How Often Should Adults Have Their Ears Professionally Cleaned?

If you’ve ever experienced blocked ears, muffled hearing, or that uncomfortable “full” feeling, you’ve probably wondered how often your ears should be professionally cleaned and whether it’s something you should be doing routinely or only when there’s a problem.

The short answer is: it depends on the individual.

But there are clear guidelines that can help adults make the right decision for their ear health.

This guide explains how ear wax works, who needs professional cleaning more often, and why regular ear health checks matter as we get older.

Do Adults Actually Need Their Ears Cleaned?

Ear wax (cerumen) is completely natural and plays an important role in protecting the ear canal. It traps dust and debris, prevents bacteria growth, and normally works its way out of the ear on its own.

However, in adults, this self-cleaning process doesn’t always work as well as it should.

As we age:

• Ear wax tends to become drier and harder
• Ear canals can narrow slightly
• Wax is more likely to become impacted
• Hearing aids and earbuds can push wax deeper

When wax builds up, it can cause symptoms that interfere with daily life and that’s when professional ear wax removal becomes necessary.

How Often Is “Normal”?

For most adults with no symptoms, routine ear cleaning isn’t automatically required.

However, general guidelines suggest:

Every 6–12 months – For adults who are prone to wax build-up or have had previous blockages

Every 12–24 months – For adults with no symptoms but who want preventative ear health checks

As needed – If symptoms such as blocked ears, hearing changes, tinnitus, or dizziness occur

Importantly, ears should never be cleaned on a fixed schedule “just because”. A professional ear health check should always come first.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are wax-related or something else, this guide on early signs you may need an ear health check can help you decide when it’s time to seek professional advice.

Adults Who May Need More Frequent Ear Cleaning

Some adults are more likely to experience recurring wax build-up and may benefit from more regular checks.

Hearing Aid Users

Hearing aids reduce airflow in the ear canal and often stimulate increased wax production. They can also push wax deeper into the ear, making blockages more likely.

Many hearing aid users benefit from microsuction ear wax removal every 4–6 months to keep their hearing aids working effectively.

Regular Earbud or Headphone Users

Daily use of earbuds or in-ear headphones can prevent wax from naturally exiting the ear canal and cause it to become compacted. This is increasingly common among office workers and commuters.

Adults Over 50

As we age, ear wax becomes harder and less mobile, making it more difficult for the ear to self-clean. This increases the likelihood of gradual blockages, sometimes without obvious symptoms at first.

People with Naturally Narrow Ear Canals

Some adults are simply anatomically more prone to wax impaction and may require more frequent professional assessment.

Signs It’s Time for Professional Ear Cleaning

You don’t need to wait until your hearing is completely blocked. Early signs include:

• Muffled or reduced hearing
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in one ear
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (often linked to tinnitus symptoms)
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Needing to turn the TV or phone volume up
• Hearing better in one ear than the other

If these symptoms appear suddenly or persist, booking a professional hearing test or ear health assessment is recommended.

Why Over-Cleaning Can Be a Problem

One of the biggest misconceptions is that ears should be cleaned frequently to stay hygienic.

In reality, over-cleaning can do more harm than good.

Using cotton buds, ear candles, or home tools can:

• Push wax deeper into the ear canal
• Irritate the skin and increase infection risk
• Damage the ear canal or eardrum
• Trigger increased wax production as a protective response

According to the NHS guidance on ear wax build-up, cotton buds should never be inserted into the ear canal as they often make blockages worse.

What’s the Safest Method for Adults?

For adults, microsuction ear wax removal is widely regarded as the safest and most effective method as it:

• Uses gentle suction under direct visual guidance
• Does not introduce water into the ear
• Is suitable for adults with tinnitus, perforated eardrums, or balance issues
• Allows immediate assessment of overall ear health

This is why microsuction is now the preferred method in modern clinical ear care.

Is Ear Cleaning the Same as an Ear Health Check?

Not necessarily, and this is an important distinction.

A proper appointment should always begin with an assessment to determine whether wax is actually present. In many cases, symptoms such as reduced hearing or ringing in the ears are related to hearing loss rather than wax.

The NHS hearing loss guidance highlights that hearing changes can have multiple causes, which is why professional evaluation is essential before any treatment.

Can Regular Ear Cleaning Improve Hearing Long-Term?

Professional ear cleaning can:

• Restore hearing immediately if wax is the cause
• Reduce the likelihood of recurring blockages
• Improve hearing aid performance

However, it does not prevent age-related hearing changes which is why combining ear cleaning with regular hearing tests for adults is often recommended, particularly over the age of 40.

So, How Often Should You Book?

A good rule of thumb for adults is:

Previous blockages – Annual ear checks

Hearing aid users – Every 4–6 months

New or sudden symptoms – book promptly

Unsure – assessment first, cleaning only if needed

Your ears are unique, and professional advice should always be tailored to you, not a generic schedule.