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Having blocked ears can get quite annoying. It prevents you from hearing the world around you and makes communication much more complicated than it needs to be. It can also be uncomfortable for people, especially if the ears have been blocked for a long time.
Clogged ears can happen to anybody and can be caused by several things. If you want to learn more about how/why ears get clogged, here are some common causes:
Earwax Buildup
Clogged ears can be due to excessive earwax in your ear canals. Cerumen is very important as one of your ear’s defenses against dirt, dust, and bacteria. It’s usually soft and can be pushed out on its own, but if there’s too much in your ear, it can harden and block your ear canals.
This blockage prevents sounds from getting into your ear. You may also develop other problems such as discomfort, tinnitus, dizziness, etc. When dealing with this problem, consult an audiologist to professionally remove earwax buildup.
Ear Infection
An ear infection can also affect your hearing. It happens when fluids enter your ear canal, and microorganisms start developing. Once these viruses and bacteria grow and multiply, they can cause inflammation, weakening your hearing. If the ears are clogged, they can be more likely to develop infection behind the blockage in the ear canal. This is another reason to get the blockage removed and checked by a professional.
In most cases, symptoms may get resolved in a matter of a few days. However, if you notice no signs of improvement after a while, it’s best to have your ears checked by an audiologist.
Foreign Objects
Your ears are constantly exposed to the outside world through the ear canals. With that, small objects can get logged in the narrower portions of the ear canal. These foreign objects can go unnoticed by the patient. This can be a problem with young children who put things in their ears such as beads, rocks, etc.
Some small objects may not cause any significant pain in the ear. However, if the lodged item is a piece of food or an insect, it can cause inflammation, leading to pain and itching. Please do not attempt to remove them on your own. Instead, schedule an appointment immediately to see your audiologist. They can examine the ear for any damage and prescribe the appropriate treatment option.
If you need to have a blocked ear treated as soon as possible, look no further than The Hearing Doctor. Our expert audiologists will be ready to inspect and treat your current hearing problem.