Ear wax is probably not something you think about very often even though everyone has it, but this natural substance plays an important role in protecting your ears. When too much builds up, you may start questioning, “How do I know my ear is clogged by ear wax?”
Understanding the signs and knowing when to seek professional care can help you avoid hearing loss, an infection, and other complications.
How Do I Know My Ear Is Clogged by Ear Wax? 6 Common Signs and Symptoms
A small amount of wax is totally normal, but too much can create a blockage leading to a host of other issues.
Here are the most common signs ear wax may be causing issues:
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss: Sound becomes harder to hear because the wax is physically blocking sound waves from reaching your eardrum. This can cause temporary hearing loss
- Ear pressure or fullness: This happens when the wax is tightly packed inside the ear canal.
- Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus): Ear wax, or cerumen, can lead to an irritating high-pitched ringing and other sounds internally.
- Vertigo: A blockage can affect your balance center, causing you to feel lightheaded or dizzy, like the room is spinning.
- Itching or other discomfort: Wax buildup can irritate skin inside your ear canal.
- Foul odor and / or discharge: If bacteria or moisture become trapped behind the wax, it can lead to infection and drainage that smells bad.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is time to seek professional care.
An ENT Is Always the Best Choice for Impacted Wax
Trying to remove cerumen on your own may seem easy, but cotton swabs and other instruments can push wax deeper or damage your eardrum.
Home remedies often worsen the impaction or lead to injury. If symptoms persist, if you’re in pain, or if you’ve had previous ear surgery or infections, you should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
These specialists are trained to handle delicate structures of the ear. They can determine if the issue is wax or something more serious like an infection, fluid, or a perforation.
They’ll decide the most effective treatment for your situation, which may be irrigation, suction, or other technique they are trained to perform.
You Can Prepare for an Appointment With These Quick Tips
Before your visit, avoid pushing or putting anything in your ear, including cotton swabs, keys, or bobby pins.
These can actually make a blockage much worse or even cause damage that may be irreversible.
Your ENT may recommend using drops to soften the wax a few days prior, but only do this if your provider tells you to.
Be prepared to share your symptoms, health history, and any issues like prior surgeries or chronic ear infections.
What Happens During Professional Ear Wax Removal?
Once you arrive, your provider will examine the area with an otoscope or microscope to see the blockage clearly.
Depending on how hard or soft the wax is, they may:
- Use warm water irrigation to gently flush it out.
- Use suction to carefully pull the wax from the canal.
- Use specialized tools such as a curette to manually remove it.
The process is quick and should be painless. If you do experience discomfort, you can rest assured it should take less than 15 minutes.
Here’s What to Expect for Recovery and Aftercare
There’s really no recovery time after cerumen removal. You can go about your day right away.
You may experience mild sensitivity or a strange hollow sensation, but this typically goes away within hours.
Your provider may recommend avoiding any devices in your ears such as earbuds or hearing aids, as well as avoiding getting your ears wet by showering or swimming for a short time to allow for healing.
Is Cerumen Removal Safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified provider, the procedure is very safe.
Risks are minimal and include slight irritation or temporary dizziness, especially if the wax was deep. Serious complications are extremely rare.
For Professional Ear Wax Removal, Trust ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
Our team provides safe and effective treatment as gently as possible to remove impacted cerumen and restore your hearing and comfort.
If you’re still wondering, “How do I know my ear is clogged by ear wax,” don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
Call our experienced ENT team at 703-448-0005 today to schedule your visit!
