Is earwax blockage serious, and when are drops unsuitable?
Impacted wax can cause fullness or hearing difficulty and is often treatable once the cause is confirmed. Not every blocked ear is wax. Sudden hearing loss, severe pain or discharge needs examination; wax drops should not be used indiscriminately with a perforation or ventilation tube.
Details
Examination guides treatment
A clinician may recommend a softener or remove wax using suction, suitable instruments or irrigation when appropriate. Eardrum condition, previous surgery, diabetes and immune status influence the choice.
What should be avoided?
Do not insert tools or forcefully flush the ear at home. Mention any past perforation, tube or surgery, and seek advice before drops when there is pain or drainage.
If hearing does not improve
Hearing testing or assessment for another cause may be needed after removal. Sudden loss, especially in one ear, warrants urgent same-day assessment; do not wait to see whether wax treatment works before seeking care.
Related reading: Do ears need routine cleaning, and how can I clean them safely?.