Impacted Ear Wax
Impacted ear wax, or cerumen impaction, is a common condition that can lead to temporary hearing loss, discomfort, dizziness, or a ringing sensation in the ears. Although generally not dangerous, untreated ear wax buildup may worsen over time, intensifying these symptoms. Fortunately, effective treatments are available, from ear drops for mild cases to professional ear wax removal services for more severe impactions.
What is Impacted Ear Wax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal that protects and lubricates the skin inside. It also serves to trap dust and other particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. However, ear wax can sometimes build up and harden, causing a blockage. This blockage is what we refer to as impacted ear wax. Impacted ear wax is common, especially among older adults, but it can happen to anyone. Factors like ear shape, skin conditions, and certain habits can contribute to cerumen impaction.
Who Could Be Affected by Impacted Ear Wax?
Impacted ear wax can affect anyone, but some individuals are more at risk due to lifestyle habits, anatomy, or age. Those at higher risk include:
- Individuals with narrow or irregularly shaped ear canals, which can make ear wax removal less efficient.
- Frequent users of cotton swabs or other tools to clean their ears, as this can push wax deeper into the ear.
- People with a history of recurrent ear wax buildup, who may produce wax at a faster rate or have other factors contributing to impaction.
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Ear Wax?
Impacted ear wax can cause several symptoms, some of which may worsen if the blockage isn’t removed. Luckily, removing impacted earwax can be quick, easy and painless.
Here are a few signs that impacted ear wax may be affecting you:
Ear Discomfort
You may feel pressure or fullness in the ear, particularly if the wax has hardened and is blocking sound. A blocked or muffled feeling in the ear is a common symptom of impacted ear wax, especially if it’s close to the eardrum. This sometimes can be confused with a hearing loss however a quick and painless ear wax removal can solve this.
Coughing
In some cases, impacted ear wax can trigger coughing due to sensitivity within the ear canal.
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Tinnitus or a ringing or buzzing sound, can be a symptom caused by impacted ear wax. However, if you experience tinnitus especially in one ear you should reach out to your GP or local hearing care practitioner.
Deep Impacted Ear Wax
If impacted ear wax isn’t addressed, it may harden and cause more intense symptoms, such as increased discomfort, ear infections, and even a greater risk of hearing loss. Regular checks and timely removal can prevent this from happening.
Causes of Impacted Ear Wax
Impacted ear wax can develop for a variety of reasons, often related to lifestyle habits or anatomical factors. It’s important to prioritise ear and hearing checks in order to maintain your hearing health.
Key causes include of impacted ear wax include:
- Frequent use of cotton swabs or other objects in the ear, which can push wax further in
- Naturally narrow or curved ear canals, which can trap wax more easily
- Overproduction of ear wax, which can occur due to environmental or genetic factors
- Skin conditions like eczema, which can lead to dry or flaky ear wax
How Is Impacted Ear Wax Diagnosed?
When meeting your hearing healthcare professional, you will discuss your symptoms and any other concerns, to better help determine what issues you are facing. Diagnosis of impacted ear wax is straightforward and typically involves a physical examination using an otoscope and or video otoscope, a device that allows healthcare providers to view the ear canal and check for wax buildup or blockages. A hearing healthcare professional may also ask about symptoms like hearing loss or discomfort, as these can help determine whether the wax is the likely cause of the issue.
How to Treat Impacted Ear Wax
Impacted ear wax can be treated with at-home methods for mild cases, or professional removal for more severe instances. Always be sure to follow the advice of your hearing care professional.
Ear Wax Removal at Home
You should always seek the help of a qualified professional before attempting an ear wax removal at home as they can advise the safest way for obstructions to be removed from the ear. Safer at-home treatments include over-the-counter ear drops, which soften the wax, making it easier to drain naturally. Using cotton swabs to clean the ears is not recommended, as it can push wax further into the ear canal, perforate the ear drum and increase the chances of infection. For more on why cotton swabs are not recommended, read our blog post on why not to use cotton buds for ear cleaning.
Professional Ear Wax Removal Service
At Hidden Hearing, we offer professional ear wax removal services where a qualified audiologist can assess the degree of ear wax buildup and recommend the best approach. Using a specialised technique best suited for you like microsuction or ear irrigation, our audiologists can safely clear wax without the risks associated with at-home methods. Microsuction is a precise and effective technique that gently removes the wax without causing damage to the delicate structures of the ear. For more information, visit our ear wax removal service page.