Plenty of people ring us convinced their hearing has gone. Some of them are right. A good number, though, have a plug of wax sitting in the ear canal, and clearing it takes about half an hour.
That’s why wax is often the first thing we check when someone says their hearing has suddenly gone muffled. This guide walks through the signs that point to wax, who tends to build it up, and when earwax microsuction makes more sense than waiting it out.
What Are the Signs of Excess Earwax?
Earwax build-up does not always cause noticeable symptoms. Some people may only realise there is a problem when their hearing starts to feel different.
Common signs that may be associated with excessive earwax include:
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Difficulty hearing conversations clearly
- A feeling of pressure in the ear
- Ringing or other sounds in the ear
- Ear discomfort or irritation
These symptoms can have several possible causes, so it is important not to assume that earwax is responsible. Having your ears checked by an appropriately qualified professional can help determine whether excess wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.
Who is more likely to need it
Some ears simply produce more wax, or struggle to move it out. You’re more likely to need a hand if you:
- use cotton buds, which pack wax down rather than removing it
- have narrow ear canals or a lot of ear hair
- wear hearing aids or earplugs, which can push wax further in
- are over 60, when wax tends to get harder and drier
When Should You Consider Earwax Microsuction?
If your ears feel blocked or your hearing seems less clear than usual, it may be worth arranging an ear examination. This is particularly relevant if you can see or suspect that there is a significant build-up of wax.
Professional wax removal may also be considered if excessive earwax is making it difficult to hear comfortably or is affecting your everyday activities.
Rather than trying to remove the wax yourself, professional assessment allows the ear canal to be examined before deciding on the most appropriate approach. This is important because symptoms such as reduced hearing or ear discomfort can sometimes have causes unrelated to earwax.
How Does Microsuction Help Remove Earwax?
Microsuction is a professional earwax removal technique that uses gentle suction to remove excess wax from the ear canal. The procedure is carried out while the audiologist views the ear canal under magnification, so the wax can be removed with precision.
Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction does not involve flushing water into the ear. This can make it a suitable option for people who require professional wax removal, depending on their individual circumstances.
At Hear More Audiology, the ears are assessed before treatment so the audiologist can determine whether microsuction is appropriate. The focus is on providing a careful and comfortable experience while removing excess wax effectively.
What Can You Expect During an Appointment?
If you have never had professional earwax removal before, it is understandable to wonder what the appointment involves.
The process generally begins with an examination of the ears. This allows the audiologist to check for excess wax and assess the condition of the ear canal.
If removal is appropriate, specialised microsuction equipment is used to carefully clear the wax. The process is typically straightforward, and the audiologist can explain what is happening throughout the appointment.
Once excessive wax has been removed, some people notice that sounds seem clearer or that their ears feel less blocked. The experience can vary from person to person depending on the amount of wax present and whether another issue is affecting hearing.
Why Avoid Removing Earwax Yourself?
It can be tempting to use cotton buds or other objects when your ears feel blocked. However, inserting objects into the ear canal can push wax further inside and may irritate or damage the delicate skin.
Your ears have a natural process for moving earwax towards the outer part of the ear. For this reason, routine cleaning inside the ear canal is generally unnecessary.
If you regularly experience excessive wax, professional advice can help you understand how best to manage it rather than repeatedly trying to remove it yourself.
Clearer Hearing Starts With the Right Advice
There is no need to wait until blocked ears become a significant inconvenience before seeking professional advice. If you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to excess earwax, an ear examination can help determine whether professional removal is appropriate.
For professional Earwax Microsuction, Hear More Audiology provides personalised earwax removal services with qualified audiologists. If your ears feel blocked or your hearing has become less clear, Contact Hear More Audiology to discuss your symptoms and arrange an appointment.
