eardrum Resources - East End Hearing Blog

Fact or Fiction – Surplus Ear Wax Leads to Loss Of Hearing

What we call ear wax develops because our ear canals are covered with hair follicles and glands that generate an oily wax called cerumen. The reason for this wax is to line the inner surface of the ear canal and protect it by gathering up bacteria, dirt and dust, and miroorganisms. Ear wax also helps to prevent irritation when the sensitive skin of the ear canal is exposed to moisture; Thus, the production of ear wax is both natural and healthy.

In the majority of people, ear wax ultimately makes its way to the outer areas of the ear, where it either falls out or is rinsed away when we clean our ears. However, the glands in certain people’s ears generate more wax than usual. Because of this, the wax builds up and may harden, blocking the ear canal and preventing sound waves from getting to your inner ear. The accumulation of ear wax is one of the most widespread causes of hearing loss, in people of any age.

The signs and symptoms of a blockage caused by excess ear wax include feeling as if your ears are clogged up, hearing a ringing noise (tinnitus), and a partial loss of hearing, which becomes worse over time. This is a type of conductive (as opposed to sensorineural) hearing loss, where the sound waves are blocked from reaching the eardrum. Thankfully, this grounds for hearing loss is easily identified and remedied.

If the signs and symptoms in the list above sound familiar to you, see us in our clinic where any of our team members can perform pain-free assessments to see whether you do indeed have an excess accumulation of ear wax. If it is, an excessive buildup of ear wax is readily treated, either at home or at the clinic.

If a hearing specialist says that you have excess ear wax that is obstructing your ear canal, you can take steps to remove it yourself in your own home. Do not attempt to use a Q-tip, which can cause the ear wax to become even more compacted. Instead, add a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, mineral oil, or commercial ear drops designed for this purpose to each ear, let them remain in the ear for a couple of minutes to loosen up the wax, and then rinse the loosened wax out, using water at body temperature. (Note: using either hot or cold water to flush your ears can lead to feelings of vertigo or dizziness.) Pharmacies sell small bulb-like syringes that can be used to flush the ear after the wax has been loosened, aiding the process. Two more things not to do are to 1) use a jet irrigator like a WaterPik because its spray is too powerful and might cause damage to your eardrums, and 2) use any kind of irrigation at home if you know for sure that you have a punctured eardrum.

If these home remedies don’t seem to clear up the blockage, call or visit us for assistance.

An Overview of Ruptured Eardrums: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

Eardrums are important, playing two vitally important roles in hearing. First they vibrate in response to sound waves. Second they create a barrier that safeguards the inner ear from infection. If your eardrum is fully intact, your inner ear is a safe and sterile environment; but once it has been punctured or torn, microbes can enter and cause a serious infection generally known as otitis media.

The terms ruptured eardrum and perforated eardrum mean the same thing. They both reference a condition whose technical name is a tympanic membrane perforation where there is a puncture or tear in the very thin membrane we know as the ear drum. There a variety of ways that an eardrum may become perforated, the most common of which is an ear infection where the resulting buildup of fluid pushes against the eardrum until it tears. Some people perforate their own eardrums by inserting foreign objects into the ears, for example the use of cotton swabs to remove ear wax. Barotrauma is yet another potential cause of a punctured ear drum. When the pressure inside the ear is very different than the pressure outside the ear – lower or higher – the eardrum may not be able to withstand the pressure difference and ruptures. Flying and scuba diving are a couple of occasions where this is prone to occur. Loud noises and explosions can also cause perforated ear drums. This phenomenon is known as acoustic trauma.

Indications of perforated eardrums include:

Pain in the ear
Loss of hearing in the affected ear
Vertigo or dizziness
Fluid draining from the ear

If you encounter any of these signs and symptoms, see a hearing health provider, because if the eardrum is ruptured, immediate and correct treatment is important to prevent hearing damage and infection. Untreated, a ruptured eardrum can result in middle and inner ear infections, middle ear cysts (cholesteatoma), and permanent hearing loss.

At your appointment the specialist will view the eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope. Because of its internal light, the otoscope gives the doctor a clear look at the eardrum. Perforated eardrums generally heal on their own in 8 to 12 weeks. During this time period, your healthcare provider will most likely advise you to avoid diving and swimming and to refrain from blowing your nose as much as possible. It’s also advisable to avoid any non-essential medications. If the puncture or tear is close to the edge of the eardrum, the health care provider can help the healing process by placing a temporary dam or patch to help reduce the risk of infection, or even propose surgery.

Any remaining pain or discomfort can be handled using over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Not every perforated eardrum can be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Always get immediate treatment for any ear infections and never put any foreign objects into your ear (even for cleaning).

Fact or Fiction – Surplus Ear Wax Leads to Loss Of Hearing

An Overview of Ruptured Eardrums: Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

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