Ever notice yourself cranking the volume on the TV a bit higher than usual? Perhaps you find yourself asking colleagues to repeat themselves in meetings, or struggle to catch all the dialogue in a movie. These situations can be frustrating, and while muffled hearing is often caused by harmless earwax buildup, it’s important to consider all possibilities. Earwax buildup can easily be addressed, but it’s important to remember that muffled hearing can also be a symptom of hearing loss. Early intervention is always recommended for any ear-related concerns, whether that includes earwax removal or a hearing test.
Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
Earwax is a completely natural part of the hearing system. It’s produced by glands to lubricate your ear canals and protect against unwanted dust and debris. The hearing system typically removes excess earwax (also called cerumen) on its own. But the process for this can malfunction and earwax may start to accumulate over time. At that point, you’ll need to take action to clear the blockage.
If you aren’t sure whether you have an earwax blockage, consider the following common symptoms.
- Earaches
- Tinnitus
- Worsened hearing
- Feeling a fullness in your ear
- Dizziness
- Sudden hearing loss
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in yourself recently, then it may be a sign of an earwax blockage. The next step is to figure out how to remove the blockage.
Removing Earwax at Home
Earwax buildup is a frequent culprit behind muffled hearing. While over-the-counter earwax removal kits are available at drugstores, it’s crucial to discuss their suitability with a hearing professional before attempting at-home removal. An audiologist can assess the severity of your blockage and recommend the safest and most effective course of action.
They may suggest using specific at-home kits or recommend alternative methods for earwax removal. In some cases, professional intervention might be necessary.
Remember, attempting at-home removal without consulting an audiologist could worsen the blockage or damage your eardrum. If you’re experiencing muffled hearing, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Removal Methods to Avoid
While earwax production is a natural and necessary process for ear health, occasional buildup can lead to dulled hearing. It’s important to avoid certain methods for at-home earwax removal:
- Cotton swabs: Commonly used cotton swabs are ineffective and potentially harmful. The cotton fibers can easily push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing further impaction and irritation.
- Ear candles: Advertised as a method for earwax removal, ear candles are not only ineffective but also pose a safety risk. The burning process can cause thermal injuries to the ear canal and even lead to eardrum perforation.
- Sharp objects: Inserting any sharp object, such as hairpins or bobby pins, into the ear canal is strictly discouraged. This practice can easily damage the delicate skin and underlying structures, potentially leading to infection or even hearing loss.
If you suspect excessive earwax buildup, consulting a hearing professional is the safest and most effective course of action. They can employ safe removal techniques and recommend the best approach for your specific situation.
Earwax Removal at Your Hearing Provider’s Office
While some earwax buildup is natural and harmless, significant blockages can lead to reduced hearing and require professional attention. Kricket Audiology can help!
Safe and Effective Removal Methods:
- Over-the-counter medications: Your audiologist can recommend appropriate over-the-counter earwax softening drops to help loosen the blockage.
- Ear irrigation: In this procedure, a controlled stream of warm water is flushed through the ear canal by a trained professional to dislodge the softened earwax.
- Curette removal: In some cases, a Kricket Audiology professional might use a specialized curette, a small, scoop-like instrument, to gently remove particularly stubborn or deep earwax blockages.
If you suspect a significant earwax blockage, schedule an appointment with Kricket Audiology. Their trained professionals can assess the situation, recommend the most suitable removal method and ensure the process is performed safely and effectively.