The amount of ear wax produced varies from person to person. You are more likely to develop a blockage of wax in the ear canal if you:

• use cotton ear buds to clean the ear- wax is pushed deeper into the canal;
• wear a hearing aid, ear plugs or use in-ear speakers- these can all interfere with the natural removal process of wax;
• are elderly, because the ear wax you produce is drier and harder;
• have a dry skin problem such as eczema or psoriasis;
• have a particularly narrow ear canal.

Earwax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, discomfort, tinnitus, whistling from a hearing aid device or if your health professional requires a clear view or your eardrum.

Please seek advice from your GP or nurse, and do not attempt to self treat if any of the following apply to you:

• pain, sudden deafness or buzzing in the ear;
• a history of ear drum perforation or previous surgery in the affected ear;
• symptoms of infection in the ear – usually pain or a smelly discharge;
• have a foreign body in the ear.