Why ear wax removal deserves a place in employee wellbeing strategies

Hearing in the workplace affects communication, concentration and safety where situational awareness is essential.

Employee benefits strategies are evolving fast, with growing emphasis on prevention, accessibility, and everyday wellbeing. But while mental health support and financial resilience often take centre stage, smaller issues can quietly erode quality of life and productivity. One of the most overlooked Is ear wax build-up.

It might sound minor, but blocked ears can have a major impact. Hearing loss caused by ear wax can lead to discomfort, dizziness, and social withdrawal. In the workplace, it affects communication, concentration and even safety - especially in roles where situational awareness is essential.

About 12 million working-age adults in the UK have hearing loss in one or both ears, according to Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) employment data (Facts and Statements on Employment, 2024).

Specsavers research (Specsavers Spectrum, 2024) found that 22% of employees with hearing issues admit to making mistakes at work. For tradespeople, the impact is even more pronounced: 21% report hearing problems due to their work environment (Specify Magazine, 2024).

Unnecessarily difficult

Age-related hearing loss also plays a role. The Association for Primary Care Audiology Providers reports that 42% of adults over 50 experience hearing decline (NCHA, Causes of Hearing Loss, 2024), many of whom remain active in the workforce.

Whether on a construction site or in a fast-paced meeting, blocked ears can make everyday tasks unnecessarily difficult.

Despite the scale of the issue, access to treatment is limited. NHS ear wax removal services have declined sharply, leaving more than eight million people in England without support. Many are forced to pay privately or resort to risky DIY methods, both of which can lead to preventable hearing loss and time off work.

This presents a clear opportunity for benefits teams. Including ear wax removal in health cash plans or wellbeing packages is a simple, low-cost intervention that delivers tangible results. It restores hearing, relieves discomfort, and helps employees feel confident and connected again.

Benefits professionals looking to enhance their offering should consider:

Review hearing care access within existing benefits packages.
Educate employees about the risks of untreated ear wax build-up.
Explore partnerships with providers offering safe, professional ear wax removal.

This might sound minor, but the bigger picture is about enabling people to participate fully in their roles. When employees can hear clearly, they’re more engaged, more productive, and more present. That benefits individuals and organisations alike.

As benefits strategies continue to shift toward prevention and accessibility, it’s worth paying attention to the quieter issues. Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.