What Causes Blocked Ears?
A blocked ear is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The common causes we see in clinic include:
- Ear wax (cerumen) impaction — by far the most common cause
- Eustachian tube dysfunction — pressure changes after a cold, flight, or with allergic rhinitis
- Outer ear infection (otitis externa) — "swimmer's ear", common in Singapore's warm, humid climate and frequent swimming
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Fluid behind the eardrum (serous otitis media) — often after a viral infection
- Foreign body — particularly in young children
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss — a medical emergency that can present as a blocked feeling
Symptoms of Blocked Ears
- Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness
- Earache or discomfort
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Mild dizziness
- Itching in the ear canal
- Discharge from the ear, sometimes foul-smelling
- Autophony — hearing your own voice unusually loudly
Why Cotton Buds Make It Worse
The single most common cause of impacted wax we see in Singapore is cotton-bud use. They:
- Push wax further into the ear canal, where it dries and hardens
- Risk perforating the eardrum, especially in children
- Cause small abrasions that lead to outer ear infections
- Leave cotton fibres trapped in the canal
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. If you wake up unable to hear in one ear, do not wait to see if it improves. Treatment with steroids within 72 hours offers the best chance of recovery. Call us or attend an emergency department immediately.
When Should You See an ENT Doctor?
- Sudden hearing loss — within 72 hours
- Pain that worsens over 2 to 3 days
- Discharge from the ear, especially blood-stained or foul-smelling
- A blocked ear after swimming that does not resolve within 24 hours
- Home remedies (olive oil drops, over-the-counter wax softeners) not working after 5 days
- Dizziness accompanying the blocked ear
- Recurrent ear wax problems more than twice a year
How Is a Blocked Ear Diagnosed?
- Otoscopy — direct visualisation of the ear canal and eardrum
- Microscopic examination — gives a much clearer view than a hand-held otoscope
- Tympanometry — tests eardrum movement and middle-ear pressure
- Pure tone audiometry — formal hearing test, available in-clinic
Treatment for Blocked Ears
Professional Ear Wax Removal
- Micro-suction under microscope — the gold standard. Quick, safe, no water flushing required, and ideal for narrow canals or perforated eardrums
- Aural toilet with curette — for harder wax plaques
- Irrigation — used selectively for soft wax in healthy ear canals
- Most procedures take 10 to 15 minutes; no anaesthesia required
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
- Treating the underlying allergy or sinusitis
- Short courses of nasal decongestants
- Auto-inflation (Otovent balloon) to re-open the tube
- Rarely, grommet (ventilation tube) insertion
Ear Infections
- Antibiotic ear drops for outer ear infection
- Oral antibiotics for middle ear infection
- Aural toilet to clean infected debris and let drops penetrate
- Follow-up hearing test once the infection has settled
Why Choose Dr Pang?
- Quick, painless wax removal performed under operating microscope
- Same-visit hearing test if any concern about underlying hearing loss
- Treats the underlying cause — not just the wax
- Over 20 years of ENT experience across the UK, US, and Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ear wax removal painful?
No. Professional micro-suction is gentle, performed under a microscope, and most patients describe it as a relief. The entire procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes and no anaesthesia is needed.
How much does ear wax removal cost in Singapore?
Professional ENT ear cleaning typically costs between $80 and $150 per ear. Many private insurance plans cover the procedure, and our team will help with claims.
How often should I get my ears cleaned?
Most people never need professional cleaning — the ear canal is self-cleaning. If you are prone to wax build-up, every 6 to 12 months is typical. Avoid cotton buds, which push wax deeper.
Can a blocked ear be serious?
Usually it is just wax. However, sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical emergency that requires treatment within 72 hours. If a blocked ear is accompanied by sudden hearing change, see an ENT immediately.
What about ear candles?
Ear candling is ineffective and dangerous. Studies have shown no wax is removed, and there is documented risk of burns and eardrum perforation. Avoid them completely.
Why do my ears get blocked after flying?
Pressure changes during descent can cause eustachian tube dysfunction. Try swallowing, yawning, or the Valsalva manoeuvre. If the blockage persists for more than 48 hours, see an ENT for assessment.
Related Conditions
Book an Appointment
Book a quick, comfortable ear cleaning
Most blocked-ear consultations at CENTAS take 20 to 30 minutes including treatment. Same-visit hearing assessment if required.
3 Mount Elizabeth, #16-11, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510