An earwax blockage is a common cause of temporarily muffled hearing. Think of an earwax blockage, also called impacted earwax, as similar to plugging your ears with your fingers or a pair of quality earplugs. When you do this, sound cannot effectively travel through the ear, resulting in muffling.
Let’s take a look at a few common causes behind earwax blockages and what you can do to prevent and manage them safely.
Common Causes Behind Earwax Blockages
Earwax blockages affect approximately 10% of children and 5% of adults. You may be more likely to develop an earwax blockage if you have a lot of ear hair, have eczema, are over the age of 55 or frequently use hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds. Attempting to clean your ears with cotton swabs can also lead to earwax blockages.
How Can I Prevent Earwax Blockages?
The best way to prevent earwax blockages is to avoid putting cotton swabs or other small items in your ears, as they can increase the chance of blockage and ear canal damage. If excessive headphone use is causing your blockage, try to limit your time wearing them. You should not stop wearing hearing aids or noise protection, as the benefits of these devices outweigh the negatives. If you wear noise protection for work, try opting for over-the-ear options to minimize wax buildup. Cleaning your hearing aids and earplugs daily can also help reduce buildup.
How Can I Remove Earwax Blockages for Clearer Hearing?
The best way to remove earwax blockages is through a qualified ENT or hearing specialist. Our specialists can use suction, irrigation or forceps to remove the blockage without damaging your ear canal or eardrum. You should never attempt to remove an earwax blockage at home without first consulting with a specialist.
If you experience frequent earwax blockages, your specialist may recommend earwax dissolving drops and gentle suction using a bulb syringe. While these methods are generally safe, you should still make an initial appointment with a specialist to make sure a blockage is the cause behind your muffled hearing.
If you suspect an earwax blockage is causing muffled hearing, contact Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center today to schedule an exam with one of our specialists.