Introduction:

Most people assume both ears behave in the same way. So it often feels strange when one ear keeps producing more wax, feels blocked more often, or needs more frequent cleaning. 

This uneven pattern is much more common than many realise, and it can tell you important things about how your ears function and what might be happening inside the ear canal.

This guide, crafted by an ear wax removal Essex specialist, explains why one ear produces more wax than the other, what influences this behaviour, and when it may be time to seek a professional opinion.

How Earwax Normally Forms

Earwax forms naturally through the work of glands that sit in the outer part of the ear canal. These glands produce oils that mix with skin cells to create a protective coating inside the ear. With everyday jaw movement, this wax usually travels outwards on its own.

Under ideal circumstances, both ears follow a similar rhythm. Yet in real life, ears are not identical, and their behaviour rarely matches perfectly.

Why One Ear May Produce More Wax

1. Natural Differences in Ear Canal Shape

Ears look the same from the outside, but inside the canal, there may be small variations that affect how wax behaves. One ear canal may be more curved, slightly narrower, or positioned at an angle that slows the natural flow of wax. Even small differences can influence wax movement.

2. Sleeping Position and Pressure on One Side

A large number of patients report that the ear they sleep on the most is the one that blocks first.

Sleeping on one side may create more warmth and moisture and can gently compress the ear canal. This may interfere with the natural outward movement of earwax during the night.

3. Headphone or Earbud Use in One Ear

Many people use only one earbud for calls, podcasts, or work meetings. Continuous pressure inside the canal can push wax deeper and also stimulate the glands that produce wax. Over time, the ear used for audio input may become the ear that feels fuller.

4. Differences in Skin Health

Dry skin, mild eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis may affect only one ear. When the skin inside the canal is irritated or flaky, wax may collect quickly on that side. This can also change the colour and texture of wax.

5. Previous Infection or Blockage on One Side

An ear that once had an infection, heavy wax blockage or inflammation may behave differently for months afterwards. The skin inside the ear may remain sensitive and may produce more wax as a protective response.

6. Dominant Hand Influence

People often clean only one ear more often without realising it. For example, right-handed individuals may reach the right ear more comfortably. Extra cleaning can push wax deeper and can even signal the glands to produce more wax. This creates a cycle in which the same ear continues to feel blocked.

7. Hearing Aids or Ear Plugs in One Ear

If a person uses a hearing aid in only one ear, the device can trap wax and reduce natural movement.  Wax from surrounding skin may also migrate toward the hearing aid side, increasing build up on that side.

Real Life Signs That One Ear Is Producing More Wax

Patients often describe these patterns:

• One ear feels muffled more frequently
• One side itches more or feels irritated
• Wax appears darker, thicker, or more sticky on one side
• Regular cleaning seems to help only temporarily
• The same ear causes trouble during cold months or allergy season
• One ear blocks immediately during swimming or showering

These signs usually mean the ear is struggling to clear wax efficiently.

Is It a Cause for Concern

Uneven wax buildup is not usually dangerous, but it can become uncomfortable. If the ear continues to produce wax faster than it can remove it, this may lead to:

• Persistent blockage
• Reduced hearing on one side
• Temporary ringing
• Pressure or discomfort
• Difficulty using earphones or hearing aids
• Increased risk of infection

Understanding the cause helps prevent recurring issues.

What You Can Do at Home

A few simple habits can support healthier wax movement:

• Avoid inserting any objects into your ears
• Give both ears rest from headphones
• Change your sleeping side occasionally
• Use wax softening drops when the ear feels heavy
• Protect ears during allergy flare-ups
• Maintain gentle ear hygiene without over-cleaning

If the same ear keeps causing discomfort, it is often a sign that the canal needs a detailed check.

When to Seek Professional Ear Care

Uneven wax production becomes important when:

• One ear repeatedly blocks
• Hearing feels different from one side
• Wax changes colour or smell
• Wax returns quickly after cleaning
• There is ongoing irritation in one ear
• You use hearing aids or earbuds daily

In situations like these, a visit to an ear wax removal clinic can give a clear view of the ear canal. This helps identify the exact reason for the imbalance and guides you toward the safest and most effective solution.

Keep Your Hearing Sound and Clear With Ear Wax Removal Essex Experts

When one ear keeps causing discomfort, it is often the body’s way of signalling that the ear needs careful attention. 

At Theydon Bois Pharmacy, our ear wax removal service offers a calm and professional space where every part of the ear canal is examined with care. 

Gentle microsuction is carried out by trained practitioners who show you what is happening inside the ear, explain why one side behaves differently, and guide you on how to reduce the chances of the same issue returning.

We regularly support individuals from Theydon Bois, Epping, Loughton, Chigwell, and other nearby communities in Essex who want their hearing to feel clear and comfortable again. 

If you are dealing with repeated blockage in one or both ears, do not hesitate to book with us now. Early attention often prevents the problem from becoming more difficult and brings relief much sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my left or right ear always the one that blocks first?

This usually happens because that ear has a slightly narrower canal, a sharper bend, or is the ear you sleep on or use for earphones. Behavioural habits often influence which ear blocks first.

Is it normal for one ear to produce sticky wax and the other to produce dry wax?

Yes. Earwax type depends on skin condition, genetics, and moisture levels. One ear may produce softer wax if it is exposed to more humidity or if the skin is naturally oilier on that side.

Can allergies make one ear produce more wax?

Allergy-related inflammation can affect only one ear, especially if sinus pressure is stronger on one side. This can lead to more wax production on the affected side.

Can stress affect wax production

Stress can alter skin moisture and oil production. Some patients notice more wax when stressed, particularly if they clench their jaw or grind their teeth.

Should I try to clean the ear that produces more wax more often?

Cleaning too often can worsen the problem. Gentle care is fine, but repeated cleaning can push wax deeper and stimulate more production.

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