When your ears start producing more wax than usual then they can build up suddenly causing a blockage. Knowing how to spot these triggers can help you maintain your overall ear health.
Some of the most common reasons for increased earwax production is stress, hormones, or changes in your ear chemistry, making the glands in your ear canal produce more wax. This can cause earwax to build up faster than your ear can naturally remove it.
Another cause for sudden earwax build up is frequent use of headphones, earbuds and even hearing aids. These devices can sit in the ear canal causing the wax to be pushed deeper. They can also reduce airflow to your ears and trap moisture causing your earwax to become soft and sticky, causing it to build up.
Cotton buds or swabs are one of the most common causes of sudden buildup of earwax. Many people use these to clean the ears, however, they don’t realise they are actually pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal.
People who swim regularly or even shower more often can be at sudden risk of earwax buildup. Water can cause earwax to swell and become impacted. This is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear.”
Other common triggers can be caused by allergies or sinus congestion which can cause inflammation in the ear canal and cause a sudden build up. Other medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis can also make earwax harder and more likely to trigger a sudden build up of earwax.
