Blocked Ears With No Wax Present: What Else Could Be Causing the Problem?

MK Ear Wax Clinic
Jan 30
4 min read

Have you recently had your ears checked or even undergone microsuction, only to be told there's no wax—yet you still feel blocked? It’s a common and frustrating experience.

Many people assume ear blockage always points to wax build-up. But if you've had your ears professionally cleaned and you're still feeling pressure, dullness, or muffled hearing, other underlying causes could be at play.

At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we often see patients who describe persistent blockage or fullness in their ears after they've already had wax removed. In this article, we’ll break down what could be causing that blocked sensation, and why microsuction might not always be the solution.

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Why Understanding Non-Wax Ear Blockage Matters

It’s not just annoying—ongoing ear fullness can interfere with your ability to focus, communicate, and feel balanced. For those living in areas like Croydon or South London, where GP appointments may be limited or waiting times are long, getting clarity on symptoms early can prevent weeks of discomfort or unnecessary treatment.

Common complaints we hear include:

“My ear still feels blocked after microsuction.”
“There’s no wax, but I can’t hear properly.”
“Is this glue ear in adults?”
“Could this be related to my sinuses or pressure?”

Knowing what else could be going on helps you seek the right support quickly and avoid a cycle of repeated wax removals that won’t address the real issue.

Blocked ears? Discover some of the potential causes.

What Causes Blocked Ears When There’s No Wax?

1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

Your Eustachian tubes help equalise pressure between your middle ear and the outside world. If these tubes become inflamed, blocked, or don’t open properly, you may feel:

Pressure or fullness
Popping or crackling sounds
Difficulty hearing clearly
Pain when flying or with elevation changes

ETD is often temporary and linked to allergies, colds, or sinus infections. However, in some cases, chronic ETD requires further medical assessment.

2. Glue Ear in Adults

Glue ear, while commonly associated with children, can also affect adults. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, often after an ear infection or prolonged ETD. This fluid creates a feeling of blockage, even though there’s no actual wax.

Symptoms include:

Muffled hearing
A sensation of fluid moving inside the ear
Trouble with balance or concentration

Patients often search: “what does glue ear feel like?” The best description is a feeling of cotton wool in your ear or being underwater.

In many cases, glue ear resolves on its own, but if it persists, treatment may include nasal sprays, ventilation tubes, or seeing an ENT specialist.

3. Sinus Pressure or Infection

Congestion in the sinuses, especially during cold seasons or due to allergies, can create a sense of pressure that radiates to the ears. This may feel like a blockage, even when your ear canals are clear.

Signs it might be sinus-related:

Facial pressure or pain
Nasal congestion
Postnasal drip
Symptoms worsening with bending forward

4. Temporary Hearing Loss or Neural Changes

Sometimes, what feels like blockage is actually temporary hearing loss, caused by:

Loud noise exposure
Age-related hearing decline
Medications
Viral infections

This can be subtle, and patients often describe it as “muffled” or “dull” hearing. An audiology referral may be the best next step in these cases.

5. Anxiety and Sensory Perception

In some cases, the sensation of blocked ears is related to heightened awareness of normal ear pressure or changes in hearing. This is especially common when people are recovering from ear problems or are anxious about their health.

It’s always best to rule out physical causes first, but awareness of this connection is important for overall care.

Eye-level view of a clinician performing microsuction ear wax removal — Visit MK Ear Wax for professional ear wax removal.

FAQs About Blocked Ears Without Wax

Q. Can you still feel blocked after ear wax removal?

Yes. If your symptoms persist after wax is removed, other causes like glue ear, ETD, or sinus pressure may be responsible.

Q. Is glue ear permanent?

Usually not. Most cases of glue ear resolve within a few weeks, but chronic cases may need medical intervention.

Q. Should I have more microsuction?

If there's no visible wax, additional microsuction may not help. It’s best to explore other causes with a qualified ear care specialist.

How MK Ear Wax Clinic Supports You Beyond Wax Removal

At MK Ear Wax Clinic, we specialise in microsuction ear wax removal, but we also recognise when wax isn’t the problem. We offer:

Honest advice and detailed ear assessments
Clear guidance on next steps if microsuction is not suitable
Flexible appointments in our clinics in Croydon, West Wickham, and Richmond

We believe in empowering our patients with information—not just procedures. Our clinician takes the time to explain what’s going on and will never perform unnecessary treatment.

Visit our Services page to learn more about what we offer, or contact us directly to ask questions before booking.