What we call ear wax develops because our ear canals are covered with hair follicles and glands that generate an oily wax called cerumen. The reason for this wax is to line the inner surface of the ear canal and protect it by gathering up bacteria, dirt and dust, and miroorganisms. Ear wax also helps to prevent irritation when the sensitive skin of the ear canal is exposed to moisture; Thus, the production of ear wax is both natural and healthy.

In the majority of people, ear wax ultimately makes its way to the outer areas of the ear, where it either falls out or is rinsed away when we clean our ears. However, the glands in certain people’s ears generate more wax than usual. Because of this, the wax builds up and may harden, blocking the ear canal and preventing sound waves from getting to your inner ear. The accumulation of ear wax is one of the most widespread causes of hearing loss, in people of any age.

The signs and symptoms of a blockage caused by excess ear wax include feeling as if your ears are clogged up, hearing a ringing noise (tinnitus), and a partial loss of hearing, which becomes worse over time. This is a type of conductive (as opposed to sensorineural) hearing loss, where the sound waves are blocked from reaching the eardrum. Thankfully, this grounds for hearing loss is easily identified and remedied.

If the signs and symptoms in the list above sound familiar to you, see us in our clinic where any of our team members can perform pain-free assessments to see whether you do indeed have an excess accumulation of ear wax. If it is, an excessive buildup of ear wax is readily treated, either at home or at the clinic.

If a hearing specialist says that you have excess ear wax that is obstructing your ear canal, you can take steps to remove it yourself in your own home. Do not attempt to use a Q-tip, which can cause the ear wax to become even more compacted. Instead, add a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, mineral oil, or commercial ear drops designed for this purpose to each ear, let them remain in the ear for a couple of minutes to loosen up the wax, and then rinse the loosened wax out, using water at body temperature. (Note: using either hot or cold water to flush your ears can lead to feelings of vertigo or dizziness.) Pharmacies sell small bulb-like syringes that can be used to flush the ear after the wax has been loosened, aiding the process. Two more things not to do are to 1) use a jet irrigator like a WaterPik because its spray is too powerful and might cause damage to your eardrums, and 2) use any kind of irrigation at home if you know for sure that you have a punctured eardrum.

If these home remedies don’t seem to clear up the blockage, call or visit us for assistance.