Why Some People Get More Ear Wax Build Up Than Others

What Causes Ear Wax to Build Up More in Some People Than Others?

Have you ever noticed how some people never seem to have issues with their ears, whilst you're constantly dealing with that blocked, muffled feeling? You're not imagining it. During our years helping people across the UK with ear wax removal, we've met countless clients who ask us this exact question: "Why do my ears produce so much more wax than everyone else's?"

Just last week, we had a client tell us she'd been using cotton buds every single day for years, convinced she was just a "waxy person." Turns out, her ears were actually producing a normal amount of wax – but her cleaning habits were making everything worse. It got us thinking about how many people don't realise that ear wax build-up isn't always about how much wax you produce.

The truth is, there's a fascinating mix of genetics, lifestyle habits, and anatomy that determines why some of us end up needing professional ear wax removal more often than others. In this article, we're going to break down the real reasons behind excessive ear wax accumulation, help you understand what's normal (and what's not), and explain when it's time to get professional help. Whether you're dealing with constant blockages or you're just curious about why your ears behave the way they do, we've got the answers you're looking for.

What Makes Ear Wax Accumulate Faster and What Are the Main Causes of Excessive Ear Wax?

Ear wax accumulates faster in some people due to a combination of genetic factors and external triggers. The main causes of excessive ear wax include:

• Genetics and ear canal shape – Some people naturally produce more wax or have narrower ear canals that trap wax more easily
• Age-related changes – As we get older, ear wax becomes drier and harder, making it less likely to naturally migrate out of the ear
• Frequent earphone or hearing aid use – These devices push wax deeper into the canal and prevent natural drainage
• Excessive cleaning attempts – Using cotton buds actually compacts wax further into the ear rather than removing it
• Underlying skin conditions – Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can increase wax production
• Environmental factors – Dusty or dirty work environments stimulate the ear to produce more protective wax

If you're experiencing regular blockages, muffled hearing, or discomfort, professional ear wax removal can safely clear the build-up without damaging your ear canal.

The Genetic Lottery: Why Some People Are Naturally Waxier

Here's something that surprises most of our clients: the type of ear wax you produce is written in your DNA. Scientists have identified a specific gene that determines whether you produce wet, sticky ear wax or dry, flaky ear wax. If you're of European or African descent, you've probably got the wet type. East Asian populations tend to have the dry variety.

But it's not just about wet versus dry. Your genetics also influence:

• How much wax your ears actually produce
• The consistency and thickness of that wax
• How quickly it accumulates in your ear canal
• Whether it naturally works its way out or gets stuck

We see this all the time in families. One client told us that three generations of women in her family need regular ear wax removal every few months, whilst her husband's ears never seem to block up at all. That's genetics doing its thing.

The sticky, wet type of ear wax tends to cause more problems because it doesn't migrate out of the ear canal as easily. It's like trying to move honey versus moving breadcrumbs – one's going to get stuck more often.

Your Ear Canal Anatomy Matters More Than You Think

Stand in front of a mirror and look at your ear. Looks pretty standard, right? But what you can't see is the unique shape and size of your ear canal, and this makes a massive difference to how wax behaves.

Some people have narrow ear canals. Others have canals with unusual curves or bends. A few have extra hairy ear canals (yes, really – those tiny hairs are there to help move wax along). All of these factors affect whether wax flows naturally out of your ear or gets trapped inside.

Narrow ear canals are particularly problematic. Even a normal amount of wax can cause blockages because there's simply less space for it to move through. We often see younger people with narrow canals who assume they're producing too much wax, when actually their ears are just built differently.

Bendy ear canals create natural traps where wax accumulates. Think of it like a river with lots of bends – debris gets caught in the curves. Your ear wax does the same thing.

Hairy ear canals might sound odd, but those little hairs play a big role. They're supposed to help wax travel outwards, but if you've got particularly dense hair growth in there, it can actually trap wax instead of moving it along.

There's nothing you can do to change your ear anatomy, but understanding it helps explain why you might need professional ear wax removal more regularly than your friends or family members.

Age Changes Everything (Including Your Ear Wax)

Remember when you were younger and never thought about your ears? That changes as we get older, and there's solid science behind why.

After about age 50, ear wax starts behaving differently. It becomes drier, harder, and more likely to get impacted. The glands that produce ear wax don't work quite as efficiently, so the wax that does get produced tends to be less oily and more stubborn.

Here's what happens as we age:

• Ear wax loses moisture and becomes crusty
• The tiny hairs in your ear canal become less effective at moving wax outwards
• Wax production can actually increase in some people
• The self-cleaning mechanism of your ears slows down

We see this pattern constantly in our clinic. Clients in their 60s and 70s who never had ear problems suddenly find themselves needing ear wax removal every few months. They'll say things like, "I've never had trouble with my ears before – what's changed?" The answer is age.

Men tend to experience this more dramatically than women. Those ear canal hairs we mentioned earlier? They get longer and more wiry with age in men, which creates even more obstacles for wax to navigate around.

The good news is that regular professional ear wax removal becomes a simple solution. Most of our older clients schedule appointments every 3-6 months and never have to worry about sudden blockages or hearing loss.

The Cotton Bud Paradox: Why Cleaning Makes It Worse

This might be the most common mistake we see, and it's completely understandable why people do it. You feel wax in your ear, you grab a cotton bud, you clean it out. Makes sense, right? Wrong.

Cotton buds push wax deeper into your ear canal. Every single time. You might remove a tiny bit from the entrance of your ear, but you're compacting the rest further inside, right up against your eardrum. It's like using a toilet plunger backwards – you're not removing the blockage, you're just shoving it further in.

Here's what actually happens when you use cotton buds regularly:

The wax gets impacted – Pushed deep into the ear canal where it hardens and sticks to the walls

You create a wax plug – All that compacted wax forms a solid barrier that your ear can't clear naturally

Your ears produce more wax – The irritation from cotton buds signals your ears to produce extra wax as protection

You damage the delicate skin – The ear canal skin is incredibly thin and easily scratched, leading to infections

One of our regular clients admitted she'd been using cotton buds twice daily for 20 years. She thought she was preventing build-up, but when we examined her ears, both canals were completely blocked with impacted wax. Once we removed it and she stopped using cotton buds, her ears started self-cleaning properly again. She only needs to see us once a year now.

The packaging on cotton buds literally says "do not insert into ear canal," but people ignore it because it feels like it's working. It's not. You're making the problem worse.

Modern Life and Your Ears: Earphones, Hearing Aids, and Everything In Between

Your lifestyle plays a bigger role in ear wax build-up than you might think. We live in a world where things go in our ears constantly – earbuds for music, hearing aids, earplugs for sleeping, headphones for work calls. All of these interfere with your ear's natural self-cleaning process.

Earphones and earbuds are probably the biggest culprits in younger people. If you're wearing them for several hours a day, they're:

• Blocking the natural exit route for wax
• Pushing existing wax further into the canal
• Creating a warm, moist environment that changes wax consistency
• Introducing bacteria that can affect ear health

We've had clients in their 20s who work from home and wear earbuds 8+ hours daily for video calls. They're shocked when we tell them this is why they need ear wax removal every few months.

Hearing aids create similar problems but with an added twist. They're worn even more consistently than earbuds, sometimes 12-16 hours per day. The hearing aid sits right in the ear canal, preventing any wax from escaping naturally. Plus, the presence of a foreign object stimulates the ear to produce more wax as a protective response.

About 60-70% of hearing aid users experience more frequent wax build-up compared to before they started wearing the devices. If you wear hearing aids, regular professional ear wax removal should be part of your routine maintenance – just like cleaning the hearing aids themselves.

Earplugs for work or sleep have the same effect. Whether you're a musician, construction worker, or someone who needs silence to sleep, those plugs are creating a barrier that traps wax inside.

The solution isn't to stop using these devices (though taking breaks helps). It's about being aware that if you use them regularly, you'll probably need professional ear wax removal more often than someone who doesn't.

Health Conditions That Affect Wax Production

Sometimes excessive ear wax isn't just about your ears – it's about what's happening elsewhere in your body.

Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis don't just affect the skin you can see. They can affect the skin inside your ear canal too. This irritated skin produces more wax as a protective response, and the wax itself might have a different consistency that makes it harder to clear naturally.

We've worked with clients who have eczema and find that their ear problems flare up at the same time as their skin symptoms. Managing the skin condition often helps manage the ear wax too, but they still need regular ear wax removal because the underlying issue doesn't go away completely.

Bone conditions like osteomas (bony growths in the ear canal) or exostoses create physical obstacles. These aren't common, but when they're present, they narrow the ear canal and trap wax behind them. Surfers and cold-water swimmers develop these more frequently – it's actually called "surfer's ear."

Autoimmune conditions can increase wax production as part of the body's overall inflammatory response. Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis sometimes come with unexpected side effects, and excessive ear wax can be one of them.

Stress and hormonal changes affect everything in your body, including your ears. We've had women tell us their ears block up more during pregnancy or menopause. Stress increases inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger the ears to produce more protective wax.

If you have any chronic health condition and you're experiencing frequent ear wax build-up, mention it to your GP. There might be a connection you haven't considered.

Your Job and Environment Play a Role

Where you work and what you do matters more than you'd think. Your ears are constantly responding to your environment, and some environments trigger more wax production than others.

Dusty or dirty workplaces are the main culprits. If you work in:

• Construction or building trades
• Manufacturing or factory settings
• Agriculture or farming
• Woodworking or carpentry
• Mining or drilling operations

Your ears are producing extra wax to protect themselves from all that airborne debris. It's not a flaw – it's your ears doing their job. But it means you're going to accumulate wax faster than someone who works in an office.

We had a joiner come in recently who'd been suffering with blocked ears for months. Turns out his workshop was incredibly dusty, and his ears were just trying to keep all that sawdust out. Once we removed the impacted wax, we recommended he wear proper ear protection at work. Problem solved.

Air conditioning and heating create dry environments that change wax consistency. If you're in a climate-controlled office all day, your ear wax might become drier and more likely to get stuck.

Swimming and water exposure has an interesting effect. Regular swimmers often produce more wax because the ears are trying to protect against water intrusion. But the water can also soften existing wax, sometimes causing it to swell and block the canal suddenly.

High-noise environments trigger protective responses too. Your ears recognise loud noise as a threat and may produce more wax as a defence mechanism.

There's nothing wrong with any of these jobs or activities – but if this describes your daily life, don't be surprised if you need ear wax removal more regularly than your partner who works from a quiet home office.

Signs You Actually Need Professional Ear Wax Removal

So how do you know when normal ear wax has crossed the line into problematic ear wax? Here are the signs we tell people to watch for:

Hearing loss or muffled sounds – This is the most common symptom. If you're constantly asking people to repeat themselves or turning the TV volume up, wax might be blocking your ear canal.

Feeling of fullness or pressure – Like there's something stuck in your ear that won't come out, or like you're underwater.

Earache or discomfort – Not sharp pain (that's usually an infection), but a dull ache or persistent discomfort.

Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) – Wax pressing against your eardrum can cause or worsen ringing in the ears.

Itching deep in the ear canal – Surface itching is usually dry skin, but deep itching often means wax build-up.

Dizziness or balance problems – Severe wax impaction can affect your balance, though this is less common.

Discharge or odour – If impacted wax has been there long enough, it can start to break down and smell.

Sudden hearing loss after water exposure – Water causes wax to swell, which can suddenly block a partially-blocked canal.

Here's a rule we share with all our clients: if you can see wax when you look in the mirror, that's normal. Your ears are supposed to have some wax visible at the entrance. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, or if you can't remember the last time you could hear clearly, it's time for professional help.

Don't wait until you're completely blocked. It's much easier (and more comfortable) to remove wax before it becomes severely impacted.

Why Professional Ear Wax Removal Is Different

We know what you're thinking – "Can't I just sort this out at home?" We get asked this every single day, and we understand the temptation. Home removal kits are cheap, convenient, and seem straightforward.

But here's what we see in our clinic regularly: people who've tried everything at home, made the problem worse, and then come to us to fix it. We're not saying this to scare you – we're saying it because we've seen the complications that can happen when wax removal goes wrong.

What we do differently:

When you come to us for ear wax removal, we start with a proper examination using specialist equipment. We can see exactly what's going on in your ear canal – how much wax is there, where it's positioned, whether it's soft or impacted, and if there are any other issues we need to be aware of.

We use microsuction or irrigation methods depending on what's best for your specific situation. Microsuction is like a tiny vacuum that gently removes wax under direct vision – we can see what we're doing the entire time. Irrigation uses a controlled flow of water to flush wax out, but only when it's safe to do so.

The whole process typically takes 15-30 minutes, it's not painful, and you walk out with clear ears and restored hearing. Most clients tell us they wish they'd come sooner instead of struggling for months.

Real results from real people:

Last month, a teacher came to see us who hadn't been able to hear her students properly for weeks. She'd been compensating by watching their lips and moving closer to them, but she was exhausted from the effort. After ear wax removal, she actually teared up because she could hear clearly again. She said it was like someone had turned the volume back up on her life.

We had a retired gentleman who'd been using olive oil drops for six months trying to soften his wax. It hadn't worked, and he was getting more and more isolated because he couldn't follow conversations. When we removed the impacted wax, his wife said, "Now I don't have to shout anymore!" He's been coming back every four months for maintenance ever since.

A young client who wore earbuds for gaming 6+ hours daily was experiencing constant ringing in his ears. He thought he'd damaged his hearing permanently. Turned out it was just severely impacted wax pressing on his eardrum. Once we cleared it, the tinnitus stopped immediately.

These aren't unusual cases – this is what we do every day. The relief people feel when they can hear properly again is exactly why we do this work.

Trust Building & Expert Insight

Why Professional Ear Wax Removal Is Different

We know what you're thinking – "Can't I just sort this out at home?" We get asked this every single day, and we understand the temptation. Home removal kits are cheap, convenient, and seem straightforward.

But here's what we see in our clinic regularly: people who've tried everything at home, made the problem worse, and then come to us to fix it. We're not saying this to scare you – we're saying it because we've seen the complications that can happen when wax removal goes wrong.

What we do differently:

When you come to us for ear wax removal, we start with a proper examination using specialist equipment. We can see exactly what's going on in your ear canal – how much wax is there, where it's positioned, whether it's soft or impacted, and if there are any other issues we need to be aware of.

We use microsuction or irrigation methods depending on what's best for your specific situation. Microsuction is like a tiny vacuum that gently removes wax under direct vision – we can see what we're doing the entire time. Irrigation uses a controlled flow of water to flush wax out, but only when it's safe to do so.

The whole process typically takes 15-30 minutes, it's not painful, and you walk out with clear ears and restored hearing. Most clients tell us they wish they'd come sooner instead of struggling for months.

Real results from real people:

Last month, a teacher came to see us who hadn't been able to hear her students properly for weeks. She'd been compensating by watching their lips and moving closer to them, but she was exhausted from the effort. After ear wax removal, she actually teared up because she could hear clearly again. She said it was like someone had turned the volume back up on her life.

We had a retired gentleman who'd been using olive oil drops for six months trying to soften his wax. It hadn't worked, and he was getting more and more isolated because he couldn't follow conversations. When we removed the impacted wax, his wife said, "Now I don't have to shout anymore!" He's been coming back every four months for maintenance ever since.

A young client who wore earbuds for gaming 6+ hours daily was experiencing constant ringing in his ears. He thought he'd damaged his hearing permanently. Turned out it was just severely impacted wax pressing on his eardrum. Once we cleared it, the tinnitus stopped immediately.

These aren't unusual cases – this is what we do every day. The relief people feel when they can hear properly again is exactly why we do this work.

When to Schedule Regular Appointments

Some people only need ear wax removal once in their lifetime. Others need it regularly. Here's how to figure out which category you fall into:

You probably need regular appointments (every 3-6 months) if you:

• Wear hearing aids daily
• Use earbuds or earphones for several hours each day
• Work in dusty or dirty environments
• Are over 60 years old
• Have narrow or unusually shaped ear canals
• Have had impacted wax removed before and it came back quickly
• Have a history of excessive wax production
• Swim regularly or are exposed to water frequently

You might only need occasional appointments if you:

• Rarely have ear problems but are currently experiencing symptoms
• Have tried home remedies that haven't worked
• Want a professional assessment to understand your ear health
• Are experiencing sudden hearing changes or discomfort

There's no shame in needing regular ear wax removal. Think of it like going to the dentist or getting your hair cut – it's just maintenance. Your ears are doing their job by producing wax; we're just helping them when the natural process isn't working as well as it should.

We often recommend that people book their next appointment before they leave the clinic. That way, you're staying ahead of the problem rather than waiting until you're blocked up again. Prevention is always easier than cure.

What You Can (and Can't) Do at Home

We're not going to tell you that there's nothing you can do to help your ears between professional appointments. There are some safe practices that can help, but you need to know the boundaries.

Safe home care:

• Let your ears self-clean naturally – wax is supposed to work its way out on its own
• Wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth – clean what you can see, don't go digging
• Use olive oil drops if your GP or audiologist has recommended them (2-3 drops, twice daily for 3-5 days before an appointment)
• Take breaks from earphones and hearing aids when possible
• Keep your ears dry after swimming or showering

What to absolutely avoid:

• Cotton buds or Q-tips inside the ear canal
• Ear candles (they don't work and can cause burns or injuries)
• Bobby pins, keys, or any other objects in your ears
• Excessive ear syringing at home without professional guidance
• High-pressure water from showers directly into the ear
• Any "ear vacuum" devices sold online without professional training

If you're using olive oil drops and they're not working after five days, stop and book an appointment. Sometimes oil can make things worse by causing wax to swell, especially if there's already a blockage. We can safely remove softened wax much more easily than you can at home.

Your Next Steps

If you've read this far, you're probably dealing with ear wax build-up yourself or you're trying to understand why it keeps happening. The good news is that you don't have to live with blocked ears, muffled hearing, or constant discomfort.

Here's what to do right now:

Book an appointment if you're experiencing any of the symptoms we've talked about – hearing loss, fullness, discomfort, tinnitus, or any other ear-related issues. Don't wait until it gets worse. Early intervention is always easier and more comfortable.

Stop using cotton buds if you haven't already. Seriously, throw them away. Your ears will thank you, and you'll probably find your wax problems improve within a few weeks.

Keep a note of how often you're experiencing problems. If you're getting blocked ears every few months, you're a good candidate for regular maintenance appointments. We can set up a schedule that works for you.

Talk to us about your lifestyle, work environment, and any health conditions you have. The more we understand about your specific situation, the better we can help you manage your ear health long-term.

We're here to help you hear clearly and feel comfortable. Ear wax removal is quick, safe, and effective when done professionally. Whether you need a one-off appointment or regular maintenance, we've got the expertise and equipment to take care of your ears properly.

Ready to sort out your ear wax problem? Contact Happy Ears Ear Wax Removal today to book your appointment. You can call us, send a message, or book online – whatever works best for you. Most clients tell us they wish they'd come sooner, so don't put it off any longer.

Your ears have been trying to protect you with that wax. Now let us help them do their job properly. Clear hearing is just an appointment away.

I want to express my great appreciation for all the staff at Dent Clinic. You gave me excellent and extremely professional service. I really appreciate it. Thank you!

Rhonda Forester