Earwax Blockage

Earwax blockage occurs when earwax builds up and blocks the ear canal, affecting hearing. Although earwax is the ear’s natural defense against microbes, infections, and other harmful substances, excessive accumulation can lead to this condition.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Earwax Blockage in comprehensive detail.

  • Causes of Earwax Blockage
  • Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
  • Diagnosis of Earwax Blockage
  • Treatment for Earwax Blockage
  • Complications of Earwax Blockage
  • How to Prevent Earwax Blockage

Causes of Earwax Blockage:

Earwax is produced by glands in the auditory canal. When excess wax is secreted or improperly cleaned, it can accumulate and block the canal, reducing hearing ability. Earwax Blockage can affect anyone, with about 10% of children and 5% of adults experiencing it. Risk factors include:

  • Frequent use of earphones or hearing aids

  • Having excessive hair in the ears

  • Suffering from skin conditions like eczema

  • External ear infections

  • Use of earplugs or cotton swabs, which push wax deeper

  • Naturally narrow ear canals due to congenital factors or chronic inflammation

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage:

Signs that may indicate Earwax Blockage include:

  • Itching inside the ear

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

  • Dizziness

  • Ear pain

  • Sudden hearing loss or hearing weakness

Improper removal of wax can lead to infections or inflammation. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice:

  • Discharge from the ear

  • Complete hearing loss

  • Fever and coughing

  • Severe ear pain

  • Foul smell from the ear


Diagnosis of Earwax Blockage:

If left untreated, accumulated wax can obstruct the view inside the ear, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Reviewing the patient’s symptoms

  • Otoscopic examination to visually confirm blockage

  • Medical evaluation and review of the patient’s history

 

Treatment for Earwax Blockage:

In the absence of symptoms or actual blockage, removal may not be necessary. Treatment depends on the patient’s condition and medical history. For those experiencing:

  • Excessive wax production

  • Narrowing of the ear canal due to inflammation

Treatment options may include:

  • Using ear drops or glycerin to soften the wax

  • Irrigation with warm water to dissolve wax using a syringe to gently extract it


Complications of Earwax Blockage:

If not managed properly, Earwax Blockage may lead to:

  • Ear bleeding

  • Hearing loss

  • Eardrum perforation

  • Middle ear infections

 

How to Prevent Earwax Blockage:

To keep your ears safe from wax buildup, follow these tips:

  • Avoid using cotton swabs to clean earwax, as they stimulate the fine hairs in the ear canal, signaling glands to produce more wax

  • Refrain from using earplugs, especially during sleep

  • Do not use ear drops without consulting a doctor

  • Visit an ENT specialist once a year to professionally clean accumulated wax and prevent blockage

 

Finally, before attempting any method to clean or treat Earwax Blockage, it is essential to consult a specialist to choose the safest and most effective approach—avoiding improper cleaning practices that could potentially harm your hearing in the short or long term.