Ear Wax Blockage: Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction:

Earwax is a common problem seen in many people. The ear canal has glands that secrete a waxy oil called cerumen. It is produced in the outer part of the ear canal and not deep inside the ear. The secreted wax finds its way to the opening of the ear. Normally, only small amounts of wax are formed, which gets expelled with the movements of the jaw. Earwax is produced to protect the ears. It has both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Some people form more wax which gets collected in the ear and causes problems. When the wax builds up and blocks the ear canal, it can lead to irritation, hearing loss, pain in the ear, and a ringing sensation in the ears when left unnoticed.

What Are the Causes of Earwax Blockage?

Earwax is typically a mixture of fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands and sweat glands from the outer ear canal. Usually, through jaw movements like chewing, the earwax secretions are propelled through the canal to the opening of the ears, where they dry up and harmlessly flake off. When the earwax picks up abundant amounts of debris and settles in the ear canal for an extended period of time, it hardens and is more likely to cause a blockage. Earwax blockage usually occurs when people try to clean their ears on their own using earbuds or other items in the ear. This happens because the wax is pushed deeper into the ear while cleaning rather than removing it.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Earwax Build-up?

• People with very small ear canals.

• Those with plenty of hair in the ears or people with certain skin conditions.

• Those working in dusty surroundings.

• Individuals who use hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds.

• Older people.

• People with certain developmental disabilities.

What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Blockage?

If you have excessive earwax build-up, you will commonly complain of difficulty in hearing and a sensation of blockage. Here are the other common signs and symptoms reported in case of earwax blockage:

• Pain in the ears.

• Ringing sensation in the ears.

• Feeling of fullness in the ears.

• Reduced hearing in the affected ear.

Untreated earwax blockage can result in an infection causing the following symptoms:

• Pain in the ear that does not subside.

• Drainage from the ears.

• A foul odor coming from the ear.

• Fever.

• Cough.

Occasionally, there may be giddiness. A person with wax may suddenly feel a complete block in the ear when water enters the ears and wax swells up.

How Is Earwax Blockage Diagnosed?

Earwax blockage is diagnosed based on the symptoms reported by the patient and by examining the ears with a special instrument known as an otoscope.

Can Earwax Build-up Be Treated at Home?

Earwax usually falls off on its own, and if it does not fall, then you can try using two to three drops of almond or olive oil into the ear three to four times a day. While administering, make sure you lie with the head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through the ear canal. This can be done for three to five days.

How Is Earwax Blockage Medically Treated?

Ear Drops:

The wax needs to be removed by an ENT specialist using a simple procedure called syringing. Your doctor may initially prescribe some ear drops to soften the wax making it easier for removal. Following the softening, the doctor will remove the wax with syringing or using instruments.

Ear Irrigation:

If this method of using ear drops does not give the expected results, then the doctor may recommend another procedure called irrigation, in which high-pressure water is administered to the ear canal to dislodge the block. This procedure is not painful, but water squirting can make you feel strange. Ear irrigation is not recommended in the following circumstances:

• The person who has had ear surgery in the past 12 months.

• Person with a perforated eardrum or had one in the past 12 months.

• Mucus discharge indicating an undiagnosed perforation.

• The person born with cleft palate.

• The person who has had a recent infection, otitis media (infection of the middle ear).

Manual Removal of the Wax:

If ear irrigation is not successful, then the doctor may recommend manual removal using a thin instrument with a small hoop at the end to scrape out the earwax. The other instruments used for manual removal include curettes, spoons, and hooks.

Microsuction:

In this procedure, a small instrument is used to suck the earwax out of the ear.

Are There Any Ways Available to Prevent the Build-up of Earwax?

There is no specific way to prevent earwax build-up; moreover, earwax has an important function in keeping the ears healthy, and so it should not be removed unless the build-up is causing ear blockage resulting in other symptoms. However, repeated episodes of earwax blockage can be prevented by avoiding the usage of earbuds or Q-tips or any other items that can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal.

People with hearing aids should have a routine examination for earwax impaction every three to six months.

What Are the Complications Associated With Earwax Blockage?

Earwax build-up itself does not cause any complications, but the treatment done for earwax removal can lead to complications like:

• Otitis externa.

• Short-term hearing loss.

• Perforation in the eardrum.

• Bleeding from the ear.

• Dizziness.

Conclusion:

Earwax is normal and serves a role in protecting the inside of the ear canal. Only when there is an excess build-up of earwax does it result in various symptoms. Never make the condition worse by trying to remove it manually when you do not know how it has to be done; rather, consult the healthcare provider immediately to prevent it from pushing further inside the ear canal or from other complications.