Earwax may seem like a minor inconvenience, but excessive build-up can affect your hearing and overall ear health. While earwax plays a natural role in protecting the ear canal, too much of it can create problems.
What Is Earwax and Why Do We Have It?
Earwax (cerumen) is produced by glands in the ear canal and serves several important purposes:
- Protects the ear from dust, bacteria, and foreign particles
- Moisturises the ear canal to prevent dryness
- Traps debris before it reaches deeper into the ear
Normally, earwax moves outward naturally and falls away. However, build-up can occur.
How Earwax Build-Up Affects Hearing
When earwax becomes compacted, it can block the ear canal, leading to symptoms including:
- Muffled hearing or a feeling of blocked ears
- Tinnitus (ringing sounds)
- Earache or discomfort
- Dizziness in some cases
The blockage prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum effectively, causing temporary hearing loss.
Common Causes of Excess Earwax
- Using cotton buds, which push wax deeper
- Wearing hearing aids or earplugs frequently
- Naturally narrow ear canals
- Overproduction of earwax
How to Treat Earwax Build-Up
Most cases can be managed safely with:
- Earwax-softening drops
- Professional earwax removal, such as irrigation or microsuction
- Avoiding cotton buds or at-home probing
If you experience sudden hearing loss, pain, or discharge, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Can Earwax Build-Up Cause Permanent Hearing Loss?
Generally, no. When removed properly, hearing typically returns to normal. However, untreated long-term blockages can sometimes lead to complications, so early management is recommended.
