing?

Reviewed by:
Mardene Badenhorst
Published on:
April 12, 2026
Updated on:
August 13, 2026

In most cases, earwax slowly makes its way out of your ears on its own. Everyday movements like chewing, talking, or even yawning help push wax toward the outer ear, where it can flake away naturally. For more tips on keeping your ears clean and healthy, visit our ear hygiene category page.

But sometimes, wax can build up and cause blockages (also called impaction). Signs of earwax buildup include:

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth exploring ear wax removal options and having your ears cleaned by a professional, rather than risk damaging your ear canal with cotton buds at home. During a ClearEars appointment, your local Resonate team, will use the Tympa Health system to safely and gently microsuction ear wax from your ears. To book an appointment, click here or call 0800 737 662.

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