The signs your earwax isn’t right – and could be alerting you to a hidden problem

WE all have waxy ears - but what's normal, and when is it a sign of something more serious?

After it was revealed the NHS is no longer offering earwax removal services at many GP surgeries up and down the country, specialists are warning that excessive wax should still not be ignored.

Hearing loss charity RNID said almost 10million people in England do not have access to NHS earwax removal services, and there is a "postcode lottery" of care for patients.

"Earwax removal is not a luxury, a 'nice to have', or a cosmetic procedure; it is a service that is vital for people's quality of life and wellbeing," the authors of the RNID report said.

Around 2.3million people need earwax removal services every year in the UK, and it is more common among older people, hearing aid users and people with a learning disability.

It’s also more likely in people over the age of 55, who have eczema, a lot of ear hair and who use cotton swabs in their ears. 

Recently Loose Women star Kaye Adams, 61, revealed she had a "traumatic 48 hours" after she completely lost hearing in her right ear.

But after going to hospital panicking, it turned out to be a buildup of wax.

She told her Instagram followers: “Paula [the nurse] pulled out the biggest bit of wax you have ever (seen).”

But she was right to have sought medical help, as Dr Veronika Matutyte, a geriatric doctor based in Lithuania, tells Sun Health: “While earwax is often seen as a trivial matter, it holds much more significance than we generally acknowledge.

“Earwax, often dismissed as a mere byproduct of our body's natural processes, can serve as a critical indicator of our overall health.

“It's a window into our body's complex workings and can be a crucial indicator of hidden health issues. 

“I always tell my patients to pay attention to their bodies, even to the smallest signs like changes in earwax.

“It's not about inducing paranoia but promoting awareness and proactive health management.

“Remember, our body has its way of signalling distress; sometimes, it's through something as simple as earwax.”

If left untreated, earwax buildup can lead to:

• Earache or itching 
• Tinnitus 
• Hearing loss

DIY removal can cause extensive and irreversible damage, which is why RND is so concerned about the lack of access to healthcare.

Here, Dr Matutyte reveals what your ‘blocked ears’ could really mean, and why you should see a doctor urgently… 

1. Lupus 

Most people will have heard of lupus, but many are unaware of the signs that they have it. 

The autoimmune disease causes the patients to feel extremely tired, and develop rashes and itchy skin, joint and muscle pain and other symptoms such as weight loss, hair loss, mouth ulcers and swollen glands.

It can also cause an unusual amount of excessive earwax. 

Although there is no cure, treatment is available in the form of steroid tablets and ibuprofen. 

This isn't just about the earwax; it's a signal from the body pointing towards an underlying infection.

Dr Veronika Matutyte

“Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can manifest in numerous ways, including its impact on ear health,” Dr Matutyte continues. 

“Lupus can lead to chronic inflammation, affecting various organs and tissues. 

“This inflammation can also extend to the ears, potentially causing abnormal earwax production.

“Patients with lupus might notice changes in their earwax - be it in consistency, amount, or colour.

“It's a subtle clue, but one that shouldn't be overlooked.”

Lupus is a complex condition that needs lifelong management.

It affects up to one in 1,000 people in the UK, including the comedian Katherine Ryan and singer Selena Gomez.

2. Swimmer’s ear

Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is a condition that causes the ear canal to swell and redden. It is often painful. 

If left untreated, it can lead to an ear infection which would need antibiotics to treat. 

One of the main signs that you could have swimmer’s ear is excessive earwax, or even pus oozing from the ear canal.

“Ear infections can profoundly affect earwax production and characteristics,” Dr Matutyte continues.

“For instance, otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, can lead to increased wax production, often with a change in colour or an unpleasant odour.

“This isn't just about the earwax; it's a signal from the body pointing towards an underlying infection.

“If you notice such symptoms, especially after activities like swimming, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

“Timely intervention can prevent complications and ensure quick recovery.”

3. Bony growths 

Bony growths can occur as a result of swimmer’s ear, with excessive earwax as one symptom. 

Doctors will refer to this condition as osteomas or exostoses.

“They’re benign bony growths that can develop in the ear canal,” explains Dr Matutyte. 

“They may go unnoticed until they cause wax impaction or hearing issues. 

“In my practice, I've observed that individuals with these growths often mistake their symptoms for simple wax buildup. 

“A detailed examination, often involving imaging, is crucial to differentiate these conditions.

“It's a reminder that not all ear issues are as straightforward as they seem.”

Meanwhile, otosclerosis is a problem with the bones inside the ear which causes gradual hearing loss.

Otosclerosis happens when a tiny bone inside your ear, called the stapes, joins (fuses) with other parts of the ear and stops you being able to hear properly.

What can I do about earwax buildup?

Everybody has earwax and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t need to be removed.

And using cotton buds is the last thing you should do because it can damage the ear canal and potentially the eardrum, which could lead to hearing loss. 

However, if it builds up, it can cause hearing loss, earache, tinnitus or vertigo.

The NHS says that if you have blocked ears, speak to a pharmacist who can advise on treatments.

But go to your GP if the wax buildup has not cleared up in about five days or you cannot hear anything.

Some can flush out the wax with water (ear irrigation), or suck the wax out (microsuction). 

The NHS says: “Not all GP surgeries remove earwax buildup. You might have to pay to have them done privately.”

It gives only one method to try and remove earwax from your ears at home:

1. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
2. Put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in your ear – do not use almond oil if you're allergic to almonds.
3. Continue to lie on your side for 5 to 10 minutes after putting in the oil.
4. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day, for 3 to 5 days.

Over about two weeks, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear and your symptoms should improve.

'I was told my itchy ear was nothing to worry about'

Joanna Barnes*, 37, from Buckinghamshire, knew something wasn’t right when her ear started oozing excessive amounts of earwax. 

Pregnant with her son, the discomfort was keeping her up all night and all she wanted was to reach in and scoop it all out.