Earwax, a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal, plays a vital role in ear health. It traps dust, bacteria, and other debris that could otherwise irritate the ear or lead to infection. However, earwax can sometimes become trapped, leading to buildup and potential blockage. This obstruction can cause hearing loss, a condition that can significantly affect daily life.
Understanding the causes of earwax buildup, recognising its symptoms, seeking proper diagnosis, and choosing safe treatment options are important for maintaining healthy ears.
What Is Earwax Blockage (Cerumen Impaction)?
Earwax blockage, also known as cerumen impaction, occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up and hardens or becomes firmly lodged in the ear canal. This can hinder sound transmission and lead to various symptoms and complications affecting ear health.
Earwax blockage can lead to partial or temporary hearing loss, making daily activities difficult by affecting communication and concentration. To protect both your hearing and overall comfort, earwax blockages should be safely removed and regularly prevented.
What Can Cause Blockage of Earwax?
Normally, earwax clears out on its own. However, sometimes this natural process is interrupted, leading to a buildup that can cause a blockage. Earwax blockage may occur due to several reasons, such as:
- Overproduction of Earwax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, increasing the risk of buildup.
- Improper Ear Cleaning: Attempting to clean the ears using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper into the canal.
- Usage of Hearing Aids or Earplugs: These devices physically obstruct the ear canal, trapping the earwax inside.
- Presence of Foreign Objects in the Ear Canal: Foreign objects like hairpins or toys (in children) can compress the wax against the eardrum or ear canal.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can increase skin shedding or earwax production, making blockage more likely.
- Ageing: As people age, the skin becomes drier, making it harder for earwax to move out naturally.
- Shape of the Ear Canal: Narrow or irregularly shaped ear canals can hinder natural wax flow, making it easier for buildup to occur.
What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Blockage?
Symptoms of impacted earwax can often mimic other conditions, so it is always best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms include:
- Sensation of plugged ears or ear fullness
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Ear itch
- Discharge or odour coming from the ears
- Dizziness
- Dry cough
How Is Earwax Blockage Diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose an earwax blockage by reviewing your symptoms. Then, they will perform a physical examination, looking into your ear with an otoscope. This handheld instrument, equipped with a light and magnifying lens, allows them to directly visualise your ear canal and eardrum to confirm if a blockage is present.
If no significant earwax blockage is found during otoscopy, an in-depth hearing test may be needed. This is especially important for patients who experience difficulty understanding speech, need higher volume on devices, or are experiencing hearing challenges in both ears.
What Are the Treatment Options for Earwax Blockage?
Treatment options for earwax blockage involve safely removing excess wax to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Some common treatment options include:
- Ear Drops: Some over-the-counter drops can soften the wax, making it easier to loosen the wax.
- Ear Irrigation: This involves removing earwax buildup by irrigating the ear. An ear doctor will flush out the softened wax using a syringe.
- Manual Removal: An ENT specialist can safely remove impacted earwax, especially if it's hardened or deep, using specialised instruments like a curette – a small, curved tool designed for physical extraction.
How to Prevent Earwax Blockage
Here are some tips to help prevent this from happening:
- Avoid Cotton Swabs: Refrain from using cotton swabs as they can push wax deeper, leading to blockages and potential damage to the eardrum.
- Keep Your Ears Dry: Gently dry your ears after bathing or swimming to prevent moisture buildup. Excess moisture can cause earwax to harden, making it more prone to impaction.
- Clean Earbuds and Hearing Aids: Earbuds, headphones, and hearing aids can push wax deeper or introduce bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned regularly.
- Practice Gentle Hygiene: Clean only the outer part of the ear with a damp cloth to wipe away any visible wax and avoid inserting any objects into the ear canal.
If you experience symptoms such as ear discomfort, a feeling of fullness in the ear or hearing loss, it may be indicative of earwax blockage which requires professional attention. Contact us for safe earwax removal and personalised advice today.
