Can Ear Wax Cause Earache? Understanding the Possible Causes
Earache can be uncomfortable and sometimes worrying, especially when you are unsure what is causing it. One common question is: can ear wax cause earache?
Yes, a build-up of ear wax can sometimes cause ear discomfort or pain, particularly when the wax becomes impacted and puts pressure on the ear canal. However, earache can have several other causes, including ear infections, irritation, pressure changes and other ear conditions.
Understanding the possible cause of your earache can help you know when professional ear care may be appropriate.
Can Ear Wax Cause Earache?
Ear wax can cause earache, particularly when too much wax builds up inside the ear canal.
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is produced naturally and helps protect the ear canal. Normally, it gradually moves towards the opening of the ear and leaves the ear naturally.
However, wax can sometimes become trapped and accumulate. When this happens, it may become hard or impacted and cause symptoms such as:
- Earache or discomfort
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Muffled hearing
- Hearing loss
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Itching
- A blocked-ear sensation
- Occasionally, dizziness or balance problems
If earache occurs alongside a blocked or muffled ear, an ear wax build-up may be one possible explanation.
How Does Ear Wax Cause Ear Pain?
When ear wax becomes impacted, it can press against the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
This pressure may cause discomfort, aching or a feeling that something is stuck inside the ear. The irritation caused by compacted wax can also make the ear feel sore.
Some people may notice that their symptoms become more noticeable when the ear is touched or when they try to clean it.
However, ear pain should not automatically be assumed to be caused by ear wax. There are many other possible causes of earache.
What Does Ear Wax-Related Earache Feel Like?
Everyone experiences ear discomfort differently, but ear wax-related symptoms may include:
A blocked or full feeling
Your ear may feel as though it is plugged or under pressure.
Muffled hearing
Sounds may seem quieter or less clear, particularly in the affected ear.
Aching or discomfort
You may experience a dull ache or general discomfort rather than severe pain.
Ringing in the ear
Some people experience tinnitus when ear wax is blocking the ear canal.
Itching
A build-up of wax can sometimes make the ear canal feel itchy or irritated.
If you experience several of these symptoms together, excessive ear wax may be worth considering as one possible cause.
Can Impacted Ear Wax Cause Severe Earache?
Impacted ear wax can cause discomfort and sometimes significant pain, but severe or persistent earache should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Severe ear pain can have causes other than ear wax, including infection or inflammation.
It is therefore important not to assume that removing ear wax will solve every type of earache.
Other Causes of Earache
Ear wax is only one possible cause of ear pain.
Other causes can include:
Ear infections
An infection affecting the outer, middle or inner ear can cause pain, inflammation and changes in hearing.
Water trapped in the ear
Water remaining in the ear canal can contribute to irritation and, in some cases, infection.
Pressure changes
Flying, diving and changes in altitude can affect pressure in the middle ear and cause discomfort.
Irritation or injury
Putting cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear can irritate or damage the delicate skin of the ear canal.
Jaw problems
Pain from the jaw or temporomandibular joint can sometimes feel as though it is coming from the ear.
Other ear conditions
Persistent ear pain, hearing changes or discharge may require assessment to identify the underlying cause.
Can Cotton Buds Make Earache Worse?
They can.
Although many people use cotton buds to clean their ears, inserting them into the ear canal can push wax further inside rather than removing it.
Cotton buds can also irritate the skin of the ear canal.
If you think ear wax is causing your symptoms, avoid putting objects into the ear in an attempt to remove it yourself.
Should You Remove Ear Wax If Your Ear Hurts?
If you have earache and suspect ear wax is responsible, it is better to have the ear assessed rather than assuming that wax is the cause.
A trained ear care professional can examine the ear and determine whether there is visible wax build-up and whether professional ear wax removal may be appropriate.
Depending on the situation, microsuction ear wax removal may be used to remove impacted or excessive wax under direct visual guidance.
When Should You Seek Help for Earache?
Consider seeking professional medical advice if your earache:
- Is severe
- Continues or gets worse
- Is accompanied by significant hearing loss
- Is accompanied by discharge or fluid from the ear
- Occurs with fever or feeling unwell
- Follows an injury
- Is associated with significant dizziness
- Does not improve after suspected ear wax has been removed
Sudden hearing loss should be assessed promptly rather than being automatically attributed to ear wax.
Can Microsuction Help If Ear Wax Is Causing Earache?
If impacted ear wax is confirmed as the cause of your symptoms, professional ear wax removal may help relieve the blockage.
Microsuction uses gentle suction to remove ear wax from the ear canal while the procedure is performed under direct visual guidance.
The suitability of microsuction depends on the condition of the ear and the amount and position of the wax. An assessment can help determine the most appropriate approach.
Ear Wax Removal in Ruislip
If you think ear wax may be contributing to a blocked ear, muffled hearing or discomfort, Cleaner Ears provides professional ear care in Ruislip.
Our ear care services include ear wax removal and hearing care. If you are experiencing earache and think you may have impacted ear wax, an assessment can help determine whether wax is actually contributing to your symptoms.
You can book an appointment with Cleaner Ears in Ruislip to have your ears assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ear wax cause earache?
Yes. Excessive or impacted ear wax can sometimes cause earache, pressure, discomfort and a blocked sensation. However, earache has many possible causes, so persistent or severe pain should be assessed.
Can ear wax cause pain and pressure in the ear?
Yes. Impacted ear wax can create pressure against the ear canal and may cause discomfort or an aching sensation.
Can ear wax cause muffled hearing?
Yes. A build-up of wax can block sound from travelling normally through the ear canal, resulting in muffled or reduced hearing.
Should I use cotton buds if my ear hurts?
It is best to avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. They can push wax deeper into the ear and irritate the ear canal.
Can microsuction remove painful impacted ear wax?
Microsuction can be used to remove excessive or impacted ear wax when the procedure is considered appropriate following an ear assessment.
Does earache always mean I have an ear infection?
No. Earache can have several causes, including ear wax build-up, infections, irritation, pressure changes and problems affecting nearby areas such as the jaw.
So, can ear wax cause earache? Yes, particularly when ear wax becomes excessive or impacted. It can cause pressure, discomfort, muffled hearing, tinnitus and a blocked feeling.
However, earache can also be caused by several other conditions. If your pain is severe, persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming ear wax is responsible.
If you are in Ruislip and think impacted ear wax could be contributing to your symptoms, Cleaner Ears can assess your ears and discuss suitable ear wax removal options.