Can accumulated earwax cause damage to hearing?

Question

I don't clean out my ears very often (i dont even remeber the last time i did) and i was wondering if the build-up of wax in the ears can cause hearing damage or even deafness. I always assumed the body had automated ways of keeping the ears clean.

Answer 1

When the wax accumulates enough that it blocks the ear canal there will be a hearing loss that is noticeable. However, once the wax is removed by a doctor the hearing returns. Wax does not cause permanent damage. Never use Qtips they just shove the wax further down in the ear to where it won't come out on its own. Just rinsing your ears in the shower is enough to keep them clean.

Answer 2

I don't believe excessive earwax can permanently damage hearing, but it can cause some hearing loss. The excess wax can block the ear canal, and prevent full hearing potential. There are some over the counter ear wax removal flushes/washes that are very inexpensive. A few drops of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol used occasionally also works well to clean the ears of excessive wax buildup.

Answer 3

Go to the doctors and ask them to clear it out. I would go to an ear, throat doctor: Here's what I found on how they remove it:(I'm not really sure whats the best for removing all the ear wax) Most doctors remove earwax with a large irrigation syringe and a straight nozzle. They fill it with warm water and hydrogen peroxide. The doctor injects about 1 or 2 quarts into your ear canal. Your earwax is softened and flushed out. The process feels gentle and refreshing. However, the doctors syringe is not safe for self-use.

Answer 4

no it wont. but as my ear doc told me once..dont stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. meaning..there really is no need to swab out your ears. simply rinsing them in the shower is good enough.