Every person produces ear wax, it’s normal and it is a healthy way for the ears to protect themselves. In most cases the ear wax works its way out on its own and you never think about it. Sometimes the wax can build up faster than it clears or can get stuck in the ear canals on the bends in the ears or on the hairs. When this happens, the blockage can start to affect hearing and can cause irritation without you realising why.
If you have been searching for ear wax removal in Stoke-on-Trent the chance is that something has already started to affect you, and your ears don’t feel quite right. Here are the signs worth looking out for.
Muffled or Reduced Hearing
This is one of the most common signs that something is happening in your ears. Sounds start to not sound as sharp, conversations duller, the volume getting turned up on the TV. All of this will start gradually; some people may notice it others may not. If wax is getting stuck in the canals people only realise how bad it was when it has been removed and everything sounds sharp again.
A Feeling of Fullness or Blockage
Another way people start to notice wax build up is when their ears feel full. The sensation is hard to describe but is commonly referred to as like having water stuck in your ears after a shower or swimming. The feeling of pressure or fullness is usually a sign of wax building up in the ear canals.
Tinnitus or Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus is the perception of hearing a noise in the ear, it can happen to one or both ears and can sound like a ringing, hissing, buzzing or whooshing noise. When the wax builds up too much the sound waves are not getting to the ear drum correctly which in turn is not allowing the sound to get to the brain. If ear wax is causing these noises when it is removed the noises can stop. This though isn’t the case for everyone as hearing loss can also contribute to tinnitus, but if you notice new or worsening tinnitus alongside other symptoms on the list it’s worth having your ears checked for a wax blockage first.
Earache or Discomfort
If you are getting a dull ache in the ears it could be from wax becoming compacted and pressing on the ear canals or ear drums. This is often mistaken for an infection, so it is always recommended to have your ears checked properly by a professional rather than guessing.
Dizziness or a Feeling of Imbalance
Dizziness and balance issues can be caused by a significant ear wax blockage, but this is less common. If after having any wax removed the imbalance continues then seeking medical advice is important to see if anything else needs investigating, such as blood pressure medications.
Hearing Aid Users Should Pay Extra Attention
If you wear hearing aids and they start to whistle, get feedback or the clarity reduces in your hearing it could be wax building up in the ear canals and not the hearing aids being faulty. Hearing aid users should have regular ear health checks to ensure that the devices are working as intended and that the ears are clear and healthy.
What Should You Do Next?
Does any of the above sound familiar? If so the next step is to have an ear health check-up rather than trying to put anything into your own ears to try and clean them. Cotton buds, ear candles and other home remedies such as camera ear cleaning tools can cause more damage and push wax further into the ear canals.
As a HCPC registered practitioner offering ear health checks and mobile ear wax removal all around Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas, I visit you at home at a time that suits you. No need to travel to clinics, sit in waiting rooms or worry about arranging time off work. If you’re searchingfor ear wax removal near me and want the professionalism of a clinic but in your own home get in touch to find out more or to book an appointment.