Could Earwax Cause Hearing Problems?

Earwax is a normal substance that helps protect the inside of your ear canal. When too much earwax builds up (gets impacted), it can cause symptoms such as temporary hearing loss. It is more common in older adults. Certain health conditions make it more likely to have impacted earwax.

Does removing ear wax improve hearing?

And a clean ear canal can make a world of difference. One study found that 35 percent of hospitalized patients over age 65 had impacted earwax and 75 percent of those had improved hearing after it was removed. Some experts estimate that removing an earwax plug can improve hearing by 10 decibels.

How can you tell if earwax is causing hearing loss?

If, however, the ear canal is plugged tightly with earwax, and cerumen impaction is severe enough to cause hearing loss, there will most likely be other signs and symptoms noticed before the hearing loss — such as dizziness, ear fullness (the feeling of plugged ears), itchiness or pain or ringing in the ears.