Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect and lubricate the ear canal. Under normal circumstances, earwax will slowly migrate out of the ear canal and can be removed with gentle cleaning. However, sometimes earwax can become impacted, which means it builds up and blocks the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of impacted earwax?
- Ear Pain: Impacted earwax can cause pain in the ear. This may be due to the pressure of the wax against the eardrum or irritation of the skin in the ear canal.
- Hearing loss: When earwax becomes impacted, it can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum. This can cause a temporary hearing loss or a sense of muffled hearing.
- Tinnitus: Impacted earwax can also cause tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming noise in the ear. This is because the blockage of the ear canal can cause changes in pressure that affect the auditory nerve.
- Itching or discomfort: Impacted earwax can cause itching or discomfort in the ear. This is because the wax can trap moisture and bacteria in the ear canal, leading to irritation.
- Dizziness: In rare cases, impacted earwax can cause dizziness or vertigo. This is because the wax can disrupt the balance system in the inner ear.
- Coughing: When earwax becomes impacted, it can stimulate the cough reflex. This can cause a chronic cough that is difficult to treat.
- Ear infection: If earwax is left untreated and becomes impacted for a long period of time, it can increase the risk of ear infections. This is because the blocked ear canal can trap bacteria and other debris, leading to an infection.
- Discharge or odor: Impacted earwax can cause a discharge or odor from the ear. This is because the buildup of wax can trap bacteria and other debris, leading to infection and inflammation.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention from a healthcare specialist. They can examine your ear and determine if earwax is the cause of your symptoms. If so, they can perform safe and effective earwax removal procedures, such as microsuction, to clear the ear canal and relieve your symptoms.
What causes impacted earwax?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of impacted earwax.
- Using cotton buds or other objects to clean the ear canal: Many people use cotton buds, hairpins, keys, or other objects to clean their ears, but this can actually push the earwax deeper into the ear canal and cause blockage. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and the natural movements of the jaw help to move earwax out of the ear. Using objects to clean the ear canal can disrupt this natural process and lead to impacted earwax.
- Narrow or hairy ear canals: Some people naturally have narrow ear canals, which can make it more difficult for earwax to move out of the ear. This can lead to a buildup of earwax and the development of impacted earwax.
- Excessive earwax production: Some people produce more earwax than others, which can increase the risk of developing impacted earwax. This can be caused by genetics, age, or certain medical conditions.
- Hearing aids or earplugs: Wearing hearing aids or earplugs can create a buildup of earwax, as these devices can prevent earwax from moving out of the ear canal. It is important to clean hearing aids regularly and to use earplugs that are specifically moulded for your ears.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or a blockage in the ear canal, can increase the risk of developing impacted earwax.
- Age: As we age, the consistency of earwax can change, becoming harder and drier. This can make it more difficult for the earwax to move out of the ear canal and increase the risk of blockage.
Does impacted earwax affect hearing?
When earwax becomes impacted, it can block the ear canal and prevent sounds from reaching the eardrum. This can cause a temporary hearing loss or a sense of muffled hearing. The severity of the hearing loss can vary depending on the amount and location of the impacted earwax.
In addition to hearing loss, impacted earwax can also cause other symptoms that can affect hearing, such as tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or humming noise in the ear).
Will impacted earwax just go away on its own?
While some cases of impacted earwax may resolve on their own, it is not recommended to wait for the problem to go away on its own, as it can lead to complications such as infection or damage to the ear.
Impacted earwax may loosen and fall out of the ear canal on its own, if the earwax is soft or if the body produces more earwax to push out the impacted earwax. However, this process can take weeks or even months, and in some cases, the earwax may become more impacted and cause further complications.
It is recommended to seek a medical professional if you suspect you have impacted earwax.
Can microsuction remove impacted wax?
Microsuction is considered one of the most safe and effective methods of removing impacted earwax.
Occasionally, badly impacted ears may require a second appointment.