Ear wax build-up
Blocked Ears in Nottingham
Blocked ears can feel uncomfortable, muffled, full or pressured. The cause is not always ear wax. Symptoms may be related to wax build-up, infection, inflammation, eustachian tube dysfunction, middle-ear fluid or changes affecting the eardrum.
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. A careful clinical assessment helps ensure treatment is guided by your symptoms, clinical history and examination findings.
- Fullness, pressure or a blocked sensation
- Muffled hearing or reduced clarity
- Popping, crackling or intermittent blockage
- Discomfort, itchiness or mild ear pain
- Symptoms after a cold, flight, swimming or wax build-up
Common ear-related causes
Blocked ears are commonly linked to wax, ear canal inflammation, middle-ear pressure, eustachian tube dysfunction or eardrum changes. Your doctor will assess the ear canal and eardrum before advising on treatment.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Otitis externa or ear canal inflammation
Middle-ear fluid or pressure change
Eardrum changes or previous ear problems
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
At Nottingham Ear Clinic, your doctor will take a clinical history and examine the ear canal and eardrum before advising on the most appropriate treatment. If wax is present, microsuction may be suitable. If inflammation, infection or another ear condition is found, your doctor will explain the findings and advise on the appropriate clinical next steps.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some warning symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, confusion or severe headache
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature or feeling very unwell, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Related ear care services
Private ENT Consultation
Doctor-led assessment for ear pain, discharge, tinnitus, dizziness and complex ear symptoms.
Microsuction Wax Removal
Safe, precise ear wax removal where wax is present and treatment is clinically appropriate.
Ear Infection Treatment
Assessment and treatment advice for painful, itchy, inflamed or discharging ears.
Private Hearing Care
Ear and hearing health checks with access to full hearing assessments from experienced audiologists.
Tinnitus Management
Assessment and support for ringing, buzzing, humming or whooshing sounds.
Hearing Protection
Custom hearing protection, ear impressions and advice for noise exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about blocked ears and when to book an appointment.
Is a blocked ear always caused by wax?
No. Wax is common, but blockage can also be caused by inflammation, infection, eustachian tube dysfunction, middle-ear fluid or eardrum problems. This is why examination is important before treatment.
Can you remove wax if my ear is blocked?
If wax is visible and it is clinically safe to proceed, microsuction or careful manual removal may be offered. If the ear is infected or too sensitive, treatment may be deferred and medical advice provided.
When should blocked ears be assessed urgently?
Sudden hearing loss, severe pain, dizziness, facial weakness, discharge with feeling unwell, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be assessed urgently through your GP, NHS 111, urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
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