Ear Wax and its Impact on Hearing
                     Ear Wax and its Impact on Hearing 
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance our body produces to protect the ear canal. It is 
made up of a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and dust particles. While ear wax helps keep the 
ear canal clean and moisturized, the excessive buildup can cause problems such as ear wax 
impaction. 
Ear Wax Impaction 
Ear wax impaction is a condition where ear wax becomes hard and stuck in the ear canal, 
blocking the ear drum and reducing the ability to hear. Common symptoms of ear wax 
impaction include a sensation of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, ringing in the ear and pain 
or discomfort. 
Blocked Ear Drum and Blocked Hearing Aids 
When ear wax becomes impacted, it can push against the ear drum, causing it to become 
blocked. This can lead to a decrease in hearing ability and other symptoms. In addition, 
hearing aids can become clogged with ear wax, causing them to become blocked and 
reducing their effectiveness. 
Why it is important to remove ear wax? 
Excessive ear wax can cause a variety of hearing-related problems, so it is important to remove 
it to maintain healthy hearing. A simple and effective way to do this is to visit a hearing care 
professional for a gentle ear cleaning. They can also check for any other potential hearing 
problems and recommend the best solution. 
Ear wax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal, but excessive buildup can cause 
hearing-related problems such as ear wax impaction and blocked hearing aids. Regular ear 
cleaning by a hearing care professional can help maintain healthy hearing and prevent these 
issues. 
What are its treatment at home? 
Ear wax, also known as cerumin, is a natural substance that is produced in the ear canal to 
protect the skin and prevent dust, dirt and other foreign objects from entering the ear. While 
ear wax is beneficial, sometimes it can build up and cause blockages in the ear canal, which can 
lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus or discomfort. This condition is known as ear 
wax impaction. 
If the ear wax impaction is mild, it can be treated at home with the following methods: 
Hydrogen peroxide ear drops 
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and warm water and use a dropper to place a few drops 
into the affected ear. Wait for 10 minutes, then tilt your head to allow the wax to drain out. 
 
Olive oil 
Place a few drops of oil into the affected ear, wait for 10 minutes and then tilt your head to 
allow the wax to drain out. 
Ear irrigation 
Fill a bulb syringe with warm water and insert it into the affected ear. Gently squeeze the bulb 
to flush out the ear wax. 
Salt and warm water solution 
Mix a solution of warm water and salt and use a dropper to place a few drops into the affected 
ear. Wait for 10 minutes, then tilt your head to allow the wax to drain out. 
It is important to note that these home treatments should not be used if you have a perforated 
eardrum, ear infection or any other medical condition affecting the ear. In such cases, it is best 
to seek the advice of a doctor or audiologist.  
What are its treatment at a Doctor? 
Treatment for earwax impaction, blocked ear drum and blocked hearing aids can be 
performed by your general practitioner (GP) or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT).  
A few common treatments include: 
Ear irrigation 
A warm water solution is used to flush out the earwax, breaking it up and allowing it to drain 
out. 
Manual removal 
A doctor may use specialized tools such as a curette or suction to carefully remove the earwax. 
Medications 
A doctor may prescribe ear drops that help to soften the earwax and make it easier to remove. 
Microsuction 
This procedure uses a gentle suction process to remove earwax without the need for irrigation 
or manual removal. 
Hearing aid cleaning and repair 
If a hearing aid is blocked, a doctor can clean and repair it to improve its function. 
It is important to note that not all treatments are appropriate for every patient and a doctor 
should be consulted to determine the best course of action.  
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