Have you ever noticed your hearing suddenly becoming muffled? For many people, this isn’t down to ageing or permanent damage, but rather earwax buildup.
Earwax is a natural part of the body’s defence system, but when it accumulates, it can block the ear canal and reduce hearing. Left untreated, this type of blockage can affect your social interactions, work life, and even your confidence. The good news is that earwax-related hearing loss is temporary and can be resolved quickly with safe, professional care.
In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between earwax buildup and hearing loss, highlight the symptoms you should look out for, and explain why seeking professional removal is the safest option.
How Earwax Affects Hearing
Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal to help protect the ears from dust, dirt, and bacteria. Thanks to the ear’s natural self-cleaning mechanism, it usually works its way out on its own through everyday movements such as chewing and talking.
However, sometimes earwax becomes impacted. When this happens, it can physically block sound from reaching the eardrum, reducing your hearing. Partial blockages can cause muffled sound and difficulty following conversations, while complete blockages may feel like your hearing has dramatically reduced overnight. Unlike permanent hearing loss, earwax-related hearing changes can usually be reversed the same day with professional removal.
Recognising the Signs
One of the clearest signs of earwax buildup is a change in your hearing clarity. You may notice that voices sound less sharp, or that you’re turning up the TV volume more than usual.
Other symptoms can include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, which may cause discomfort. Some people experience tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or humming noise, caused by wax pressing against the eardrum. In certain cases, wax impaction can also lead to dizziness or problems with balance, as the ears play a crucial role in equilibrium.
The Downside of DIY Methods
When hearing becomes muffled, many people try to solve the problem themselves with cotton buds, ear candles, or over the counter remedies. Unfortunately, these approaches often do more harm than good. Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper into the canal, worsening the blockage.
Ear candles are not only ineffective but also carry serious safety risks, including burns and ear injuries. Even olive oil drops, while they may soften wax, rarely remove it completely, meaning hearing difficulties often remain.
Professional Earwax Removal
Clinics specialising in ear care often use microsuction, a gentle, non-invasive method that clears earwax safely and effectively. Microsuction involves using a small suction device under direct visual guidance, allowing the audiologist to remove wax precisely and comfortably.
Microsuction is suitable for most people, including those with a history of ear infections or perforated eardrums. The procedure is usually quick and painless, and for most people, hearing improves immediately after.
Can You Prevent Earwax Buildup?
While some people rarely experience issues, others are more prone to earwax buildup. This can be due to naturally narrow ear canals, wearing hearing aids, or producing wax that is drier or harder.
To reduce your risk, avoid putting anything inside your ear canal. If you are prone to buildup, regular check-ups can help keep your ears clear before problems arise. Using softening drops occasionally may help prevent wax from hardening, but if symptoms persist, professional removal remains the best option.
For hearing aid users, regular cleaning of the device and ear canal checks are particularly important.
When Hearing Loss May Point to Something Else
Not all hearing loss is linked to earwax. If you notice sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, or discharge from the ear, these may indicate another medical issue and should be assessed urgently. Persistent dizziness is another symptom that should not be ignored.
In many cases, however, blocked ears are the simplest explanation, and one that can be resolved quickly.
Earwax Removal in Teddington
For people based in Teddington, local access to earwax removal is never far away. At The Hearing Specialist, we provide safe same-day appointments using microsuction, helping residents resolve blocked ears and temporary hearing loss without delay.
Booking is simple, just give us a call or book through our website, choosing a time that works for you.