If you don’t clean your ears for years, earwax, also known as cerumen, can accumulate in the ear canal. The earwax can harden and become impacted, which can cause a blockage in the ear canal. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

1. Hearing loss: The accumulation of earwax can cause a temporary or permanent hearing loss, depending on the amount of earwax and how long it has been present.

2. Tinnitus: Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can occur as a result of earwax impacting the ear canal.

3. Earache: The accumulation of earwax can cause earache and discomfort in the ear.

4. Itching: Earwax can also cause itching in the ear canal.

5. Odor: Earwax can also cause an unpleasant odor in the ear canal.

6. Vertigo: Accumulation of earwax can cause a feeling of dizziness or spinning (vertigo) due to the pressure on the ear drum.

Caution! Cleaning your own ears without proper technique can increase the risk of developing ear infections or other complications, such as perforation of the eardrum, which is a hole in the eardrum, which can be caused by using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears.

It’s important to note that ears are self-cleaning, and it is not necessary to clean them regularly, but if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to see an audiologist or healthcare professional for an ear cleaning or check-up.

Our office is happy to evaluate your ear canals and remove the ear wax safely. Feel free to schedule an appointment today!