"Could You Repeat That?”: Signs That You Have Earwax Blockage

We often joke to our friends to “get their ears cleaned” when they ask us to repeat. Turns out, it might be helpful. Earwax acts as a defence mechanism, protecting your ears from irritants. However, various factors can contribute to excess earwax. When your ear canal produces excessive cerumen, the wax can harden and clog your ear. And, contrary to popular DIY tricks, Q-tips or candles cannot unclog your ears — they might do just the opposite. Remember, if you’re experiencing earwax blockage, it’s important to the build-up with care. Read on for practical tips to prevent earwax blockage.

Your ear canal produces a waxy oil known as cerumen or earwax. This waxy substance protects the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms and the ear canal’s skin from water. 

Usually, the excess wax leaves the canal, travels to the ear opening, and is washed away. However, when too much earwax accumulates, it can lead to a blockage, causing discomfort and temporarily affecting your hearing. Fortunately, earwax blockage is reversible with proper care.

• Some people naturally produce more earwax than others.
• Using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean the earwax can result in blockage as these tools push the wax deeper into the canal.
• Earphones or hearing aids can trap earwax and prevent it from leaving the ear canal.
• Conditions like eczema or dermatitis can contribute to increased earwax build-up.
• Earwax build-up is more common in elders.
• Individuals with certain developmental disabilities may experience wax blockages more frequently.
• Smaller or irregular-shaped ear canals or excessive hair in the canals can prevent earwax from leaving, causing blockage.

Ear wax blockage symptoms can show up as:

• Ear pain
• Temporary hearing loss
• Tinnitus (sensation of hearing buzzing or hissing sounds in your ear)
• Itchiness in the ear or its vicinity
• Ear infections
• Dizziness
• Coughing

• After washing or showering, use a soft washcloth to gently remove any earwax that has escaped. It’s a simple way to keep your ears clean without the fuss.
• Cotton swabs are great for outer ear clean-up. Do not use sharp objects inside your ear.
• Cleaning your ears too frequently can backfire — earwax is your body’s natural shield against infections, and over-cleaning can lead to frequent ear infections. So, let your ears do their job and clean them only as needed.
• It’s better to avoid ear irrigation if you have a damaged eardrum or an active ear infection.
• Although they seem appealing on the market, ear candles can be more trouble than they’re worth. They may cause burns, bleeding, or even punctured eardrums. Stick to safer methods to keep your ears happy and healthy.
• For those prone to earwax build-up, a yearly visit to an ENT doctor can keep things in check.

If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms of earwax blockage, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Fever
• Persistent earache
• Ear discharge, itching, or an unpleasant smell from your ear
• Feeling like something is plugged into your ear
• Progressive loss of hearing that worsens over time

Earwax is a natural component of ear health; it shouldn’t be removed with cotton swabs or similar sharp objects, as this can worsen the blockage or damage the ear. To prevent and manage blockages, use a soft washcloth for external cleaning and avoid inserting objects deep into your ears. It is best to consult a doctor if excess earwax does not come out on its own or if you experience severe symptoms.

Ear pain, fullness in the ear, transient hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds), itching, and occasional discharge from the ear are signs of earwax blockage. If these symptoms occur, especially if they persist, you may have earwax blockage.

Due to its tendency to block sound waves from reaching the eardrum, earwax can cause temporary hearing loss. When earwax is properly removed, this hearing loss is usually reversible.

You should see a doctor for earwax removal if you encounter severe symptoms such as prolonged earache, hearing loss, discharge, or foul odour from the ear.

Yes, research suggests that warm olive oil, almond oil, water or special ear drops and sprays can soften the earwax, allowing it to leave the ear more easily. However, earwax cannot be examined at home, and it is never a good idea to use ear drops just because you think you have earwax.

Using cotton swabs is generally not advised, as it can push earwax deeper and perhaps damage the eardrum.

Yes, children can have earwax blockages. Some symptoms include irritability, ear pulling, trouble hearing, and unusual behaviour. Consult a doctor if you suspect earwax build-up in your child.