Do your ears feel blocked or do sounds seem muffled? You might be wondering if you need ear wax removal or if you’re starting to lose your hearing. The truth is, both can cause similar symptoms, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference. In this blog, we’ll help you understand the key signs, what you should (and shouldn’t) do at home, and when to book a hearing assessment to find out what’s really going on.
How to Know if It’s Just Ear Wax
It’s incredibly common for ear wax removal to be the first thing people think of when their ears feel blocked, and often, they’re right. Wax buildup can temporarily affect your hearing, especially if it’s hardened or impacted.
Common signs of earwax buildup:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Mild earache
- Itchiness or slight discharge
- Temporary tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
People often reach for ear wax drops, removal kits, or products like Waxsol, but while these are marketed as quick fixes, they can sometimes make things worse if misused or if the issue isn’t wax-related at all.
When Ear Wax Removal Might Not Be the Solution
If your symptoms persist after using drops or DIY kits, or your hearing feels off without a clear reason, it might not be wax at all, it could be hearing loss.
Unlike earwax, hearing loss often develops gradually and may go unnoticed until it starts affecting your daily life. Some types, like high-frequency hearing loss or hidden hearing loss, can be hard to detect without a proper assessment.
Signs you may be experiencing hearing loss:
- You’re turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves
- Sounds are clear, but you struggle to understand speech
- One ear seems to hear worse than the other
- You’ve used ear wax drops, but the blockage sensation remains
- You hear ringing even in quiet rooms
If that sounds familiar, ear wax removal might not be the solution, but a hearing assessment could give you clarity.
Can Waxsol Cause Hearing Loss?
A lot of people search in google for things like, “my ear is blocked after using Waxsol” or “can Waxsol cause hearing loss?” While ear wax removal products like Waxsol are designed to soften wax, they can cause temporary symptoms like muffled hearing or discomfort, especially if:
- The wax is impacted
- There’s an underlying ear infection
- The ear canal is already sensitive
That’s why using over-the-counter products without knowing the cause can sometimes make things worse. If your symptoms linger after using Waxsol or any other removal kit, it’s best to get checked by a professional.
Why DIY Ear Wax Removal Isn’t Always the Best Idea
Cotton buds, candles, home syringes – there are plenty of methods people try for ear wax removal at home. But many of them are ineffective at best, and harmful at worst. In fact, DIY removal can push wax further into the ear canal or damage the eardrum.
If you’re curious about why earwax is best left alone unless it’s causing a problem, this article from Harvard Health explains how earwax protects your ears and why self-cleaning efforts can often backfire.
When to Book a Hearing Assessment
If your hearing feels “off” and you’ve already tried ear wax drops or over-the-counter solutions with no improvement, a hearing assessment is the next best step. It’s quick, painless, and can tell you whether you’re dealing with wax, fluid, or an actual hearing issue.
At Hearing Matters, we offer free hearing assessments for eligible adults, and we can help determine:
- Whether it’s just wax
- If hearing loss is present
- What your next steps should be – including referral for ear wax removal if needed
You don’t need a referral to book a free hearing evaluation with us, and there’s no obligation to proceed with treatment.
Why Choose Hearing Matters?
As a proudly independent audiology clinic, Hearing Matters focuses on individualised care, without the pressure. Our expert audiologists help you figure out whether your blocked ear is something simple or something that deserves a closer look.
We offer:
- Free hearing assessments
- Referrals for wax removal when needed
- Advanced hearing tests to detect even hidden hearing loss
- Hearing aid trials and follow-up care if hearing loss is confirmed
Whether you need support now or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Take the Next Step with Hearing Matters
Don’t guess, get clarity. Whether you need ear wax removal or help with hearing loss, the first step is a professional hearing assessment. It’s fast, simple, and free for eligible adults.
👉 Book your free hearing assessment with Hearing Matters today and find out what’s really behind your blocked ears.