Hearing loss can occur due to a variety of causes, ranging from age to noise exposure to even ear blockages. While they may share some symptoms, they differ in their causes and long-term effects.
While earwax impaction can be a cause for conductive hearing loss, it’s helpful to understand the range of conductive hearing loss to best understand how to address your symptoms.
Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel through the outer or middle ear. This disruption prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear, interfering with hearing.
The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are temporary and treatable, while others may require medical intervention.
Common causes include:
- Fluid buildup from colds, allergies or sinus infections
- Middle ear infections
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Perforated eardrums
- Structural abnormalities or growths in the ear
- Severe earwax blockage
Conductive hearing loss often feels like sounds are muffled or distant, as though your ears are plugged. It can affect one or both ears and may fluctuate depending on the underlying issue.
About Earwax Impaction
Earwax, also called cerumen, plays a protective role by trapping dust and debris, preventing it from reaching deeper into the ear. In most cases, the ears naturally clean themselves by pushing old wax outward. However, sometimes earwax builds up to the point where it blocks the ear canal. This is known as earwax impaction.
Symptoms of earwax impaction include:
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss, particularly after water enters the ear
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear
- Mild discomfort or itching
- Occasional dizziness
Unlike other causes of hearing loss, earwax impaction is typically temporary and reversible with proper removal.
Key Differences
Although conductive hearing loss and earwax impaction can present similar symptoms, such as reduced hearing and a sense of fullness, a few details can help you distinguish between them.
- Onset and triggers: Earwax impaction often causes sudden hearing changes, especially after showering or cleaning your ears. Conductive hearing loss from infections or fluid tends to develop gradually.
- Associated symptoms: Conductive hearing loss due to infections may come with additional symptoms like fever, pain or pressure behind the eardrum.
- History of ear health: Repeated middle ear infections or structural problems might indicate conductive hearing loss from a cause other than wax buildup.
If you’re experiencing any kind of hearing loss, it’s important not to ignore it.
The best course of action is to consult a hearing specialist. They can perform a visual exam and hearing test to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide management options.
To learn more about hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test, contact Audiology Associates of Redding today.