Ear wax has a bad reputation---in reality, it can protect the ear from water, dirt or infections. It does not always need to be cleaned out right away. Normally, excess ear wax washes away. When ear wax builds up too much, it is called hard ear wax. This buildup needs to be cleaned out by a medical professional to prevent hearing problems or earaches. There are safe oils or drops to help soften the wax buildup. Ear wax blockages are often the result of using cotton swabs or other items in your ear. This can push wax deeper in the ear instead of removing it. It is safer to let the ear wax fall out on its own or have a doctor remove excess buildup. A combination of the following symptoms may indicate a need for medical help to remove the buildup.
Earache
A sharp pain or numb feeling in one or both ears may indicate an earache from wax blockage. In children, symptoms of an earache include a fever, increased fussiness or crying, especially at night.
Dizziness
If you have persistent dizziness, you may need to check your ear wax blockage.
Ear Ringing or Noise
If you feel buzzing or ringing in the ear, it may be a sign of ear wax blockage. We all hear occasional noise, but one that is persistent is cause for concern. The noises can be soft or loud. But, they are constant and do not seem to go away.
Decrease in Hearing
If you experience a loss in hearing, especially for more than a day, seek medical help. If your hearing loss continues to worsen, there may be a serious blockage.
Tightness in Ear
If your ear feels full or tight, there may be some blockage. The tightness feels similar to when someone is flying on an airplane.
Flakes or Crusty Wax
If you have excess flakes or crusty wax falling out of your ear, this may be a sign of too much buildup.
