Can earwax build up cause hearing loss? Scientists say yes, and that’s not all

For many Australians aged 60 and over, hearing health is an essential part of maintaining quality of life. However, one often-overlooked factor that can contribute to hearing difficulties is ear wax build-up.

While ear wax is a natural and beneficial substance that can reveal a lot about your health, excessive accumulation can lead to hearing problems and discomfort.

This can happen due to a variety of factors, including age-related changes in wax production, the use of hearing aids or earplugs and improper cleaning techniques such as using cotton buds. When wax builds up and becomes impacted, it can partially or completely block the ear canal, leading to temporary hearing loss.

Read more: Clear out ear wax with these 7 at-home methods

What causes ear wax buildup?

Several factors contribute to your body’s production of ear wax — from environmental conditions to genetic modifiers. Some people simply produce more ear wax than others, and the consistency of one’s ear wax can vary from person to person.

The shape of your ear canal can also impact the production of ear wax. Generally, narrow or hairy ear canals tend to produce more ear wax.

Environmental factors like air quality also play a part in this process. If you frequent areas where there is more dust, dirt and contaminants, you’re more likely to build more ear wax.

Age also factors in to ear wax buildup. As wax hardens with age, older adults are consequently at greater risk of a blockage.

Finally, items like earplugs, AirPods and hearing aids that are placed in and near the ear can also contribute to ear wax buildup.

What happens if you experience a blockage caused by ear wax?

Excess ear wax can cause a range of problems. Temporary hearing loss is among the more uncommon but most worrying of them, but there are other issues that can manifest due to ear wax buildup such as:

• Muffled or reduced hearing
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds)
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Ear discomfort or itching

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional rather than attempting to remove the wax yourself, as improper cleaning methods can worsen the issue.

Many cases of ear wax-related hearing loss are temporary and can be easily resolved with the right care. If you notice persistent hearing difficulties, a professional hearing assessment may be necessary to rule out other causes.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.