Ear Health
Causes of Earwax Buildup
Why some people experience more earwax problems than others, and what factors contribute to blockages.
While earwax is natural and beneficial, some people are more prone to buildup than others. Understanding the causes can help you take preventive measures.
Natural Factors
- Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals
- Producing more wax than average
- Hairy ear canals
- Ageing (wax becomes drier)
- Skin conditions like eczema
Lifestyle Factors
- Regular use of earbuds or headphones
- Wearing hearing aids
- Using cotton buds (pushes wax deeper)
- Working in dusty environments
- Swimming regularly
The Cotton Bud Problem
One of the most common causes of earwax impaction we see is the use of cotton buds. While they might seem like a good idea, cotton buds actually push wax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. They can also scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, leading to irritation and infection. The advice is simple: don't put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.