The amount of ear wax produced varies from person to person; some people produce excessive amounts which can lead to a blockage in the ear canal.

You are more likely to develop a blockage of wax in the canal if you:

• use cotton ear buds to clean the ear as this pushes the wax deeper into the canal
• wear a hearing aid, ear plugs or use in-ear speakers for i-pods or similar - as these can all interfere with the natural process of wax expulsion
• have abnormally narrow ear canals
• have a particularly hairy ear canal
• are elderly – because the ear wax you produce is drier and harder
• have a dry skin problem such as eczema or psoriasis