Ear wax is a normal part of your body. It helps protect and lubricate the ears. However, the body may overproduce ear wax which can cause a build-up. When this happens, things can get ugly.
It can block sound and make it harder to hear.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how ear wax can cause hearing loss, the signs to look for, how to treat it, and how to keep it from coming back.
If you think you might have an overproduction of ear wax, an audiologist can help you feel better and hear better.
Audiologists at Abilene Audiology provide professional ear wax removal in Abilene, TX.
What Is Ear Wax?
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is made by your body to protect your ears. It keeps out dirt, dust, and germs. It also helps keep your ears from getting too dry. Most of the time, ear wax moves out of your ear on its own. But sometimes, it gets stuck and builds up. This is called ear wax impaction.
Can Ear Wax Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes, it can. When ear wax builds up too much, it can block your ear canal. This makes it harder for sounds to travel to your eardrum. You may notice sounds are muffled, like you’re hearing through a pillow. This type of hearing loss is called conductive hearing loss because something is in the way of the sound.
The good news is that this kind of hearing loss is usually temporary. Once the wax is removed, hearing often goes back to normal.
Audiologists at Abilene Audiology provide professional ear wax removal in Abilene, TX.
Signs You Might Have Too Much Ear Wax
Here are some signs that you may have a wax buildup in your ear:
- Trouble hearing clearly
- A feeling that your ear is full or plugged
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing in your ear (called tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Itchiness inside your ear
- Coughing (yes, wax buildup can sometimes make you cough!)
If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit an audiologist to find out what’s going on.
How Is Ear Wax Buildup Treated?
Never stick anything in your ears, like cotton swabs, bobby pins, or fingers. These can push the wax in deeper and complicate your ear problems.
Below are some ways to remove wax:
- Ear wax removal drops
- Irrigation
- Manual wax removal
If you think you need to have your ears checked, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.
Abilene Audiology provides professional ear wax removal in Abilene, TX.
Can You Prevent Ear Wax Buildup?
You may not be able to stop ear wax completely, but there are ways to help prevent buildup:
- Let your ears clean themselves. Your body is pretty good at it!
- Don’t use cotton swabs or put anything inside your ears.
- Talk to your audiologist if you wear hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs often—these can push wax deeper into the ear.
- If you know you make a lot of wax, schedule regular checkups with your audiologist.
Abilene Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Abilene, TX.
When to Seek Professional Care
Do you have trouble hearing? Does your ears feel full? Is their a ringing in your ears?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it might be a good idea to see an audiologist.
Audiologists are experts in hearing and ear health. They can check your ears, remove any wax safely, and test your hearing to make sure everything is okay.
Even if ear wax isn’t the cause, your audiologist can find out the problem and help you hear your best again.
Final Thoughts
Ear wax is a normal part of your body, but sometimes it causes problems. Too much wax can block your hearing, make your ears feel full, and even cause ringing or pain. The good news is that it’s easy to treat with help from a hearing professional.
Ear Wax Removal in Abilene, TX
If you think ear wax might be affecting your hearing, don’t wait. Visit your local audiologist for a quick check and safe treatment. Healthy ears mean better hearing, and better hearing means a better life.
Need help with ear wax or hearing loss? Contact Abilene Audiology today to schedule an appointment with expert audiologists in Abilene, TX.
We’re here to help you hear your best!