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Ear Wax Blockage: An awful condition with an easy fix
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
I am a bit surprised by the increasing amount of patients that are presenting with ear wax blockage. It
Dr. Zulfikar Bux
can usually be a very painful condition that leads to an uncomfortable period in one’s life. Today we will discuss what happens when your ear gets blocked by wax. Hopefully this will help to reduce the amount of cases of ear wax blockage.
WHAT IS IT?
In the outer part of the ear canal, cells produce a wax called cerumen that traps particles of dust and dirt. The wax also repels water, protecting the delicate eardrum from damage. The wax is moved outward gradually by the lining of the ear canal, carrying any dirt it has trapped. Eventually, the wax dries and falls out of the ear in small, unnoticeable flakes.
Normal production of earwax is healthy and good for your ears. If too much wax is being produced, it can block the ear, but more commonly, the ear becomes blocked because of improper ear care and ear cleaning. If you push cotton swabs, pencils, your finger or other objects into your ear canal to try to remove wax, the force can push the wax further into the ear and compress it against the eardrum. Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF EAR WAX BLOCKAGE?
- Your ear may feel stuffed or full, similar to the feeling some people get when they travel by airplane.
- You may have hearing loss that gradually worsens.
- Some people also experience earache or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
- You may have a persistent earache which worsens over time.
- Our ears help with balance. Sometimes ear wax can impair this causing you to have dizziness.
HOW CAN IT BE DIAGNOSED?
If the symptoms are familiar to you, you may be able to diagnose your earwax blockage yourself. If you visit a doctor, he or she will shine a light in your ear to see if wax is causing your problem.
CAN EAR WAX BLOCKAGE BE PREVENTED?
Most of them can. Never put any objects into your ear canals. Cotton-tipped swabs should be used to clean the outer ear only. Do not place them in the canal. Placing a few drops of olive oil regularly in your ears will also help to prevent blockage.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
If you have had earwax blockage previously and recognize the symptoms, you can try treating the blockage at home before seeing a doctor. Several over-the-counter earwax removers are available.
If you think you may have a hole or tear in your eardrum, or if you have ever had surgery on your ear, do not try removing the blockage yourself because you could cause an infection.
Tip your head so the ear points toward the ceiling. Using a dropper, fill the ear canal with liquid- olive oil is a very good option. Keep your head tipped for at least five minutes, then cover your ear with a towel and straighten your head so the liquid drips out. Repeat this process one to two times a day for the next few days. If this does not remove the wax, visit your doctor.
If you go to your doctor to have the wax removed, your doctor may flush, scrape or vacuum your ear, or he or she may prescribe an earwax softener that you can use at home. In rare cases, you may need to visit a specialist to have the wax removed.
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT YOUR DOCTOR?
If you have never had ear wax blockage and are unsure what is causing the problem, visit your doctor. Other common causes of hearing loss include:
- Exposure to repetitive loud noises, such as gunshots or trucks
- Aging
- A tumour on the hearing nerve called an acoustic neuroma.
Your doctor can help when home treatments fail to relieve a wax blockage. If you have had a ruptured eardrum in the past, then its best to avoid home remedies and let your doctor manage your ear blockage. Ear wax blockages usually can be removed, and don’t cause any lasting problems. Some people may have torn or perforated eardrums that require different treatment. Your ears play a vital role in everyday life. Do not allow ear wax to take away that role.
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