Blocked ears affect your hearing process, and it can be an uncomfortable and painful experience. Earwax is produced in our ears and is responsible for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting our ears from dust or dirt particles that can enter our ear canals. Sometimes, excessive earwax production can lead to blocked ears which create discomfort in the ears. There are multiple reasons for blocked ears, let’s find out what are the various causes, symptoms, and treatments for Blocked ears.
What are the Causes of Blocked Ears?
There are several causes of blocked ears such as the entry of any dust particles in your ears, excessive production of ear wax, and genetics. Lifestyle changes can also be responsible for your blocked ears. Now we are going to understand each cause in a simpler form.
- Excessive Production of Earwax
Earwax plays an important role in protecting our ears from many foreign particles. But when excess ear wax becomes solid it creates an obstacle in the ear canal which leads to trouble in the hearing process. That’s why cleaning up the earwax from time to time is essential because it can prevent your ears from blockage.
Remember, the use of small objects like cotton ear buds, ear tweezers, or even fingers can push earwax in your ears into the ear canal. So, while cleaning ear wax you should take precautions and do not use such objects. You may use softening drops after consulting with your doctor.
- Acute Inflammation of External Ear Canal
Swimmers who spend hours in water can experience symptoms of the swimmer’s ear which means water is trapped behind the earwax. It leads to acute inflammation of the external ear canal. Taking advice from an ENT Doctor in Lucknow is the right decision. ENT doctors can provide accurate diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatments.
- Ear Infection
Ear Infections can cause inflammation in your ear. This inflammation can occur due to bacteria or viruses which can lead to the accumulation of fluids, and this causes blockage in the ears. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is also one of the reasons behind blocked ears.
- Entry of Dust Particles in Ears
Entry of dust or dirt particles can enhance ear wax production and it can lead to blocked ears. Proper ear cleaning and protection of your ears in a dusty environment can give you relief.
- Genetics Can Lead to Such Issues
Our genetics also influence our ear health. Inherited traits may be responsible for more hairs in your ear which are involved in the overproduction of earwax.
- Earphones or Hearing Aids
Frequent use of earphones, hearing aids, or any other object may cause blocked ears. It can create endurance in the self-cleaning process of your ear.
Symptoms of Blocked Ears
Itching, pain in the ears, discharge, cough, odour, weakened hearing, hissing sound in ears and dizziness are some of the common symptoms of blocked ears.
Treatment of Blocked Ears
The use of softening drops helps give some relief during blocked ears. It helps create a gap in the wax which provides relief from pain. Severe earwax blockage cannot be treated through this step, but it can be used as a prior solution. However, this is not advised to patients who are facing grommets or perforated ear drums. Consulting with an ENT specialist ensures personalised guidance for your ear health concerns. Micro-suction and Earworx are some other procedures that provide immediate relief from blocked ears.
Conclusion
Blocked ears can occur due to various reasons, and it is necessary to find out the right treatment. The building of earwax or any other ear infection can be responsible for blocked ears. You can clean your external ear canal with a clean cloth but avoid cleaning into the ear canal because it pushes wax deeper. Hydration is also helpful in preventing the thickness of wax which may contribute to blocked ears.
If symptoms such as pain in ears, itching, or discharge get worse, you should consult an ENT doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Taking proper medications and clearing of ear wax is essential for getting relief from blocked ears. Timely treatment is key for regaining your ear health.
