What Causes A Clogged Ear?

Earwax Impaction

Earwax impaction occurs if earwax is pushed too deeply into the ear canal. Impaction is most likely to develop in individuals who use cotton buds and other methods of cleaning their ears at home. Potential signs of earwax impaction include hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ears, and a sensation of fullness in the ears. Patients who have an impaction are at an increased risk of an ear infection as well. To remove impactions, patients may need to have a procedure known as ear syringing in their doctor's office. This procedure is quick and normally painless, and it can restore hearing lost due to the impaction. Doctors may also remove earwax using a device known as a curette. Sometimes, doctors might recommend specific ear drops patients can use at home to soften wax, making it easier to remove. However, ear candles are not advised as a treatment option. To prevent impactions of earwax, physicians suggest patients allow their ears to clean themselves; inserting objects into healthy ears to clean them is unnecessary and potentially damaging. Individuals may wish to consider limiting their use of earbuds and earplugs, since these can push wax deeper into the ear canal than it might otherwise go.

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