Having a blocked ear is unpleasant, and everything sounds muffled. This could be due to ear wax building up or an infection. It can be really hard to tell, so only a professional will be able to give you the proper diagnosis but hopefully these signs make it easier for you to make your decision.
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Signs it could be ear wax
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include: Cough, earache or pain in the neck, face, ear canal, back or dizziness. For Ear Wax Removal Swindon, visit www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/swindon
Ear that feels full
Hearing difficulties
Tinnitus (noises inside your ear)
Impaired hearing (in one or both ears)
Gradually developing muffled hearing
Mild ringing (tinnitus)
Discomfort rather than sharp pain
Worse after showering or swimming (wax swells).
In a lot of cases, you don’t even have an accompanying fever or overall discomfort.
When symptoms point to an infection instead
When it might be an ear infection
There is a higher chance of an infection when you have these:
Pain (sharp, throbbing, or worsening)
Feeling itchy or ticklish near the ear
Discharge or an unpleasant smell
Cold, flu, or sinus symptoms in the last few weeks
Fever or feeling run down
Tenderness to the touch in the outer ear suggests otitis externa.
Safe steps to take at home
What You Should and Should Not Do
Never use cotton buds as they usually push wax further down and may cause irritation of the ear canal.
If you think that wax is the problem, then using olive oil drops can help remove it (use as described on box).
Urgently contact a healthcare provider if you also have severe pain, discharge from your ear, fever or any perception of being unwell.
Everyone gets blocked ears from time to time and if it is unclear why or how your symptoms are caused, then use the same quick test for peace of mind as well.
Summary
This article helps distinguish a blocked ear caused by ear wax from one caused by an infection. It lists wax-related signs such as a full-feeling ear, muffled hearing and tinnitus, often worse after showering, against infection signs such as sharp pain, discharge or fever, and advises against using cotton buds, suggesting olive oil drops for wax and urgent contact if severe pain or fever occur.
Questions this article raises
- How long should olive oil drops be used before seeing a professional?
- Can ear wax and an infection occur together at the same time?
- How is otitis externa specifically diagnosed and treated?
