Why Do Our Ears Block Up with Wax?

Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to trap dust, bacteria, and debris, keeping the ears clean and healthy. However, an excessive buildup can lead to blockages, discomfort, and even temporary hearing loss.

In this blog, we will be discussing

Why do my ears block up with wax? Natural Overproduction.

Some people naturally produce more ear wax than others due to genetic factors. Over time, this excess wax can accumulate and cause a blockage (Guest et al., 2004).

The amount of ear wax a person produces is largely influenced by genetic factors, with some individuals naturally generating more than others. This overproduction occurs due to increased activity in the ceruminous and sebaceous glands located in the ear canal, which produce wax as a protective barrier against debris, bacteria, and infections (Guest et al., 2004).

Certain ethnic backgrounds may also contribute to differences in ear wax type and production. Studies have found that East Asian and Native American populations typically produce drier, flakier wax, while African and European populations tend to have wetter, stickier wax due to variations in the ABCC11 gene (Yoshiura et al., 2006). Individuals with wetter wax may experience more significant accumulation, increasing the likelihood of blockages.

Studies have found that East Asian and Native American populations typically produce drier, flakier wax, while African and European populations tend to have wetter, stickier wax due to variations in the ABCC11 gene 

Additionally, hormonal changes can impact wax production. Adolescents undergoing puberty and adults experiencing stress or hormonal imbalances (such as during pregnancy or menopause) may notice fluctuations in wax production, leading to either excessive buildup or drier, impacted wax (Roland et al., 2008).

Another contributing factor is the body's natural defense mechanism. When the ear detects irritation or increased exposure to dust, pollution, or water (e.g., frequent swimming or working in dusty environments), it may respond by producing more wax to provide additional protection. Over time, this increased production can lead to blockages, hearing difficulties, and discomfort.

Managing Natural Overproduction

• Keep ears dry, as moisture can encourage excess wax production.

• Reduce the use of earplugs and headphones, as they can push wax deeper into the ear canal.

• If wax becomes dry and impacted, using olive oil drops like Earol can help soften it and aid natural migration.

If you are experiencing an overproduction of ear wax and are in need of ear wax removal treatment in Bristol. Please visit our website below and book in to see our Audiologist.

Book Ear Wax Removal

References

Guest, J.F., Greener, M.J., Robinson, A.C. and Smith, A.F., 2004. Impacted ear wax: prevalence, treatment practices, and cost in the UK. British Journal of General Practice, 54(508), pp.862-867.

Roland, P.S., Smith, T.L., Schwartz, S.R., Rosenfeld, R.M., Ballachanda, B., Earll, J.M. and Jones, S., 2008. Clinical practice guideline: cerumen impaction. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 139(3_suppl), pp.S1-S21.

Yoshiura, K., Kinoshita, A., Ishida, T., Ninokata, A., Ishikawa, T., Kaname, T., Bannai, M., Tokunaga, K., Sonoda, S., Komaki, R. and Gojobori, T., 2006. A SNP in the ABCC11 gene is the determinant of human earwax type. Nature Genetics, 38(3), pp.324-330.