Muffled hearing is a common issue, often characterised by difficulty hearing and understanding conversations, frequently asking people to speak louder, or feeling like something is lodged in the ear. One of the most frequent causes of muffled hearing is earwax buildup. When too much earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum properly, resulting in a sensation of reduced or muffled hearing.
Anyone experiencing muffled hearing should seek a professional ear examination to safely remove any earwax buildup. At The Hearing Hub in Twickenham, we offer professional earwax removal methods to carefully address and remove earwax buildup. Below we’ll explain why muffled hearing can be a sign of earwax accumulation, what can happen if it’s left untreated, and why professional removal is the most appropriate option for safely clearing the buildup.
Why Muffled Hearing Might Mean Earwax Buildup
Many people suffer from earwax buildup, which can occur naturally over time and worsen if not removed. Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, leading to a higher likelihood of accumulation. It can also be increased by factors such as improper cleaning habits, the use of earphones, or wearing hearing aids.
When earwax accumulates, it can lead to significant discomfort and irritation, with muffled hearing often being one of the first signs that people notice when they may have a buildup. Muffled hearing occurs when sound isn’t transmitted effectively to the inner ear, causing it to sound dull or unclear. As earwax builds up in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum properly, leading to the sensation of muffled or reduced hearing.
How to Spot Muffled Hearing
Muffled hearing is often one of the easiest ways people recognise they might have earwax buildup. However, it can still be hard to realise your hearing is muffled and whether it’s due to earwax. Below are some common signs muffled hearing could be caused by earwax buildup:
Difficulty Hearing Normal Sounds
If you’ve noticed that sounds seem quieter or harder to understand, particularly in conversations, it could be a sign of muffled hearing. You may find yourself asking others to speak louder or to repeat things they’ve said. This is often caused by earwax blocking the ear canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum properly.
Feeling the Need to Increase Volume
Those with muffled hearing often feel the need to increase the volume of devices or find it challenging to hear people during phone calls. If you are turning up the volume when listening to music, watching television, or on a phone call, it could be due to muffled hearing caused by earwax buildup. This is because the earwax reduces the ear’s ability to transmit sounds clearly, leading to the need for a higher volume.
Fullness in The Ears
Muffled hearing is often accompanied by a sensation of fullness or blockage in the ears. It can feel like something is lodged inside, making it difficult to hear properly. This sensation is typically caused by excess earwax accumulating in the ear canal, creating pressure and blocking the flow of sound.
If you experience any of these symptoms of muffled hearing and suspect earwax buildup, it’s important to have it professionally removed by specialists, such as The Hearing Hub in Twickenham.
What Can Happen if Earwax Buildup Isn’t Removed?
If earwax buildup is left untreated, muffled hearing can worsen over time, potentially leading to more severe hearing issues that can significantly impact daily life. As the wax continues to accumulate, it can create a larger blockage, further impeding the flow of sound to the eardrum, which may result in more pronounced hearing loss.
Untreated earwax buildup can also increase the risk of ear infections, as bacteria can become trapped behind the wax. This can cause pain, inflammation, and even dizziness or balance issues. In some cases, the pressure from the buildup can irritate the ear canal, leading to impacted earwax, which becomes more difficult and uncomfortable to remove.
Why Specialist Earwax Removal is the Ideal Treatment
Specialist earwax removal is the best option for muffled hearing, as it ensures safe, effective, and precise removal. At-home cleaning methods, like using cotton buds, are harmful to ears, as they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing it to become impacted. Therefore, it’s crucial not to attempt at-home removal if you suspect hearing is muffled.
Our specialists have the expertise to assess ear health and recommend the most suitable earwax removal method, whether that’s microsuction, irrigation, or instrumentation. They also take great care to avoid damaging the ears or pushing the earwax deeper into the canal, addressing the issue of muffled hearing quickly and painlessly, often providing immediate relief while resolving the root cause of the blockage.
At The Hearing Hub in Twickenham, we understand the impact that earwax buildup can have on hearing, and we offer a range of high-quality, professional earwax removal treatments to address different needs. Whether you’re suffering from muffled hearing or other symptoms of earwax accumulation, our highly trained specialists will provide the most suitable earwax removal method.We offer a number of earwax removal methods, including microsuction, irrigation, and instrumentation, and also provide expert advice to help prevent future earwax buildup. For more information about our professional earwax removal services in Twickenham, visit our website today, or book your appointment online.