Impacted earwax, 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 earwax buildup may worsen over time, intensifying these symptoms.
Fortunately, effective treatments are available, from ear drops for mild cases to professional earwax removal services for more severe impactions.
What is impacted earwax?
Earwax, 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, earwax can sometimes build up and harden, causing a blockage. This blockage is what we refer to as impacted earwax.
Impacted earwax 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 earwax?
Impacted earwax 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 earwax 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 earwax buildup, who may produce wax at a faster rate or have other factors contributing to impaction.
What are the symptoms of impacted earwax?
Impacted earwax 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 earwax 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 earwax, especially if it’s close to the eardrum.
This sometimes can be confused with a hearing loss. However, a quick and painless earwax removal can solve this.
Coughing
In some cases, impacted earwax 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 earwax. If you experience tinnitus, especially in one ear, you should reach out to your doctor or local hearing care professional.
If impacted earwax 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 earwax
Impacted earwax can develop for a variety of reasons, often related to lifestyle habits or anatomical factors. It’s important to prioritize ear and hearing checks in order to maintain your hearing health.
Key causes of impacted earwax 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 earwax, which can occur due to environmental or genetic factors
- Skin conditions like eczema, which can lead to dry or flaky earwax
How is impacted earwax diagnosed?
Diagnosis of impacted earwax is straightforward.
It typically involves a physical examination using an otoscope and/or video otoscope.
These are devices that help your hearing care professional view the ear canal and check for wax buildup or blockages.
Your hearing care professional may also ask about symptoms like hearing loss or discomfort, as these can help determine whether the wax is the likely cause.
How to treat impacted earwax
Impacted earwax 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.
Earwax removal at home
Seek help from your hearing care professional before attempting an earwax removal at home. A professional can advise on the safest way to remove the excess wax.
Safer at-home treatments include over-the-counter ear drops. They can soften the wax, making it easier to drain naturally.
Hearing professionals do not recommend using cotton swabs to clean your ears. Cotton swabs can push wax further into your ear canal, perforate the eardrum, and increase the chances of infection.
Professional earwax removal
At HearingLife, we offer professional earwax removal services at select clinics. Our hearing care professionals can assess the degree of earwax buildup and recommend the best approach.
Using a specialized technique best suited for you like microsuction or ear irrigation, our hearing professionals 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 earwax removal service page.
