Does earwax cause hearing loss?

Yes — sometimes it can. At Absolute Hearing Solutions in Gahanna, Ohio, many patients ask if earwax could be affecting their hearing. The answer is that earwax buildup can occasionally cause temporary hearing loss, but it is usually easy to treat.

What Is Earwax (Cerumen)?

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural, fatty, oily substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It plays an important role in protecting your ears by:

• Trapping dust and debris

• Preventing bacteria from entering the ear

• Lubricating the ear canal

• Protecting the delicate inner ear structures

Most people produce a normal amount of earwax, and in many cases, there is no cause for concern.

When Earwax Becomes a Problem

While earwax is beneficial, it can sometimes build up and partially or completely block the ear canal. This is called cerumen impaction. When this happens, it may cause:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear

• Muffled hearing

• Sudden decrease in hearing ability

• Ear discomfort

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

In some cases, excessive earwax can lead to a mild to moderate conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot properly travel through the outer or middle ear.

The good news?
When the earwax is safely removed, hearing is typically restored.