Earwax is a natural substance that protects the ear canal. However, too much earwax can cause a blockage, which can lead to hearing loss, earaches, and other symptoms.
Causes of earwax blockage:
- Overproduction of earwax
- Insufficient cleaning
- Incorrect at-home earwax removal
- Earphone and ear plug usage
Symptoms of earwax blockage:
- Earaches
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Severe pain in the ear
- Fever
How to treat earwax blockage:
- A doctor can remove earwax buildup using a curet, suction, or a water pick.
- At-home treatments include applying baby oil, mineral oil, or hydrogen peroxide to soften the wax, and then flushing it out with warm water using a rubber-bulb syringe.
Tips for preventing earwax blockage:
- Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears, as they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal.
- If you have a lot of earwax, you can use over-the-counter earwax removal drops to soften the wax.
- If you have frequent earwax blockages, you may need to see your doctor for regular earwax removal.
Overall, earwax blockage is a common problem that can be easily treated. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as severe pain or fever, it is important to see your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.