We’re proud to be rated  gold-star gold-star gold-star gold-star gold-star by our customers. Find out why

We've hidden a Phonak Lyric on our website. If you find it, email us to claim a voucher for a Lyric hearing and suitability assessment!

Back

What your earwax says about your health

Did you know that your earwax can tell you a lot about your health? Here are some earwax health facts that you may not know!

  • Normal earwax is usually yellow/orange or brown colour. If your earwax looks more yellow/green, it could be a sign of an infection. so be sure to check with your doctor
  • Flaky earwax could be a sign of eczema, which can be treated with over-the-counter creams
  • Earwax shouldn’t smell. If it does, it could be a sign of infection or that your eardrum has ruptured. Be sure to seek medical advice from your doctor
  • Although watery earwax after a sweaty workout is normal, if you notice earwax leaking out of your ear at other times, it could be an infection called Swimmer’s ear. It’s best to make an appointment with your doctor for further advice
  • You shouldn’t be able to feel earwax in your ear – if you do, it could mean that the ear canal is blocked with excess wax and needs to be cleaned by a professional
  • An occasional itchy ear isn’t a cause for concern, but if you feel that you can never satisfy the itch, you may have an ear infection. The itch could be caused by something simple such as a new shampoo or soap
  • As we grow older, we produce darker earwax. If you are at all concerned because your earwax is usually lighter, you should check with your doctor

Remember: Never put anything in your ears to try and remove earwax. It’s dangerous to insert small sharp objects into your ears and can also make problems with build up worse as the wax gets pushed further into your ear canal.

View Medical News Today’s colours of earwax chart.

To find out more about our safe, endoscopic ear wax removal service visit our Earwax page

To book an ear wax removal appointment or for more advice please call 01223 661 399 or book an appointment online