Are you spending more time on work calls or listening to music through in-ear headphones? If so, you could be causing damage to your ears. Earphones carry dirt and bacteria which transfer directly to your ears. You may suffer an allergic reaction or develop a rash or infection. A build-up of ear wax is also likely if you wear earphones frequently – they stop the wax from coming out of the ear canals naturally and can cause a wax blockage. If your ears become blocked, you are more likely to develop an ear infection. If you have a build-up of wax, it’s safer to have this removed by a specialist and not at home. Never use a cotton bud or insert anything into your ear to remove the wax. This can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and the cotton bud can traumatise the ear canal and ear drum. If wax impaction occurs you may need to see a specialist to remove the wax (ear microsuction).
In-ear headphones can cause damage to ears:
- They carry dirt and bacteria
- Can increase ear wax build up which can lead to reduced hearing
- Can permanently damage your hearing if the volume is turned up too high
Signs that you may have a build up of ear wax:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Feeling of ‘fullness’ in the ear
- Earache
- Dizziness
- Ear infection
Do you need ear wax removal?
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, then you may need ear wax removal. You will need to see a specialist to check your ears and remove the wax by using suction with the aid of a microscope (microsuction). If ear microsuction is necessary, you may be asked to instil wax-softening ear drops – for example, olive oil, for a few days before your appointment. This softens and lubricates the wax, making it easier to remove the wax from the ear canal.
What happens if you don’t have the ear wax removed?
If the ear wax is not removed, and continues to build up, you are likely with time to develop hearing loss and possibly ear infections. Find out more about wear wax: https://www.theentclinic.co.uk/conditions/ear-conditions/wax/
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