This article explores the steps you can take, should you find yourself struggling to hear properly, even after professional earwax removal. In this post, we will cover some of the most likely causes for your hearing loss and help you to find effective solutions , including how to know when it’s time to seek medical expertise.
Introduction – Still Can’t Hear, Even After Earwax Removal?
You finally took the plunge. After weeks of muffled sounds and frustration, you booked that earwax removal appointment, and the relief was palpable… until it wasn’t. While earwax build-up is a frequent culprit for temporary hearing loss, if you find that your hearing loss persists even after professional earwax removal, then this article is for you!
In this post, we will explore some of the reasons you may still be experiencing hearing loss, even after treatment, because we know that addressing persistent hearing issues is vital for our overall well-being. So, let’s explore the possible reasons you may still be experiencing hearing difficulties and discuss the next steps towards restoring clearer hearing.
Potential Reasons for Continued Hearing Loss After Earwax Removal
If you’ve had your excess earwax removed, but you’re still not hearing as you should, this can feel both frustrating and concerning. So, what are some of the reasons for continued hearing loss, even after professional earwax removal?
- Pre-existing Hearing Conditions or Hearing Loss: While earwax removal clears physical blockages, it can also reveal an underlying hearing loss that was previously masked. This loss might be due to congestion, allergies, the natural aging process, or other pre-existing conditions. To identify and address this, a hearing test with an audiologist is recommended.
- If you wear a hearing aid: Hearing aid users might find that their hearing aid is not working properly and may require either an adjustment or repair. In such cases, scheduling an appointment with your audiologist is recommended. They can assess your current hearing levels, fine-tune your hearing aids, or arrange for necessary repairs.
- Residual Wax or Debris: Sometimes, despite the best efforts, impacted earwax, particularly if it’s been compacted for a long time, or wax located in hard-to-reach areas of the ear canal, can leave behind stubborn remnants that continue to block some sound. If you suspect this is the case, contact your earwax removal clinic for a follow-up appointment. Reputable clinics typically offer this service at no charge within 2-4 weeks of your initial treatment.
- Ear Infection: While you might have thought that earwax was the only issue, you may also have an underlying ear infection which also affects your hearing. If you experience ear pain, discharge or fever following earwax removal, an ear infection is a likely culprit, and antibiotics from your GP or pharmacist may be required.
When is Hearing Loss Urgent?
Most hearing loss is gradual, but if it is sudden and persistent it’s best to play it safe. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have sudden hearing loss in 1 or both ears
- your hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks
- you have hearing loss along with other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear
It might not be anything serious, but it’s best to get help as it may need to be treated quickly.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss?
If you still feel that you are struggling with your hearing after ear wax removal, this quick check-list can help you to find out if you might have hearing loss.
- Do people seem to be mumbling?
- Do you strain to hear when someone talks or whispers?
- Do you have difficulties hearing someone talking from another room or standing behind you?
- Do you need to watch a person’s lips more closely to follow the conversation?
- Do you find it hard to keep up in meetings, restaurants or lectures?
- Do you have to turn up the volume on the TV or radio?
- Do you find it hard to hear clearly on the telephone?
- Do you tend to limit your social activities because it can be difficult to hear and communicate?
- Do family, friends or colleagues often have to repeat themselves?
If you answered ‘yes’ to some of the questions above, it is likely you have some degree of hearing loss, so what are the next steps to take?
Hearing Loss? Your Next Step
Whilst it is normal to experience some apprehension when considering a hearing assessment and the prospect of hearing loss, modern technology and increased awareness means that more people than ever are identifying their hearing loss at an early stage and enjoying better hearing health, support and well-being for longer.
Schedule a hearing test. A simple hearing test can identify any underlying hearing issues and explain more about why you might still be struggling to hear, even after earwax removal. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference in managing hearing loss and improving your quality of life. Some people find it helpful to start with a basic online hearing test before booking an appointment for a full assessment.
If you already wear hearing aids but feel that they are not working as effectively as you would like or need, book an appointment with your audiologist who can offer advice, recommendations and arrange for a reassessment, hearing aid adjustment or repair.
Benefits of Addressing Hearing Loss
It might feel hard to accept that we could be experiencing hearing loss and we may feel worried or concerned, however, there are many significant benefits to promptly addressing symptoms of hearing loss, including:
- Improved communication and understanding of speech
- Reduced fatigue and stress from straining to hear
- Enhanced enjoyment of music, movies and social activities
- Improves overall well-being and decreases isolation, depression and the risk of dementia.
Taking proactive steps to identify and treat hearing loss empowers us to actively improve our hearing health and enhance social connections and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, persistent hearing loss after successful earwax removal can stem from various causes, including underlying hearing loss, pre-existing conditions, hearing aid issues, residual wax or debris, or ear infections. Early detection is highly beneficial, enabling timely and appropriate intervention. To determine the cause of your hearing loss and explore effective solutions, scheduling an appointment with an audiologist who can provide expert advice and support is a great first step to clearer hearing.
Other Useful Articles
- https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/hearing-loss
- https://interhearing.com/news/allergies-and-hearing-loss/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss
- https://interhearing.com/news/nhs-audiology-appointment/
- https://interhearing.com/news/nhs-vs-private-hearing-aid-technology-benefits/
