Have you ever felt like something is blocking your ears? Or have you had trouble hearing clearly, like everything sounds muffled? If so, ear wax might be the cause. Yes, that sticky stuff in your ears can sometimes lead to hearing problems.
Don’t worry, this is common, and it can be fixed.
At Cary Audiology, we help people with ear wax problems all the time. We provide professional ear wax removal in Cary, NC. Let’s talk about how ear wax can cause hearing loss, what signs to look for, and how to treat and prevent it.
What Is Ear Wax?
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is something your body makes naturally. It comes from small glands in your ear canal. Ear wax has an important job. It helps clean your ears by trapping dust, dirt, and tiny bugs. It also keeps your ears from getting too dry. So, ear wax is a good thing, but only in small amounts.
Can Ear Wax Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes, ear wax can cause hearing loss, but only when there is too much of it. When ear wax builds up and blocks the ear canal, it’s called ear wax impaction. This blockage can stop sound from getting through clearly. It’s like having a pillow over your ear — sounds become soft or muffled.
Ear wax doesn’t always cause problems. Many people’s ears clean themselves. But sometimes wax gets pushed in deeper when using cotton swabs, earbuds, or hearing aids. This can make the wax hard to remove on your own.
Symptoms of Too Much Ear Wax
Below are some red flags to look out for:
- Trouble hearing or hearing muffled sounds
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)
- Earache or itching
- Dizziness or balance problems
If you have these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your ears checked by an audiologist.
Cary Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Cary, NC.
How to Treat Ear Wax Buildup
At Cary Audiology, we can help remove ear wax safely. Never try to dig it out with cotton swabs, hairpins, or your fingers that can push it in further or hurt your ear.
Here are some safe ways to treat ear wax:
1. Visit an Audiologist:
We can look inside your ear with a special light and safely remove the wax using tools, suction, or water. Our Cary, NC audiologists are trained to perform professional ear wax removal to ensure that your ears are clean and healthy.
2. Use Ear Drops:
Sometimes, an audiologist may suggest ear drops that help soften the wax so it can eventually come out on its own.
3. Irrigation:
We may use warm water to gently wash out the ear wax. This should only be done by a trained professional.
How to Prevent Ear Wax Problems
You can help stop wax buildup before it starts. Try these simple tips:
- Don’t use cotton swabs inside your ears. They push wax deeper.
- Let your ears clean themselves naturally.
- If you use hearing aids, have your ears checked often.
- Tell your audiologist if you get a lot of wax. You might need regular cleanings.
When to See a Professional
If your ears feel blocked or your hearing is worse than usual, it’s best to visit a hearing expert.
Our audiologists at Cary Audiology are trained to spot ear wax problems and safely treat them.
Remember, trying to fix the problem at home can make it worse or hurt your ear. We’re here to help keep your ears clean and your hearing clear. Schedule a professional ear wax removal session in Cary, NC today!
Ear Wax Removal in Cary, NC
Ear wax is normal and healthy, but too much can cause problems. If you or a loved one is having hearing trouble, it might just be ear wax. The good news is that this type of hearing loss is often easy to fix.
At Cary Audiology, we’re here to help you feel better and hear better.
Contact us today to experience professional ear wax removal in Cary, NC.