The ear experts are urging people to stop before they cause more damage
An audiologist has issued an urgent message, warning people to stop touching their ears as the way they’re doing it could be causing more issues. Talking about earwax blockages, the ear experts ask people to stop using cotton buds for inside their ears as well as to stop putting your finger in your ear.
Blockages cause a whole host of symptoms which can make you want to touch your ear to try and relieve any pain, however, it’s important to remember that earwax isn’t all bad and it plays a crucial role in trapping dirt, dust, and bacteria. But it’s vital to know the signs and when to seek professional help.
What are the symptoms of an earwax blockage?
Symptoms can vary from slight discomfort to major disruption of daily activities, so it’s important to know what to look for. “These include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, itching or irritation within the ear canal, discomfort and sometimes earache,” says Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers. “Other signs include temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing, dizziness in severe cases, persistent ringing and infections caused by the trapping of bacteria or moisture behind the blockage.”
What causes earwax blockages?
Urging people to be careful with what they put in their ears, experts say that even some conditions can put you at risk. “Earwax blockages occur when the natural process of earwax expulsion is disrupted or when wax is produced in excessive amounts,” explains Harrison.
“Frequent use of in-ear devices, such as headphones, can push earwax deeper into the canal, preventing its natural movement out of the ear. Skin conditions around the ear and excessive hair in the ear can also increase the likelihood of blockages.”
The frequent use of cotton buds can also cause problems. “Using Q-Tips or putting your fingers in your ear is a major cause of earwax blockages,” highlights Hannah Samuels, audiologist at Boots Hearingcare.
“Putting a Q-tip down your ear canal pushes wax around and down, which causes further build-up and makes it more difficult to remove.”
How can earwax blockages affect my hearing and health?
“Any obstructions in the ear canal or eardrum can cause temporary hearing loss or make sounds seem muffled, which can make it difficult to engage in conversations and everyday life,” explains Harrison.
“Persistent blockages can also irritate the ear, potentially worsening symptoms like tinnitus or dizziness and over time, untreated blockages could harm the delicate structures of the ear canal and eardrum, leading to more serious complications in future.”
Earwax blockages in older adults
As you age, your earwax naturally dries out, making it harder for your ears to clean themselves effectively. Additionally, individuals with hairier ear canals are more prone to blockages. Harrison shared: “Those who use hearing devices or in-ear headphones may also be more prone to ear wax build-up. And those who commonly suffer from ear infections should look out for altered earwax consistency due to an increased likelihood of blockages,” he warns.
Can my GP help with earwax blockages?
Yes. If you have ongoing symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, or ringing in your ears, seeking medical advice is essential. “If the build-up of wax is severe, an audiologist or healthcare provider will be able to determine the most suitable approach and can administer treatment, which may include ear irrigation, microsuction, or manual removal,” says Samuels.
How can I remove earwax safely?
“We recommend professional earwax removal to prioritise safety and effectiveness as at-home methods can often make problems worse,” says Harrison. “Microsuction is usually the preferred method for its precision and minimal risk.
“A suction device gently removes the wax while the audiologist monitors the procedure using a microscope, ensuring no contact with the eardrum or sensitive skin of the canal.
“Manual removal may be recommended for softer wax or minor blockages and involves the use of specialist tools to carefully extract the wax. For hard or impacted wax, we advise people to use oil-based drops for several days prior to their appointment to soften the wax.”
Can I prevent earwax blockages?
“Firstly, it’s important to avoid putting anything into your ears, such as cotton buds, hairpins, or other objects,” advises Harrison. “These can push the earwax deeper into the canal, making blockages more likely.”
It’s also essential to maintain cleanliness in the outer part of your ear. “Using a warm flannel to gently wipe the outside of your ears is sufficient to clear away any excess wax or debris,” says Harrison. “This ensures hygiene without interfering with the ear canal itself.”