Introduction: Why Your Hearing Suddenly Changes
Waking up with a muffled ear, difficulty hearing conversations, or a blocked feeling can be worrying. In most cases, adults assume it’s earwax — but sometimes, it may be the early sign of hearing loss. Since the symptoms can overlap, knowing the difference is essential.
At Better Ears, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Is this earwax… or something more serious?”
This article explains how to tell them apart, what each condition feels like, and when to seek professional help.
Understanding the Basics: How Hearing Works
Hearing depends on three major parts of the ear working in harmony:
1. Outer Ear
Collects sound waves and directs them to the eardrum.
2. Middle Ear
Transfers sound through tiny bones called ossicles.
3. Inner Ear (Cochlea)
Converts sound into electrical signals sent to the brain.
Anything that blocks these steps — from wax to nerve damage — can lead to sudden or gradual hearing changes
Common Causes of Earwax Buildup
Earwax is normal, healthy, and protective. But sometimes it becomes impacted. Common reasons include:
- Using cotton buds
- Wearing hearing aids or earplugs often
- Narrow ear canals
- Dry or overproduced wax
- Age-related changes
When wax becomes stuck, it can create a plug that affects hearing instantly.
What Hearing Loss Really Means
Hearing loss refers to a reduction in your ability to hear sound clearly, often caused by:
- Aging
- Noise exposure
- Genetics
- Medical conditions
- Sudden ear damage
- Nerve-related changes
Unlike wax, hearing loss usually happens gradually — but not always.
Key Differences Between Earwax and Hearing Loss
Below is a simple comparison to help you recognise the difference:
1. Onset: Sudden vs Gradual
Earwax Buildup
✔ Often sudden, especially after:
- Showering
- Sleeping
- Wearing headphones
- Using cotton buds
✔ One ear usually affected
Hearing Loss
✔ Usually gradual
✔ Both ears may decline over time
✔ Sudden hearing loss is possible — and a medical emergency
2. Sensation Inside the Ear
Earwax Feels Like:
- A blocked or plugged feeling
- Pressure in the canal
- Sounds are “distant”
- Ear crackling or popping
Hearing Loss Feels Like:
- Sounds seem unclear, not blocked
- High-pitched sounds become harder to hear
- Speech feels “muddy”
- You struggle more in background noise
3. Associated Symptoms
Earwax Symptoms:
- Fullness
- Itching
- Mild discomfort
- Sudden drop in hearing
- No pain unless infected
Hearing Loss Symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing conversations
- Asking people to repeat
- Turning the TV volume up
- Struggling in noisy places
- Ringing (tinnitus)
4. Response to Jaw Movement
Earwax:
Moving your jaw may temporarily shift the blockage.
(Ear still feels clogged but may “crackle.”)
Hearing Loss:
Jaw movement makes no difference.
5. Visual Inspection
A clinician can instantly see wax with an otoscope.
Hearing loss cannot be “seen.”
It requires a hearing test.
Is It Possible to Have Both?
YES — and this is extremely common.
Many adults have mild underlying hearing loss that becomes noticeable only when wax builds up. After microsuction, they may still feel hearing isn’t “perfect.”
This is why professional examination is the safest first step.
When Earwax Is the Likely Cause
You may have earwax if:
- Your ear feels blocked after a shower
- Hearing drops suddenly
- You use cotton buds
- You wear headphones often
- You have narrow or curved canals
- You hear crackling or popping
- One ear is worse than the other
Good news:
Earwax-related hearing loss is almost always reversible with safe removal.
When Hearing Loss Is the Likely Cause
You may be experiencing hearing loss if:
- You struggle to follow conversations
- You turn the TV up louder
- You avoid busy environments
- Sound feels unclear, not blocked
- You hear ringing or buzzing
- Family notices before you do
- You find it hard to hear children or women’s voices
If both ears decline slowly, it is more likely sensorineural hearing loss.
The Danger Zone: Sudden Hearing Loss
If hearing drops instantly and wax is not the cause, this is a medical emergency.
Sudden hearing loss may be due to:
- Viral infections
- Nerve damage
- Trauma
- Inner ear inflammation
You must seek urgent treatment within 24–48 hours for the best chances of recovery.
Safe Ways to Check at Home (But Not Diagnose)
✔ Try gently yawning or swallowing
If hearing improves briefly, it may be pressure-related.
✔ Listen for crackling
Crackling suggests wax or pressure—not nerve damage.
✔ Check if the ear feels blocked or hollow
This is more typical of wax.
✔ Try alternating between ears
If both ears sound equal, gradual hearing loss is possible.
These are clues, not diagnostics.
Only a professional can give a correct answer.
What NOT to Do
Never attempt:
- Cotton buds
- Ear candles
- Home syringing
- Sharp objects
- Oils for sudden loss
- Pins, clips, or hair grips
These methods can cause injury or infection — and often push wax deeper.
Professional Diagnosis: What to Expect at Better Ears
1. Otoscopy (Visual Examination)
We check your ear canal and eardrum with a medical-grade otoscope.
This quickly tells us if wax is the issue.
2. Microsuction (If Needed)
A gentle suction device removes wax safely and quickly.
Instant results — no water, no pain.
3. Hearing Screening
If no wax is found, we perform a hearing check to assess:
- Frequency loss
- Clarity
- Severity
- Pattern of decline
4. Specialist Referral (If Required)
If hearing loss is medical or urgent, we guide you to:
- ENT specialists
- GPs
- Hospital care
Whatever the cause, you’re supported every step of the way.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Seek help quickly if:
- Your hearing drops suddenly
- You experience dizziness
- You notice tinnitus
- One ear becomes silent
- You have ear pain with discharge
These can signal infection or inner ear issues that need prompt treatment.
Better Ears Clinic Locations
Visit us at:
📍 Radlett – 347 Watling Street, WD7 7LB
📍 Harpenden – 1 High Street, AL5 2RS
📍 Hemel Hempstead – 161 London Road, HP3 9SQ
📍 Wheathampstead – 2 High Street, AL4 8AA
Home visits available across Hertfordshire.
FAQs About Earwax vs Hearing Loss
1. Can earwax cause sudden hearing loss?
Yes — wax can block the canal instantly, especially after showering.
2. Why does my hearing change after sleep?
Wax shifts when lying down, causing temporary blockage.
3. Does hearing loss cause pain?
Usually not. Pain often indicates wax or infection.
4. Can hearing loss be cured?
Wax-related loss can. Sensorineural loss cannot—but it can be managed.
5. How do I know if it’s an emergency?
If hearing drops suddenly without wax, seek urgent help.
6. Should I use ear drops?
Only if advised. Some drops worsen infections or irritation.
Conclusion: Don’t Guess — Get Your Ears Checked
Whether your hearing feels blocked, unclear, or suddenly different, it’s important not to assume. Earwax is common and harmless — but hearing loss needs proper care.
At Better Ears, we can quickly tell the difference using safe, professional tools. One simple visit can bring clarity, relief, and peace of mind.
Book your ear assessment today and hear comfortably again.
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