Ear wax build-up
Blocked ears
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.
What patients notice
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. The safest first step is a careful clinical assessment so treatment is based on what is actually seen and heard during your appointment.
- 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
Possible causes
What could be causing this?
The cause can vary from person to person. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history and ear examination findings before advising on the most appropriate next step.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Otitis externa or ear canal inflammation
Middle-ear fluid or pressure change
Eardrum changes or previous ear problems
How we can help
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 safest treatment. If wax is present, microsuction may be appropriate. If the ear looks inflamed, infected or medically complex, a private ENT consultation may be more suitable.
Safety guidance
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, severe headache or neurological symptoms
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature, feeling very unwell, diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, please contact your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
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.
Book OnlineIt only takes a few clicks
Call Us0115 837 2252