Earwax buildup can cause a blocked feeling, hearing problems, and pain. It can also be mistaken for cold or allergy symptoms. Excess earwax can be removed by a doctor, but inserting objects in the ear canal is not recommended.
You may be able to tell if you have earwax buildup because your ear may feel blocked, and you may also have hearing problems. It is also likely that you may experience pain in an ear containing excess earwax. If you have wax buildup inside one of your ears, you may also be able to see wax just outside the ear. While wax is generally beneficial, it can cause problems when poked inside the ears because it can harden and can be difficult to remove.
If your ears feel clogged, like when you drive or fly at high altitudes, earwax buildup could be your problem. You may also feel like something has lodged in your ear that you can’t quite remove. When the ears feel clogged from traveling at high altitudes, the sensation can typically be relieved by swallowing or blowing air through the nose. If you try these things and your ears still don’t clear, the problem may be excess earwax. It’s important to note that sometimes a cold or an allergy can cause fluid to build up inside the ears, which could also create the feeling of blockage. If you have cold or allergy symptoms, you may not actually have an earwax problem.
Excess earwax could also cause hearing problems. If sounds seem muffled on both sides of your head, and you also feel a plugging sensation inside your ear, you may have too much wax. In most cases, hearing will return to normal as soon as the excess is removed. You may also experience pain in your ear, similar to what you might feel when you have an earache. Pain relievers may help you manage this pain until you can remove the wax.
You might consider looking in the mirror to see if you can see wax coming out of your ears. If you can, and you also feel pain or a feeling of blockage, chances are you have earwax buildup. You probably need to see a doctor rather than trying to get the wax out on your own. Some liquid wax removers are available over the counter, but medical professionals advise against inserting cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal where earwax is lodged. You can actually push the wax further back inside your ears, doing more harm than good, or even damage your eardrum. A healthcare professional can remove the wax without causing further damage to your ears.
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