Poor hearing? It could simply be due to ear wax build up
Are you finding yourself straining to hear your partner? Or asking for them to repeat the question? You’re not alone suffering with hearing loss. In fact, over half the UK population over 55 suffer from it. It’s incredibly common and can be caused by something as simple as ear wax build up. Let’s dive into it.
Why do we produce ear wax?
The body naturally creates ear wax as a method of moisturising the delicate skin within the ear canal. It also helps to protect the inner ear from bacterial infections by trapping germs and dead skin cells, which are removed as the wax falls naturally from the ear canal. As such, ear wax is absolutely essential for our bodies and, for most of us, we don’t need to remove it at all. However, it can build up and cause problems such as hearing loss.
How does ear wax build up cause hearing loss?
If the body produces too much ear wax, it may not disperse quickly enough and builds up within the ear canal. This can block the ear canal, called ear wax impaction, therefore restricting sound waves from hitting the ear drum as they should.
When this happens, hearing can seem reduced. You may also have a feeling of fullness in your ear, too.
How can we treat it?
There are many ways we can treat ear wax build up, but there are also many things we should avoid. Using cotton buds, ear candles or ear wax removing implements such as hooks can worsen your symptoms, by pushing wax deeper into the ear and risking injury and infection.
Instead, try treating your ear wax build up at home with clinically proven ear drops like Otex. If you need fast relief, Otex Express effectively breaks down ear wax with urea hydrogen peroxide in 3-4 days so it can fall more easily from the ear. For a simple and effective way to remove ear wax, Otex Olive Oil gently softens and helps remove hardened ear wax. Otex Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops are also a gentle and effective way to soften and help remove hardened ear wax.
If these ‘at home’ treatments aren’t helping, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP for further guidance.
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