Earwax and hearing health
When you think "knight in shining armor," earwax probably doesn't come to mind, but it's actually one of your body's fierce defenders. It keeps your ears moist and protects them from debris. But too much of a good thing can cause buildup and lead to irritation, infection or hearing loss.
Earwax 101
The good, the bad, and the sticky
If earwax protects your ears but can also cause problems, how do you know when it's good or bad? Color and consistency can give you some indication:
- ColorAlthough it varies from light yellow to an orange-brown, very dark or black earwax could mean a buildup of wax. If you notice a tinge of red, this could indicate bleeding and you should contact your doctor.
- ConsistencyEarwax can be both wet and sticky or dry and flaky. Generally, this is dependent on your skin type and even your ethnicity. Earwax that is more of a white or greenish discharge, however, could be a sign of an inner ear injury and you should contact your doctor.
Causes of earwax buildup
Buildup and blockage
When the body produces more earwax than it needs, it remains in the ear and can harden. Objects such as cotton swabs can also push the wax further into the ear causing blockage. Several factors can contribute to the buildup of earwax, including:
- Older age
- Foreign objects, such as cotton swabs
- Excessive hair in the ears or skin disorders
- Development disabilities
- Diet
- Hearing aids and earplugs
The scoop on wax
Symptoms of earwax buildup
Signs of buildup or blockage from earwax can be anywhere from irritating to debilitating. The following may be indications of an issue:
- Earache or fullness in the ear
- Itching of the ear
- Discharge or odor coming from the ear
- Dizziness
- Ringing of the ear (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss that may continue to worsen
Earwax and hearing loss
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
Earwax, or cerumen, is produced as a defense mechanism for your ears and is usually pushed out of the ear through motions like chewing and talking. If the body overproduces it or it gets impacted in the ear, that's when problems may arise, including reduced hearing. Screen your hearing in less than 5 minutes.
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What to do about wax
Preventing earwax buildup
Earwax is an essential part of your ear health, but buildup and blockages can, nevertheless, still occur. Here are some ways you can prevent earwax buildup
- Don't stick any objects, such as cotton swabs, in your ears and don't overclean them.
- Avoid suction devices or ear candles.
- If you wear hearing aids, keep them as clean as possible.
Should I clean my ears?
Ears are self-cleaning. That means most people don't need to clean them at all. Unnecessary attempts to clean your ears are usually the cause of the problem altogether. However, not every ear is the same. Sometimes buildup can still happen and there are ways to address the problem.
- Wax-dissolving dropsOils or solutions used to soften and loosen earwax
- Earwax irrigationYour Hearing Care Professional can use special instruments to manually remove excess earwax.
- Manual removalYour Hearing Care Professional can use special instruments to manually remove excess earwax
Why treat buildup?
A buildup of earwax may seem harmless on the surface, but left untreated, it can lead to other problems. The blockage could continue to get worse, leading to ear irritation, infections, additional hearing loss, and other problems going undiagnosed. If you wear a hearing aid, buildup can also interfere with proper functioning of the device.
Earwax & hearing loss: FAQ
Can earwax make you deaf?
Does removing earwax improve hearing?
How can you tell if earwax is causing hearing loss?
Is hearing loss from earwax permanent?
How do you unclog earwax?
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