It’s easy to take our hearing for granted, but problems can creep up over time. Here are some signs that indicate it may be time to have a professional look in your ears and give them a clean. Catching issues early can help prevent more serious problems down the line.
Difficulty Hearing Conversations
One of the most obvious signs that your ears need attention is straining to hear people during conversations. You might constantly ask others to repeat themselves or need to turn up the TV volume higher than normal. If you can’t make out what people are saying in noisy environments like pubs, it likely means you have some hearing loss. Getting a check-up at a clinic like Hear Clear NI can determine if wax blockage is the culprit or if you need a hearing aid.
Ear Pain
Earaches and soreness are common when excess earwax has built up and hardened against the eardrum. The wax can also trap bacteria and become infected. See your GP if the pain persists for more than a couple of days. They can check whether you have an infection.
Tinnitus
Ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds in one or both ears is known as tinnitus. It often arises when earwax presses against the eardrum and irritates the auditory nerve. Having a professional suction out the wax often alleviates tinnitus. If not, your doctor may recommend devices to mask the phantom noises.
Dizziness
Excessive earwax can sometimes cause vertigo, loss of balance and light-headedness. That’s because the buildup can interfere with the small crystals in your inner ear that help control equilibrium. Medications like antihistamines can also cause increased wax production and dizziness.
Ear Fullness or Itching
It’s normal for some wax to accumulate in the ear canal. But too much can make your ears feel clogged and itchy as the wax rubs against the canal walls. Using cotton buds to scratch the itch will only push the wax in deeper. See an audiologist to use microsuction to gently vacuum out the wax and debris.
Visible Wax Buildup
Take a peek in the mirror to look for wax you can see in your ear canal. It will appear as a yellow or brown clump. Over-the-counter wax softening drops can help break up the mass. But severe buildup often requires microsuction to fully remove. Visible wax is also a sign you may be inserting cotton buds too far into your ears, which risks damage.
Coughing or Gagging
The ear, nose and throat are all connected, so sometimes excessive mucus and postnasal drip can make its way into the ears. This can cause coughing or gagging as the body tries to expel the irritation. The wax can also take on a foul, decaying odour.
Paying attention to symptoms like muffled hearing and ear discomfort can alert you to a wax blockage before it leads to infection or eardrum damage. Seeking professional cleaning gives you the peace of mind of knowing your ears are clear and healthy. Protecting your hearing means you can continue enjoying conversations and music for years to come.
