Blocked Ears or Hearing Loss? When Earwax May Be the Cause

A blocked ear can be uncomfortable and distracting. Sounds may seem quieter than usual, voices can become harder to understand, or you may notice a ringing or buzzing sound that was not there before. In some cases, the reason is simply a build-up of earwax.

Earwax is a normal part of ear health. It helps protect the ear canal and usually moves towards the opening of the ear naturally. Problems can occur when too much wax collects and becomes difficult to clear on its own. The NHS lists hearing loss, earache, a blocked feeling and tinnitus among the possible symptoms of earwax build-up.

How Earwax Can Affect Your Hearing

One of the most noticeable signs of impacted earwax is a change in hearing. You may feel as though someone is speaking from a distance, need to turn the television up, or struggle to follow conversations in a busy room.

This happens because a build-up of wax can block part of the ear canal and interfere with the way sound reaches the eardrum. Hearing may become muffled, particularly in one ear.

However, hearing changes should not automatically be blamed on wax. Hearing loss has many possible causes, and the NHS advises seeking medical advice rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.

Other Signs of Earwax Build-Up

Hearing changes are not the only possible clue. A build-up of wax can also cause:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

• Earache or discomfort

• Itching around or inside the ear

• Ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus

• Dizziness or vertigo in some cases

These symptoms can have other causes too. For example, tinnitus can be linked to several ear conditions, including earwax build-up, while ear pain may result from an infection or another problem.

If symptoms are persistent, severe or unusual, getting the ear checked is safer than assuming wax is responsible.

Why Does Earwax Become Impacted?

Some people are simply more prone to earwax build-up. Naturally narrow ear canals, harder or drier wax and increased hair in the ear canal can make it harder for wax to move out naturally.

Hearing aids and earplugs may also contribute to build-up in some people. Another common issue is trying to clean inside the ear with cotton buds or other objects. Rather than removing the wax, these can push it further into the ear canal and make the blockage worse.

For this reason, the inside of the ear does not need the same type of cleaning as the outer ear.

What Can You Do About Blocked Ears?

If you think earwax is causing a blockage, speaking to a pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you decide what to do next. In some cases, ear drops may be recommended to soften the wax so it can leave the ear naturally. 

NHS guidance notes that olive or almond oil may be used for earwax build-up, although drops are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used when there is a known or suspected perforation of the eardrum.

If softening drops do not resolve the problem, a healthcare professional may recommend a procedure such as microsuction or ear irrigation, depending on the individual situation. These treatments are not appropriate for everyone, so the ear should be assessed before treatment.

It is also worth avoiding ear candles, cotton buds and makeshift tools. There is no good reason to put objects deep into the ear canal, and doing so can cause injury or push wax further inside.

When Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?

A blocked ear caused by wax may improve after the blockage has been treated. If your hearing remains reduced afterwards, it is important to look for another possible cause.

You should also seek medical advice for sudden hearing loss, hearing that is getting worse quickly, ear discharge, significant pain or hearing loss accompanied by other concerning symptoms. The NHS recommends urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss because it can require prompt treatment.

For people who are unsure whether their symptoms are related to wax or hearing loss, a hearing assessment can provide a clearer picture. Searching for a hearing clinic Glasgow can be one option for those looking for local hearing care in Glasgow.

Looking After Your Ears

Earwax is not something that needs to be removed simply because it is present. It normally serves a useful purpose and the ears have their own way of moving wax towards the outside.

The main thing is to avoid putting objects into the ear canal and to get advice when a blockage is causing noticeable symptoms. If hearing does not return after earwax treatment, further assessment may be needed rather than repeated attempts to remove wax.

For straightforward information and professional ear care guidance, Ear Wax Removal is one source people can look to when they need to understand their options and take the next step with greater confidence.