Ear Wax Buildup: When It Affects Your Hearing and When to See an Audiologist
TL; DR: The blog is aimed at people experiencing blocked ears, muffled hearing, tinnitus, or ear discomfort, hearing-aid users, older adults prone to wax buildup, and anyone considering earwax removal or an audiology/ENT consultation. Earwax is normal, but buildup can affect hearing: Earwax protects the ear canal, but when it becomes excessive or impacted, it can cause a blocked-ear sensation, reduced or muffled hearing, ringing, itching, pain, and difficulty following conversations. Impacted wax can cause conductive hearing loss: A large wax plug may block sound from travelling through the ear canal. If hearing does not improve after wax removal, a formal hearing test may be needed to identify another underlying cause. Safe removal starts with proper examination: Professional removal may involve wax-softening drops, irrigation, suction, or suitable instruments, depending on the condition of the ear. Cotton buds, hairpins, ear candles, and other objects should not be inserted into the ear canal. Persistent or serious symptoms require professional attention: A hearing or medical assessment is particularly important for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, discharge, dizziness/vertigo, sudden tinnitus, ear injury, or hearing loss that continues after the wax has been removed. Is the world sounding like cotton to you? A blocked ear is not just a nuisance: whether it’s muffled hearing, a lingering sense of fullness, or that disorienting experience of hearing yourself sound different, a blocked ear is more than just a nuisance. It’s a break in your routine. It is often assumed that it is only earwax; at times we even try to do it ourselves with cotton swabs. The truth is – it may be a misjudgement to take it for granted that it’s just wax. Your symptoms may be a sign of a larger problem than just hearing loss, such as underlying infections, and could actually exacerbate the problem. We don’t like it when the answer to the question of hearing lies in the imagination. Don’t try a quick fix before getting clarity from the experts. The initial step is a professional ear and hearing assessment to discover the root cause and to help you with the path to a clearer way to hear again. What Is Earwax and Why Does It Build Up? Earwax is not dirt; it’s called cerumen. It is a normal substance that is used to protect the ear canal from trapping dust and debris. In most individuals, it slowly spreads out spontaneously. Wax buildup occurs when too much wax is produced, the wax is hard and dry, or when the wax is pushed further into the canal. However, some people may notice an increased amount of dry wax, such as older adults or individuals who use earbuds, earplugs, and hearing aids regularly. Cotton buds, hairpins, matchsticks, and other objects used to clean inside the ear can exacerbate the condition by pushing earwax in further. Know More About Hearing Aid for Elderly People: Best Features to Look For Hearing Aid Trial: What to Expect Before Buying Hearing Aids Hearing Aid Price in India: Complete Cost Guide by Type & Features When Is Ear Wax Removal Actually Needed? Only visible sections of the wax require treatment. Earwax in most individuals does not lead to any symptoms, and treatment isn’t required. Ear wax removal is not normally recommended unless the ear wax is blocking the eardrum from proper examination or is affecting hearing testing. If you see any of these symptoms, you may need an examination: When it feels blocked or plugged. Limited hearing or hearing that is muffled or diminished. Ringing or buzzing Pain in the ears or itching of the ears Difficulty following conversations A hearing aid that suddenly sounds different or not as loud.A hearing aid that suddenly sounds fainter or less distinct. These symptoms may be experienced during waxing, but they also may occur during infection, middle ear disease, and other diseases. Persistent ear symptoms should be properly assessed because they are explained in Resonnocare’s guide to ear symptoms and conditions. How Can Earwax Buildup Affect Your Hearing? When a large plug of wax forms, it can prevent sound from being transmitted through the ear canal. This can result in conductive hearing loss (in which sound is diminished before arriving at the inner ear). The change can be abrupt after bathing or swimming, or hearing may be slowly affected. A hearing test may be required if hearing is still impaired following the removal of the blockage, to check for other causes. Children, adults, and older people can experience hearing difficulty differently. Our hearing care for all ages approach focuses on age-appropriate assessment. How Is Ear Wax Removal Safely Done? The first step to professional ear wax removal is the examination of the ear canal, typically done with an otoscope. The clinician should take the time to confirm the presence of wax and evaluate the ear canal and eardrum before determining the method to use. Treatment with wax-softening drops, irrigation (when appropriate), suction, and gentle removal with suitable instruments are indicated, as appropriate, depending on the individual and condition of the ear. Safe methods may vary if there has been previous ear surgery, any eardrum perforation, active infection, or significant pain or ear discharge. That’s why home treatment should not be undertaken without careful consideration. Is It Safe to Remove Earwax at Home? The usual limit of cleaning is the outside of the ear. A soft cloth can be placed around the ear opening, but objects should not be pushed into the ear canal. Cotton buds can be used to take off a few of the visible waxes and push the remainder deeper into the ear canal. The canal may also be irritated by repeated cleaning. Ear candles are not a recommended treatment as they have not been proven to be a safe and effective way to remove impacted earwax and can be harmful. Certain ear drops that soften the earwax might be appropriate, but consult with a healthcare professional before using them if you experience ear pain, ear discharge, previous
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