Can Ear Wax Cause Temporary Hearing Loss?
Ear wax is a yellowish substance that is secreted in the ear canal and plays the role of a natural cleanser. It prevents debris, bacteria, and dirt from getting to the deeper parts of the ear. Medically known as cerumen, ear wax is important for ear health, serving as a lubricant, reducing the risk of infection and irritation, and keeping the ear canal moist. Regardless, ear wax can accumulate more than it should and cause complications.
How Does Excess Ear Wax Develop?
Ear wax is valuable for ear health but overproduction can cause issues. Factors that contribute to wax buildup could include frequent use of earplugs and a narrow ear canal. Using earplugs or hearing aids for long periods of time can push the wax further inside your ears, leading to obstruction. Also, people with narrower ear canals are prone to blockages. It is normal for the ear to produce wax, but problems can arise when the wax doesn’t exit the ear naturally.
Signs and Symptoms of Blockage
A clear indicator of excessive ear wax is sudden or gradual hearing loss. This happens when the ear wax obstructs the ear canal and prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum. Other signs of blockage may include an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, earache, tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear), coughing, and dizziness. These signs suggest that it might be time for a hearing health exam.
When ear wax accumulates to the point of blockage, it can cause a temporary hearing loss called conductive hearing loss. This means that a problem or obstruction is controlling sound waves in the outer ear, eardrum, or middle ear. The inability of sound waves to pass through diminishes hearing. Conductive hearing loss can be noticeable when the ear wax is pushed deeper into the ear by using cotton swabs or other cleaning equipment.
Safe Methods to Remove Your Ear Wax
If you suspect that your ear might be blocked, avoid putting objects into it; items like cotton swabs can worsen the situation. Some over-the-counter ear drops can soften the wax, making it easier to exit the ear naturally. It is best to use these drops in mild cases of ear wax blockage. You can also irrigate the ear with warm water and a rubber-bulb syringe. However, it is a good idea to avoid these methods if you have any signs of a perforated eardrum or an ear infection.
When to Seek Professional Help
Persistent symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. During a hearing health exam, a hearing health professional inspects your ears using an otoscope, a special instrument to look inside the ear. If a blockage is confirmed, they can remove the wax safely by either flushing it out with a pick or a rubber bulb syringe filled with warm water or by using a small, curved instrument called a curette to scoop out the wax. In some cases, the hearing health professional might use a suction to remove the wax.
Preventing excessive ear wax build-up is manageable. Resist the urge to use cotton swabs or any objects to clean your ears. Instead, embrace gentle cleaning methods, such as wiping the outer ear with a warm, damp cloth. Also, keep your ears dry by thoroughly drying them after bathing or swimming. This can help prevent the wax from building into hard plugs.