How to Identify Symptoms of an Earwax Blockage
- 1). Watch for any signs of decreased hearing, including an inability to hear spoken voices, or a need to turn up the volume on the television or radio. Small children may tug on their ears, which indicates a potential problem, but many will not.
- 2). Check your ears regularly for signs of excessive earwax. If you are prone to such buildup, once a month or every other month is adequate. This can be done using a flashlight. (Never stick objects like Q-Tips down into the ear canal, as they may damage the eardrum or cause infection.) If someone can't look in your ear for you, try using a hand-held mirror with a larger mirror in front of you, such as your medicine-cabinet mirror. Then, using the flashlight, shine the light into the ear canal to see if you can spot the location of the blockage.
- 3). Be aware that ringing in the ears, or a sensation of a plugged ear, are common symptoms of an earwax buildup. Many people feel symptoms similar to that of having water in their ears. Some feel a sensation of pressure in the ear.
- 4). Know that feeling a crackling noise or hearing a slight "pop" when you swallow is another sign of an earwax blockage. Make use of over-the-counter products like wax-softening ear drops when necessary. Use such products as directed on the package. Always read instructions thoroughly before starting treatment. It may require several treatments to completely remove an earwax blockage.
