If there is too much earwax buildup, it can block the ear canal acting as a sonic barricade that prevent sound waves from passing from the outer ear to the inner ear. 

This is a type of conductive hearing loss—the term for hearing loss caused by issues with the ear canal, ear drum or middle ear. Sound waves need to travel through the ear canal in order to be converted into electrical signals that are processed by the brain. When those sound waves can’t travel—or be conducted—through the canal, it results in a hearing loss.

Ear canal blockage from wax is actually one of the leading causes of conductive hearing loss, which can make softer sounds more difficult to hear, and make louder sounds seem muffled.

Conductive types of hearing loss can often be temporary. If impacted earwax is the culprit, its removal in a safe and timely manner can reverse the hearing loss. However, if impacted earwax is left untreated in the canal for too long, it can potentially lead to more permanent hearing loss. Researchers have found that mice exposed to conductive hearing loss over the course of a year experienced lasting damage to the inner ear.

This is why it's important to identify an overproduction of earwax early on. By recognizing the buildup, you can have it removed before it has a chance to cause irreversible damage to your hearing.

You may be wondering what an evaluation involves. It's a simple, respectful process designed to give you all the information you need, without any pressure. A Miracle-Ear hearing test is a comprehensive, three-step, risk-free evaluation. It includes a personalized consultation, a thorough sound assessment, and the creation of a tailored hearing care plan, all performed by our compassionate hearing care professionals.