Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. Its main function is to protect the ear from dust, dirt, and other foreign particles.

However, too much earwax can cause problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and ear infections. Here are some signs that it’s time to get your earwax cleaned:.

1. Difficulty hearing

If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the volume on the TV or radio, it may be a sign that you have a buildup of earwax.

When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from entering the ear, resulting in hearing loss.

2. Ear pain

If you experience pain or discomfort in your ear, it could be a sign that you have an ear infection or that your earwax has become impacted. Impacted earwax occurs when the wax becomes hard and difficult to remove, causing pressure and pain in the ear.

3. Itchy ears

If you experience persistent itching in your ears, it could be a sign that you have too much earwax. When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can cause irritation and itching.

4. Ringing in the ears

If you experience a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in your ears, it could be a sign of tinnitus. While tinnitus can have many causes, one of the most common is a buildup of earwax.

Related Article Earwax removal: What you need to know

5. Dizziness or vertigo

If you experience frequent dizzy spells or a sensation of spinning, it could be a sign of vertigo. Vertigo can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is a buildup of earwax.

6. Discharge from the ear

If you notice any discharge coming from your ear, it could be a sign of an ear infection or that your earwax has become impacted. Discharge from the ear is typically yellow or brown in color and may have an unpleasant odor.

7. Ear fullness or pressure

If you feel like your ear is full or under pressure, it could be a sign that you have a buildup of earwax. When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure.

8. Coughing

If you experience a persistent cough, it could be a sign that you have a buildup of earwax. When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can stimulate the cough reflex.

9. Ear hygiene

If you notice that you have to clean your ears more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that you have a buildup of earwax.

While it’s important to keep your ears clean, excessive cleaning can actually push earwax further into the ear canal, causing it to become impacted.

10. Hearing aid problems

If you wear a hearing aid, it’s important to get your earwax cleaned regularly. Excessive earwax can clog the hearing aid, causing it to malfunction or not work at all.