Why Does Earwax Build Up?
Most people never have problems with earwax. But for some, it builds up repeatedly — and there are specific, identifiable reasons why. Understanding your risk factors is the first step to managing them.
How the Ear Normally Manages Wax
The ear has a built-in self-cleaning mechanism. The skin of the ear canal grows outward from the eardrum — a process called epithelial migration — carrying wax with it as it moves. Jaw movements during eating and talking accelerate this process. In most people, wax reaches the outer ear naturally and is washed away or falls out without any intervention.
Earwax buildup occurs when this mechanism is disrupted — either because too much wax is being produced, because the wax can't migrate effectively, or because something is physically blocking its outward movement. Each of these disruptions has specific causes.
Anatomical and Biological Factors
Ear canal anatomy varies considerably between individuals. Narrow or unusually shaped canals — which may be genetic or the result of previous injury or surgery — make it harder for wax to migrate outward. Hairy ear canals, more common in older men, trap wax and slow its movement.
Wax production rates also vary. Some people simply produce more cerumen than their ear canal can clear. This is often a lifelong pattern — people who have had earwax problems in their twenties tend to continue having them throughout their lives.
Age is a significant factor. As we get older, ceruminous gland activity decreases, producing drier, harder wax that migrates less easily. The jaw movements that assist migration also become less vigorous with age. This is why earwax impaction becomes increasingly common in people over 65 — research suggests it affects around one third of older adults in care settings.
Skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis can affect the ear canal skin, altering the consistency of wax and the efficiency of epithelial migration. People with these conditions often experience more frequent wax buildup.
Devices in the Ear Canal
Anything that sits in the ear canal interferes with the outward migration of wax. Hearing aids are the most significant example — the device physically blocks the canal, causing wax to accumulate around it. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology found that hearing aid wearers are significantly more likely to experience cerumen impaction than non-wearers, and that impaction is a leading cause of hearing aid malfunction.
In-ear headphones and earbuds have a similar effect. Regular use of in-ear devices — particularly for extended periods — disrupts wax migration and can cause gradual accumulation. This is increasingly common as more people use earbuds throughout the working day.
Earplugs worn regularly for noise protection or swimming have the same effect. If you use earplugs frequently, it's worth monitoring your ears for symptoms of buildup and having them checked periodically.
Cotton Buds: The Most Preventable Cause
Cotton buds are the single most preventable cause of earwax impaction. They don't remove wax — they push it deeper into the canal, compacting it against the eardrum. The NHS, NICE, and the British Society of Audiology all advise against inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton buds.
The problem is that cotton buds feel effective. They remove visible wax from the outer ear, creating the impression that the ear has been cleaned. What they're actually doing is removing the wax that was about to fall out naturally — while pushing the deeper wax further in.
Beyond wax impaction, cotton buds carry a risk of eardrum perforation, ear canal laceration, and infection. The risks of cotton bud use are well documented and significantly underestimated by most people who use them.
Water Exposure and Swimmer's Ear
Frequent water exposure — from swimming, surfing, or even regular showering — can soften and swell earwax, causing it to become impacted rather than migrating naturally. Water trapped in the ear canal also creates conditions that favour bacterial growth, leading to swimmer's ear (otitis externa).
If you swim regularly and experience recurring earwax problems, wearing well-fitted earplugs during swimming can help — though it's worth noting that earplugs themselves can contribute to wax buildup if used excessively. A balance between protecting the ear from water and allowing normal wax migration is the goal.
Managing Recurring Wax Buildup
If you have identifiable risk factors — hearing aids, narrow canals, a history of impaction — a preventive approach makes more sense than waiting for symptoms to develop. Regular use of olive oil drops (two to three times weekly) keeps wax soft and easier to migrate. Routine professional removal every three to six months prevents accumulation before it becomes symptomatic.
For more on day-to-day ear care, our practical guide covers the steps that genuinely reduce the frequency of buildup — without the risks that come from trying to clean the ear canal yourself.
Written & Reviewed By
Eleni Kiromitis
Ear Care Specialist — Earwax Removal Devon
Eleni is a qualified ear care practitioner based in South Molton, Devon. She holds a Certificate in Ear Care (Level 6) and is trained in both microsuction and water irrigation. She practises in line with NICE guideline NG207 on earwax management and carries full professional indemnity insurance. All clinical content on this page has been written and reviewed by Eleni to ensure accuracy.