Why do my ears feel blocked even when I have not had a cold?
A blocked or full feeling can happen when earwax builds up and stops sound from moving through the ear canal normally. It can also feel like pressure, muffled hearing, crackling, ringing, or the need to keep popping your ears. A careful ear check with otoscopy helps confirm whether wax is the reason, rather than infection, fluid, eustachian tube issues or another ear concern.
Is ear wax removal painful?
Professional ear wax removal should be gentle and carefully controlled. You may feel movement, tickling, pressure, or hear suction noise during microsuction, but it should not be sharply painful. If your ear is sore, inflamed, infected, or you have a history of perforation or ear surgery, the clinician should assess this before choosing the safest method.
What is microsuction ear wax removal in Charlestown?
For ear wax removal Charlestown appointments, microsuction uses a fine suction instrument while the clinician views the ear canal under magnification or direct visual guidance. It is often chosen because it does not rely on flooding the ear with water and allows controlled removal of wax, skin debris or blockage from the ear canal.
Is microsuction better than ear syringing or irrigation?
No single method is best for every ear. Microsuction may be preferred when water irrigation is not suitable or when the clinician wants dry, visually guided removal. Irrigation can be appropriate for some people after wax has been softened, but it should be avoided when there are contraindications such as suspected eardrum perforation, active infection, certain ear surgery histories or other clinical risks.
Do I need to use ear drops before my appointment?
Many people benefit from wax-softening drops before an appointment because softer wax can be easier and more comfortable to remove. However, drops are not right for everyone, especially if you have ear pain, discharge, a known hole in the eardrum, previous ear surgery or uncertainty about what is happening. In those cases, ask for advice before putting anything in the ear.
Can cotton buds make earwax worse?
Yes. Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear canal, compact it against the eardrum, irritate the skin or increase the chance of injury. It is safer to clean only the outside of the ear and arrange professional assessment if you feel blocked, muffled or uncomfortable.
How do I know whether it is wax or hearing loss?
Wax blockage and hearing loss can feel very similar because both can make speech sound dull or unclear. If wax is present, removal may restore clarity quickly. If your hearing still feels reduced after the canal is clear, a hearing assessment can check whether there is an underlying hearing loss that needs separate care.
Can earwax cause ringing, dizziness or discomfort?
Earwax build-up can sometimes be linked with muffled hearing, a blocked sensation, tinnitus-like ringing, itching, cough reflex, discomfort or balance-related unease. Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, significant pain, discharge, bleeding, facial weakness or symptoms after an injury should be assessed urgently.
How long does an ear wax removal appointment take?
Appointment length depends on how much wax is present, whether one or both ears are affected, how hard or deep the wax is and whether the ear canal is sensitive. A good appointment should include a history, ear examination, explanation of the method being used and aftercare advice — not just a quick attempt to clear the ear.
Can both ears be cleaned in the same visit?
Often, yes. If both ears have wax and it is safe to proceed, both can usually be managed during the same appointment. If wax is very hard, the canal is irritated or the procedure becomes uncomfortable, the clinician may recommend softening drops and a follow-up rather than forcing removal.
Is ear wax removal safe for older adults in Charlestown?
Professional ear wax removal can be suitable for older adults, including people who use hearing aids, but the approach should be cautious and personalised. The clinician should check for narrow canals, fragile skin, infection risk, eardrum history, medication considerations and hearing aid-related wax build-up before proceeding.
Why do hearing aids make wax build-up more noticeable?
Hearing aids, ear moulds and earbuds can reduce the natural outward movement of wax and may make blockage more obvious. Wax can also block hearing aid receivers or sound outlets, causing weak sound, feedback or sudden performance changes. Regular ear checks and device cleaning can help prevent repeat frustration.
Should children have ear wax professionally removed?
Children should not have wax removed casually or with home tools. If a child has ear pain, reduced hearing, school listening difficulty, recurrent infections, discharge, a foreign body concern or wax blocking examination of the eardrum, they should be assessed by an appropriately qualified clinician or referred when needed.
What should I do after ear wax removal?
After removal, avoid inserting cotton buds or ear tools into the canal. Follow any aftercare advice provided, keep the ear dry if instructed and seek review if you develop pain, discharge, bleeding, worsening hearing, dizziness or persistent ringing. If hearing remains unclear once the wax is gone, a hearing test may be the next step.
When should I not book routine ear wax removal and seek medical advice instead?
Seek medical advice promptly if you have sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, fluid or blood from the ear, fever, swelling behind the ear, a recent head injury, a known or suspected eardrum perforation, an object in the ear, significant dizziness or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Those signs need assessment before routine wax removal.
