When you push earwax too deep into the ear canal with a cotton swab or other object, it can form a compacted plug (cerumen impaction) that physically blocks sound waves from reaching your eardrum. The hearing loss is typically temporary and resolves once the blockage is safely removed.
Another method flushes out the wax with a syringe full of warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Your healthcare professional may recommend medicated ear drops to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System).
Muffled Hearing After Earwax Removal
This can happen with different earwax removal methods, such as syringing, microsuction, or manual removal. There are several potential reasons for it: Residual Blockage: Occasionally, earwax removal may not fully clear all the wax from the ear canal, leading to residual blockage.
Build-up of earwax can block the ear canal (impaction) giving a temporary hearing loss and discomfort and can contribute to outer ear infections (otitis externa). Hearing loss due to impacted wax can be frustrating and stressful and, if untreated, can contribute to social isolation and depression.
Yes, deep earwax may eventually come out, but too much will mean you will likely need ear drops from a pharmacy to remove the wax at home. And if that doesn't work, then you will need to see a professional for microsuction. Don't suffer any longer than you have to — both solutions are quick and painless.
Common Signs of Earwax Impaction
One of the most common indicators of earwax impaction is a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. This sensation can vary, depending on the extent of the buildup. People often describe it as feeling like their ear is plugged or as if there is something stuck inside.
Earwax blockage that has no symptoms can sometimes clear on its own. But if you have signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to your healthcare professional. Signs and symptoms may signal another condition.
Truth is, it is quite difficult to know for certain whether someone is starting to experience signs of hearing loss or earwax build-up. However, usually any feeling of aural fullness or a crackling sound may be indicative of earwax build up and not hearing loss.
Sudden sensorineural (“inner ear”) hearing loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing either all at once or over a few days. SSHL happens because there is something wrong with the sensory organs of the inner ear. Sudden deafness frequently affects only one ear.
The primary indicator of an ear stroke is a rapid loss of hearing in one ear, but other symptoms often accompany it. These may include a feeling of fullness in the ear, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound. Some people might also feel off-balance or experience nausea.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Even if there's no pain, a muffled ear could still indicate a blockage, fluid retention, or an underlying issue like sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Lack of pain doesn't necessarily mean there's nothing wrong, so if the muffled sensation persists, it's worth getting checked out by a doctor or audiologist.
“Persistent subjective ear fullness following wax removal is commonly observed, likely related to cortical sensory adaptation after prolonged occlusion ( Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology 8th ed).”
Removing earwax via massage
Before massaging the ear, start by using a combination of warm water on a washcloth to soften the wax and a few drops of oil (either mineral oil or olive oil) to loosen the wax. You can also use hydrogen peroxide drops, saline solution, baby oil or glycerin to help dislodge the wax.
If used deep into the ear, cotton buds can break or perforate the eardrum. This can be severely painful and could even lead to permanent hearing loss or long-term hearing issues.
In fact, you may just push the wax deeper in your ear canal and potentially scratch or burst your eardrum. Called a perforated or ruptured eardrum, a burst eardrum can result in a loss of hearing in the affected ear, a risk of infection and a great deal of pain.
When you don't have any hearing in one ear, you have severe/profound hearing loss (single-sided deafness). Unilateral hearing loss may be congenital (present at birth), develop over time or happen suddenly. Treatments like hearing aids and cochlear implants can help improve the hearing in your affected ear.
In some cases, unilateral hearing loss can cause single-sided deafness, which is what is commonly described as a “dead ear.” With treatment, unilateral hearing loss can be reversible, but for many people, hearing loss is permanent and affects every aspect of their life.
See a nurse at your GP surgery if:
your ear is badly blocked and you cannot hear anything (you could get an infection if it has not cleared)
Symptoms of hearing loss
Common signs include: difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places. needing to ask people to repeat themselves. listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need.
Types of Professional Earwax Removal
Micro-suction is a pain-free, gentle process that uses a low pressure suction pump to safely remove earwax from the ear canal. Another way professionals remove excess earwax is through irrigation, which involves flushing the ear canal with water.
Tilting your head to the side, gently pulling on your earlobe, or chewing can help drain trapped water. Why do my ears clog up during flights? Rapid changes in air pressure during air travel can affect your middle ear, especially during takeoff and landing.
Avoid Lying on the Affected Ear:
Sleeping on the side of an ear experiencing discomfort or congestion may worsen fluid retention and symptoms. Try to sleep on your back or on the unaffected side whenever possible.
When should I see my healthcare provider? Call a healthcare provider if you develop cerumen impaction symptoms such as ear pain, itchiness, tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in your ears.