Blocked Ears This Autumn? How to Tell a Cold from Ear Wax (a Lancaster Guide)

October has arrived in Lancaster. The evenings are drawing in, the heating's back on, and the first colds of the season are making their way around offices, classrooms and family kitchens. Around this time of year, one phrase comes up again and again at our clinic on St Leonard's Gate: "My ear just feels blocked."

Sometimes that's the cold. Sometimes it's ear wax. Now and then it's a bit of both. Here's our plain-spoken guide to telling them apart, what to avoid, and when it's worth letting a professional take a look.

Why blocked ears are so common in autumn and winter

A cold doesn't only affect your nose and throat. A small tube links the back of your nose to your middle ear, and when you're bunged up it can become congested too. That can leave your ear feeling full, muffled or "poppy". For most people this settles as the cold clears.

Ear wax is a different matter. Wax is healthy and does a useful job, helping to protect your ears from dust, bacteria and irritants. Usually it works its way out on its own. Sometimes, though, it builds up, and it can go unnoticed until it starts to affect your hearing or comfort. If you wear hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds regularly, you may be more likely to notice a build-up over time.

Cold or ear wax? A few clues

You can't always tell from the outside, but these pointers may help.

It's more likely to be cold-related if:

• it started along with a blocked nose, sore throat or cough
• the feeling changes when you yawn, swallow or blow your nose
• it's gradually easing as the rest of your cold improves

It may be ear wax if you notice:

• hearing that sounds distant or muffled, often in one ear
• a plugged or blocked feeling that doesn't shift
• persistent itching, discomfort or a feeling of pressure
• buzzing or whistling sounds (tinnitus)
• dizziness or feeling a little unsteady

If a blocked feeling hangs around after your cold has gone, it's worth getting your ears checked rather than waiting it out all winter.

What not to do

It's tempting to have a go yourself, but please put the cotton buds down. Pushing anything into your ear canal, whether that's a cotton bud, a fingertip or a hairgrip, can push wax further in and risks damaging the delicate skin and structures inside. Our earlier article, How to clean your ears, has more tips on caring for your ears safely at home.

When to see your GP or call NHS 111 instead

Some symptoms need medical advice rather than wax removal. Please speak to your GP, or call NHS 111, if you have:

• severe ear pain, or discharge coming from your ear
• a high temperature alongside your ear symptoms
• a sudden loss or change in hearing, especially in one ear

We don't provide ear wax removal for children, so if you're worried about your child's ears, your GP is the best first port of call.

How microsuction works at our Lancaster clinic

If wax is the culprit, we use microsuction. One of our qualified, registered clinicians looks into your ear under magnification and uses a small, gentle suction device to lift the wax out. No water is introduced into the ear canal, and it's particularly effective for hard or impacted wax. You may hear some sucking and popping sounds, but most people find it comfortable and quick.

What to expect:

• Time: a typical appointment takes about 20 minutes, including an initial assessment and aftercare advice. We never rush.
• Price: £60, whether we treat one ear or both.
• Follow-up (if needed): £20.
• If there's no wax to remove: a £20 consultation fee applies for the professional assessment.
• No GP referral needed: you can book with us directly.

Getting ready: if you can, use olive oil ear drops for 3 to 5 days beforehand, 2 to 3 drops into the affected ear twice a day. This softens the wax. If you haven't managed it, don't worry; in most cases we can still go ahead.

A quick word for hearing aid wearers

If your hearing aids suddenly sound weaker or less clear, wax may be part of the reason, either in your ear or on the device itself. Bring your hearing aids along to your appointment and we'll check them over too. Our aftercare includes unlimited fine-tuning appointments, and a minor repair such as a speaker or receiver replacement is £50.

Independent, local and here when you need us

We're a family-owned, independent practice in the heart of Lancaster, and we treat every patient like family. Whether you're in the city centre, out towards Morecambe or Carnforth, or further afield in the Lancashire countryside, you'll find a friendly team, honest advice and a cup of tea waiting for you.

Book your ear wax check in Lancaster

If your ears have felt blocked since your last cold, you don't need to put up with it. Call us on 01524 587623 or book online. We're open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, at 139 St Leonard's Gate, Lancaster LA1 1NL.