Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, can occur when your body produces too much earwax or when existing wax is pushed too far into your ear canal. In some cases, you may not be able to hear out of the affected ear. But this typically lasts only until you can have the excess wax removed. In most cases, home treatment works well, but a doctor can also help eliminate and unplug earwax blockage.
Causes of earwax blockage
The presence of some earwax is normal. Earwax protects your inner ear from debris, such as bacteria and dust. Normally, the wax works its way out of your ear gradually so there’s no blockage. However, you may develop a blockage if you push the wax deep into your ear or naturally produce an excess amount of earwax.
Using cotton swabs
If you try to get the wax out with a cotton swab or other object, you may end up pushing it further into your ear, creating an obstruction.
Natural presence of excessive wax
Another possible cause of earwax blockage is that your body just makes more wax than it should. In this case, there may be too much wax for your ear to easily eliminate. If so, the wax may harden in your ear, making it less likely to work its way out on its own.
Baking soda
You can remove earwax at home using baking soda:
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 ounces of warm water.
If you have a dropper bottle, pour the solution into it.
Tilt your head to the side and gently drip 5 to 10 drops of the solution into your ear, 1 drop at a time.
Leave the solution in the ear for up to 1 hour, then flush with water.
Do this once a day until the earwax clears up. It may happen within a couple of days. Don’t do this for any longer than 2 weeks.
Symptoms of earwax blockage
One of the main symptoms of earwax blockage is decreased hearing in the affected ear. Don’t worry — your hearing will return once you have the earwax blockage removed.
Other common symptoms include:
a feeling of fullness in your ear
an earache
ringing, buzzing, or other odd noises in your ear
Most people only notice these symptoms in one ear, since it’s unlikely that both ears will be blocked at the same time. If you’re experiencing these symptoms in both ears, you should see a doctor to rule out any other medical conditions.
Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms before diagnosing you with a wax blockage. Your doctor will also use a lighted instrument called an otoscope to look into your ear and see if wax may be causing your symptoms.
Potentially dangerous home remedies to avoid
Although earwax removal is often safe to do at home, there are some cases that require the attention of a medical professional. If the above home remedies don’t work for you, contact your doctor. Don’t use the following to remove earwax:
Small objects. Avoid using small objects such as pen caps or bobby pins to clean out your ears. Many doctors agree with the old saying, “Never put anything in your ear that’s smaller than your elbow.”
Cotton swabs. Although they may look safe and perfect for your ears, cotton swabs are too small to be used safely inside the ear and could cause damage.
Ear candles. There’s been a lot of coverage regarding this technique, but there are concerns that ear candles can cause injuries, such as burns and punctured eardrums.
Source: www.healthline.com
