To check your ears for wax, you can look with a video otoscope, but the safest and most reliable way is to see a doctor, who uses an otoscope to visualize the canal and eardrum, checking for blockage, pain, discharge, or hearing loss. You should never insert objects like cotton swabs into your ear canal, as this can push wax further in or cause damage; professional inspection is crucial to confirm buildup and rule out other conditions.
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
A light beam shines through the otoscope into the ear canal. The provider will carefully move the scope in different directions to see the inside of the ear and eardrum. Sometimes, this view may be blocked by earwax. An ear specialist may use a binocular microscope to get a magnified look at the ear.
Ears can become clogged for various reasons, ranging from wax build-up to changes in pressure. Common causes include excess ear wax, sinus congestion, allergies, changes in altitude, water trapped in the ear canal, upper respiratory infections and Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
But sometimes it's not wax
These could be signs of a middle ear infection, fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even early hearing loss. That's why it's so important to have your ears looked at properly.
Three-finger test: Keep one finger at cymba conchae, second finger over posterior border of mastoid and third finger at mastoid tip. Maximum tenderness under first finger signifies tenderness over suprameatal triangle.
At Specsavers, we use microsuction, which is the quickest and safest method of removing earwax. The tool gently sucks the wax from your ears, and has no contact with the eardrum or the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. These symptoms might include hearing loss, ear irritation, tinnitus and other issues.
Given that excess ear wax can cause problems with hearing, ear wax removal is likely to lead to better hearing, as your ears will no be longer clogged with ear wax. You might experience some side effects like: Dizziness.
Apply Heat. Some people report receiving relief by using heat to soften and dislodge the excess wax. This might involve applying a heating pad to the affected ear and leaving it there for a half-hour or so.
Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not, and builds up and blocks your ear, you can try to remove it.
Ear wax removal costs typically range from $70 to over $160, depending on the provider (audiologist, specialist), method (microsuction, manual), location, and if you have concessions or health insurance. Audiologists using microsuction often charge around $100-$110, while ENT specialists might cost $150-$300. Some places offer lower fees for pensioners or if no wax is found.
Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) tests to measure how certain parts of your inner ear are working. This test involves lying back in a chair and listening to sounds through earphones while you lift and turn your head. Electrodes attached to your neck and face record your muscle movements.
The 60/60 rule for hearing is a guideline to prevent noise-induced hearing loss: listen to personal audio devices at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, then take a break. This helps protect your ears from damage by keeping sound levels moderate and allowing for rest, especially important with headphone/earbud use.
Ear pain red flags needing urgent care include severe pain with headache, facial drooping, fever, swelling or redness behind the ear (mastoiditis), ear discharge, hearing loss, dizziness, or weakened immune system/diabetes, as these suggest serious infections or complications like mastoiditis or cranial nerve issues. Persistent pain, one-sided hearing loss, or symptoms not improving with treatment also warrant prompt medical attention.
If you've noticed hearing loss or ear pain and aren't sure what's causing it, see your GP. Your GP can look inside your ears to see if your symptoms are due to a build-up of ear wax or something else. If you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, you should contact NHS 111 or your GP, urgently.
Hearing tests at Specsavers are free of charge for everyone. If you feel your hearing has changed or you need a check-up, book a hearing test appointment with one of our hearing experts at your local store.
A variety of common conditions like ear infections, allergies, and a buildup of earwax can cause itchiness. Swimmer's ear and wearing hearing aids can also cause itchy ears.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 2 minutes each, for 1 hour (or sometimes cited as 3-1-1, meaning 3 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). For subsequent pregnancies, the 5-1-1 Rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour) is often used, indicating labor is progressing more quickly.
Most pregnancy symptoms don't start until four to six weeks after conception. While many of the symptoms are common, it's possible to experience no symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. The most common early symptoms include a missed period, light bleeding, breast changes or tenderness, and fatigue.
One of the things a husband should not do during pregnancy is to leave her without support. Pregnant women need all the help they can get to overcome fear and uncertainties. She needs someone to remind her that she can survive her journey.