Not sure if you have impacted ear wax? Clarity can help!
Impacted earwax is more common among children than adults and is relatively uncommon, but it can happen to anyone. If you are having discomfort in your ears, the cause could be any number of things. “Do I have impacted ear wax?” you may ask. Here’s how you know and what you can do about it.
Signs of Impacted Ear Wax
The possible signs of impacted ear wax could surprise you. They include the following:
- Ear pain
- Hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus
- Itchiness in the ear
- A foul odor in the ear
- Discharge from the ear
- Dizziness
At its worst, impacted ear wax, also known as cerumen blockage or ear wax blockage, can cause a fever, ear infection, vertigo, or constant tinnitus.
What Makes Someone More Likely to Get Impacted Ear Wax?
While it is uncommon, certain factors can make impacted ear wax more likely in some individuals than others. These factors include the following:
- Hairy ear canals
- Narrow ear canals
- Malformed ear canals
- Frequent use of earplugs or earbuds
- Eczema or other skin conditions
- Dry, hard ear wax
- Old age
- Use of cotton swabs pushing ear wax further into the canal
As you can see, the chance of getting an earwax blockage is greater for people who are young, older, have a specific physical condition, or have certain habits, like listening to music with earbuds.
Treating Impacted Ear Wax
There are three main ways to deal with impacted ear wax and get relief.
- Soften the ear wax: You can apply a liquid in the ear that will naturally soften it and help you clean it out. These liquids include baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Ear irrigation: You can try out the first step and then flush out the ear wax with a syringe. As you pump the water or liquid into your ear canal, the cerumen should eventually dislodge and drain out.
- Professional ear wax removal: An audiologist can safely extract the blockage for you and address any other hearing health concerns you may have.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.