Have you ever experienced a mysterious crackling sound haunting your ear, seemingly attacking you out of the blue?
If so, you may be wondering about this irritating sound and if you should be concerned about it.
This blog will unveil the secrets behind this peculiar yet annoying sound.
Let’s dive into the captivating journey of crackling sounds in the ear, understanding what they are, the early signs, and the treatments to explore.
What Is Crackling In The Ear?
Crackling in the ear symbolizes a peculiar sound similar to the crinkling of paper or the rustling of leaves. It can be annoying and even unnerving if it happens frequently enough.
We often refer to it as a clicking, popping sound in the ear or a persistent snapping noise. These noises make it difficult to focus on the work or their surroundings.
Causes include:
- Eustachian tube movement
- air pressure fluctuation
- excessive earwax
- muscle contractions
While harmless, ear crackling can be bothersome and may indicate an underlying issue that warrants further investigation.
Struggling with popping in your ear? Schedule your free consultation with Hearing Health Center today.
The Three Biggest Causes of Crackling in Ear
Sometimes the crackling in your ear is coming from an area near the ear, or a more specific medical condition. If the crackling conditions continue, consider one of the following:
TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits right next to your ear canal.
If your jaw is misaligned or you’re dealing with teeth grinding, the clicking you hear is actually your jaw joint popping.
Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM)
Think of this as a “twitchy eye” but inside your ear.
Tiny muscles (the stapedius or tensor tympani) can sometimes spasm rhythmically, causing a seemingly random thumping or clicking noise.
Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) Dysfunction
Most of the time, the Eustachian tube remains closed and only opens when you swallow or yawn.
For people with PET Dysfunction, the tubes stay open constantly, causing “autophony,” a condition in which your breathing sounds echo or distort, often accompanied by crackling.
Five Early Signs Of A Crackling Sound In The Ear
Early signs of ear crackling can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Listed below are five common early signs that you must watch out for in case of something more serious going on:
- Popping & Clicking: You may notice popping or clicking sounds in one or both ears, similar to popping bubbles.
- The Sensation of Pressure: You might feel pressure in the ear, as if something is blocking it.
- Mild Discomfort: You may experience slight discomfort in the ear, which can be referred to as a sensation of mild pain or extreme itchiness.
- Fluctuation in Hearing Sensitivity: You might observe subtle changes in your ability to hear or even a slight reduction in hearing sensitivity, especially in the affected ear.
- Temporary Hearing Loss: Frequent episodes of temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds in your affected ear lasting for short periods are early signs of ear crackling.
It is essential to remember that these signs vary depending on the underlying causes.
If you experience any of these signs or have concerns about ear crackling, it is advised to consult medical professionals, including ENT specialists, for a proper diagnosis.
How To Preserve Your Ear From Crackling Sounds?
To preserve ear health and minimize crackling sounds, the best approach is simple ear health maintenance.
First, keep your ears clean and prevent excessive earwax buildup. Excessive earwax is a key contributor to the crackling sound and could lead to hearing damage if not treated appropriately.
If you work in a noisy environment or just love concerts, wear protective headphones (or safety earbuds). This is another instance of something that may not bother you in the moment but could cause serious injury later in life.
During activities like flying or swimming/scuba diving, it is advised to yawn or swallow to equalize pressure in your ears.
Also, this is very important. Do not use cotton swabs, car keys, or any other object to clean your ears.
Wonder why? Other than the obvious, any foreign object inserted into your ear pushes earwax deeper, causing damage to your delicate structure.
Lastly, drink enough water to maintain proper Eustachian tube function, facilitate equalization of pressure, and minimize the likelihood of crackling sounds.
How To Get Rid Of The Crackling Sound In The Ear?
The different treatments for the crackling sound you’re hearing really depend on the underlying cause. That’s why your audiologist will first focus on finding the reasons why it’s happening, then present you with a treatment plan.
One of the most common treatments begins with earwax removal. An audiologist will perform ear irrigation or use specialized tools to remove the buildup in a safe manner.
If you have issues caused by blockages, nasal congestion, or improper pressure equalization, the next step might be Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Management.
In case of ear infection or inflammation, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications should be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and resolve the underlying problems.
If the crackling sound is accompanied by tinnitus, treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Sound Therapy, and TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy) are recommended to help manage the symptoms.
For cases where muscle tension or spasm contributes to the crackling sound, techniques such as physical therapy, jaw exercises, and relaxation exercises help reduce tension and offer immense relief.
The best way to address ear crackling is to identify the underlying cause and work with your audiologist to resolve it.
When to Worry About Crackling in Your Ear
While most of the time, nothing to worry about, if you suddenly experience any of these additional symptoms, it is time to call a doctor right away.
Sudden Hearing Loss
If everything suddenly goes quiet, this becomes a medical emergency. The sooner you get treatment (often within 48 hours), the better the chance of recovery.
Vertigo
Vertigo is when the room starts to spin, or you become dizzy. If you are suffering from this, it might mean you have an inner ear infection or Vestibular issues that, when left untreated, can cause long-term hearing problems.
Drainage
It can be unsettling to see blood, pus, or clear fluid leaking from the ear canal, and it’s time to call a medical professional because this is an emergency.
Facial Weakness
Any drooping or facial numbness can be a sign that the nerves running near the ear are under significant stress. You should call a doctor immediately if you notice these signs.
How To Safeguard Young Kids Against Loud Noises?
Studies have shown that long-term hearing damage isn’t always the result of a single instance, but rather the combination of loud noises over significant periods of time. Since you don’t lose all of your hearing at once, you’ll gradually lose your ability to hear if you don’t get regularly scheduled hearing checks.
Step one is to limit exposure. Minimize exposure to loud sounds, especially during fireworks, machinery, and TV time. Also, offer properly fitted ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs to kids when in a noisy environment.
Second, make sure all electronic devices, media, and toys have volume limitations. The goal is to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises.
You may also consider creating separate quiet areas at home for young kids where they can relax and take a break from the noise.
By practicing these measures, parents can safeguard their kids against damage caused by loud sounds.
Need Your Hearing Checked? Contact Hearing Health Center Today!
If you experience ear crackling with no pain, consult an ENT specialist or other medical expert to identify the issue and recommend treatment. It could be an earwax build-up, managing Eustachian tube dysfunction, or treating infections.
Consult our professionals at Hearing Health Center to get proper treatment, including earwax removal. We have a team to help patients find the treatment that best suits their unique hearing needs.
Hearing ability is a precious gift that enriches us and helps us connect to the world. Unfortunately, due to hectic lifestyles and impractical choices, hearing loss has become increasingly common, affecting all ages.
But the good news is that many of these cases of hearing loss are preventable. By practicing healthy choices and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your hearing health for ages to come.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced or diminished ability to pick up on sounds or even understand them. Its severity can range from minor to extreme, depending on the underlying reasons.
This includes ear infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, hereditary predisposition, head injury, side effects of a medicine, and aging.
The key to preventing or slowing hearing loss is to understand what is “loud” and to limit exposure. Understand that the louder the volume, the less time you can listen to it before it harms your hearing.
Why Is Hearing Loss Affecting People at Younger Ages?
There are myriad reasons why hearing loss appears to affect people now at earlier ages.
Loud environments and prolonged exposure to extreme volumes, such as recreational activities, concerts, and the constant use of personal audio devices at high volumes, are contributing significantly to hearing damage among young people.
With headphones becoming an everyday staple, constant exposure to loud music is slowly affecting people’s hearing. Add in how some occupations (construction sites, manufacturing facilities, aviation, transportation, and entertainment) regularly expose people to high levels of noise, and young people are more likely than ever to experience hearing loss.
Some medical conditions, such as genetic disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases, can also lead to hearing loss, especially in younger individuals.
Genetic predisposition can make individuals more prone to hearing issues.
Thanks to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, more and more people are now aware of the importance of hearing health.
This includes improved identification and early detection of hearing loss. You can schedule a free comprehensive hearing exam at Hearing Health Center today.
What Are The Early Signs of Hearing Loss?
It is essential to note the early signs, although they vary by individual or specific type of hearing loss.
If you notice any of these signs or have concerns, connect with the Hearing Health Center team to avoid more serious, long-term damage.
Difficulty Deciphering Conversations
One of the early signs of hearing loss is trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments.
You may find it challenging to understand what others are saying, leading to repeated questions or requests for clarification.
Increasing Volume
Turning the volume up or asking others to repeat themselves if you find it too loud or extremely loud indicates the onset of hearing loss.
Gradually increasing the volume is a major early sign that most people do not recognize.
Withdrawal from Social Events
Individuals with hearing loss often withdraw from social gatherings or group conversations.
This is the result of difficulties understanding conversations, which then leads to feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and even isolated.
Eventually, individuals will avoid situations that demand extensive communication.
Tinnitus
The perception of ringing, buzzing, or other ghost sounds in the ears is associated with hearing loss.
If you often experience tinnitus, especially with other symptoms such as difficulty hearing, it is advised to have your hearing checked.
6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hearing Loss
1. Protect Your Ears Against Noise
Wear earplugs or muffs to reduce the impact of excessive sound at concerts or sporting events.
When at home, keep the volume at a normal level, especially when listening to music or watching TV, and use headphones.
2. Take Breaks from Noise
Taking regular breaks from noise is advised, especially in loud environments or when wearing headphones.
If you work at a loud site or in a noisy setting, take proper breaks in quieter areas to allow your ears to recover.
3. Be Cautious with Headphones
While earbuds and headphones entertain with convenience, don’t forget that they can be harmful, especially when misused.
Limit your use of headphones or earbuds, and when you do use them, keep the volume at a reasonable level.
Consider using noise-canceling headphones, which block external noise, so you can enjoy music without turning up the volume.
4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors influence your hearing health.
Avoid smoking; it can contribute to hearing loss. Manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes – they affect your auditory system.
Stay physically active and practice a balanced diet to promote overall well-being, including your ears’ health.
5. Be Cautious with Medicines
Certain medications, also known as ototoxic drugs, damage your hearing.
This means if you are prescribed medication, consult your healthcare professionals about potential side effects on your hearing.
Be vigilant and report any effects or changes in your hearing during or post medication.
6. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Like any other routine medical check-up, regular hearing evaluations play a key role in detecting potential hearing loss early.
Schedule an appointment with a trusted audiologist or hearing healthcare expert to monitor your hearing health and address your concerns.
Ready To Protect Your Hearing? Schedule Your Free Hearing Exam Today.
Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons, but fear not.
You can avoid noise-related hearing loss by getting annual hearing health testing, avoiding ear-damaging loud sounds, wearing ear protection muffs around loud noises, and practicing safe headphone usage.
Schedule your free hearing health exam at Hearing Health Center today.
Hearing loss costs a lot more than just your hearing. Every single day, patients walk into our practice not realizing how much they’ve lost financially, physically, and emotionally due to ignored hearing healthcare.
To help patients better understand what untreated hearing loss costs them, we put together this guide that explains how hearing loss impacts every single aspect of your life.
If you’ve ignored your hearing health, or want a check up, schedule a free comprehensive hearing exam with Hearing Health Center today.
How Common is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is remarkably common amongst adults. Approximately 15% of adults aged 18 and over in the United States report some hearing difficulty. That’s a little over 37 million people.
Age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss, with the highest percentage occurring between the ages of 60 and 69. Another key factor in hearing loss is exposure to loud workplace noise. 18% of adults have hearing loss at speech frequencies in both ears if they report loud workplace noise, while only 5% have hearing loss if they don’t.
Tinnitus is a concern as well. Around 10% of the adult population in the United States has experienced tinnitus, rising to 14% when worldwide totals are included.
One of the trickiest parts of dealing with hearing loss is that it’s often gradual. That means over time, you slowly lose your hearing until one day, poof, you recognize you can’t hear as well as you once did. Subconsciously, your brain might do more lip-reading, or strain so you don’t have as much of an idea how much you’re being affected until it’s too late.
Some physicians do not routinely perform hearing exams during physicals, which means gradual hearing loss could be occurring without you even realizing it.
The best and most effective way to gain a better understanding of your hearing health is to schedule an exam with a trained audiologist. At Hearing Health Center, our team performs a comprehensive hearing exam that gives you a clearer picture of your hearing health and the steps you can take to prevent hearing loss and reduce long-term costs.
The Monetary Costs of Hearing Loss
The 83% of people on Earth suffering from untreated hearing loss account for costs of nearly $980 billion per year. That total is around 6 % of GDP per capita.
According to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “older adults with untreated hearing loss generated an average of 46 percent more in total health care costs over 10 years versus those who don’t have hearing loss.” In dollars, that’s a little over $22,000 over 10 years.
Broken down further, people with hearing loss incurred nearly 26 percent more total health care costs over two years than those treated.
But what is most costly is the hospital stay data. After 10 years, patients with untreated hearing loss were hospitalized 50% more often; 44% of those people were at higher risk of hospital readmission within 30 days, and had about 52 more outpatient visits than those without hearing loss.
Another study calculated the extent to which untreated hearing loss affected household income. They found that people with the highest level of hearing loss earned $12,000 less per year than those with minimal to no hearing loss.
Simply put, the data shows that untreated hearing loss means you’ll earn less and spend more on healthcare costs in the future.
Don’t let untreated hearing loss cost you your hard-earned money; schedule your hearing exam today.
The Health Costs of Hearing Loss
The most obvious cost of hearing loss is, of course, the inability to hear. But what most patients do not realize is that their hearing health affects the entire body, including brain function, balance, and overall well-being.
When someone loses their hearing, they become much more at risk of dementia. A 2020 report lists hearing loss as one of the significant contributors to dementia, as hearing loss requires your brain to work extra hard to understand and fill in missing gaps.
The more your brain works on these tasks, the more energy is taken away from thinking memory systems. Another possibility is that hearing loss causes an aging brain to shrink faster, thus leading to dementia.
As of today, hearing loss is attributed to around 8% of all new dementia cases, or around 800,000 every year.
Another danger of hearing loss is its effect on someone’s balance. The vestibular system in your ear helps detect the head’s positioning and the space around you. Hearing loss can negatively affect these neurons and sensors, thereby increasing the risk of falling.
There are two additional factors to consider.
The first is that auditory input is lowered with hearing loss, which then affects the brain’s ability to understand spatial information. Without being able to comprehend the area around you fully, you end up more likely to slip or fall.
Another aspect to consider is that, because your brain is working harder to understand sounds, it leaves less space to understand your surroundings. Your brain is focusing too much on one thing, leaving you more likely to ignore the space around you.
Your hearing health is more than just that: proactive action to protect yourself can help prevent serious, long-term issues.
The Social and Emotional Costs of Hearing Loss
Loss of hearing comes at a price for your mental health as well. Nearly 33% of adults 70 or older suffer from hearing loss that impacts their daily communication, which, as a result, leads to further isolation.
This isolation then leads to depression and an overall decrease in your well-being.
People who are hard of hearing become embarrassed by constantly asking others to repeat themselves, or frustrated when talking with family members, when they can’t understand them. Studies have shown that once these incidents occur frequently, people isolate themselves, leading to less-happy lives and even shorter lifespans.
There’s also the lesser-known effect of hearing loss: missing nuance in meetings and how that impacts work promotions.
Between isolation and the negative emotional impacts, it’s an easy solution to start focusing on your hearing health as soon as possible.
How Can Early Treatment of Hearing Loss Help You?
Early interventions for hearing loss limit many of the short- and long-term negative health and financial effects that cost people thousands of dollars each year.
Financially, you are not only more likely to make money with early hearing loss interventions, but you’re also less likely to spend money on hospital visits due to injuries sustained as a result.
There’s also the financial savings that come with being less likely to fall and injure yourself, and lowering the risk of dementia or other brain-related diseases.
Hearing aids are statistically more likely to lessen the likelihood of social isolation, thus reducing the chances of dementia. While treatment has not been proven to to prevent dementia, early research is promising.
Early interventions and treatment give people back the life they deserve, so don’t wait any longer and get your hearing checked today.
Need a Hearing Test? Contact Hearing Health Center Today!
Struggling with your hearing lately? Want to get checked early before something goes wrong?
Call Hearing Health Center today and schedule a free comprehensive hearing exam to get you started on your hearing health journey.
Don’t let hearing loss cost you your life, schedule your appointment today.
For more than 40 years, Dr. Ronna Fisher has helped people hear the moments that matter. Conversations at the dinner table. A grandchild’s laugh. The simple comfort of feeling connected again.
Now, her story is front and center on the cover of Highland Park Neighbors. In this feature, Dr. Fisher shares the personal loss that led her into audiology, the breakthroughs that shaped Hearing Health Center, and why hearing care has never been just about devices. It’s about staying present in your life and the people you love.
Read the full Highland Park Neighbors feature below or by clicking here.
I did the research so you don’t have to.
Understanding Traditional Medicare vs. Advantage Plans
Traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare is operated by the government and is a combination of Medicare Parts A (hospitalization) and Parts B (Physicians and testing), and Part D (drug plan). Traditional Medicare covers 80% of your health care costs. To cover the remaining 20%, you must buy a Medigap, or supplemental, policy.
Cost
The cost for traditional Medicare for 2026 is estimated to be $206.50 monthly. The cost for a supplemental plan (G Plans), the most popular supplemental plan costs $100-$200/month.
Traditional Medicare
The Good News
- You cannot be turned down for the best, most comprehensive (and expensive) plan (currently Plan G), even if you already have health issues.
- Almost all doctors and hospitals accept Traditional Medicare. You have the widest access to health providers.
- Out-of-pocket costs are limited to the annual Park B deductible, estimated at $288 in 2026.
The Bad News
- The premium for a supplemental policy is more than for Advantage Plans.
- You still must buy a separate drug plan (Part D).
Advantage Plan
Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Cost
You still must pay the cost for traditional Medicare (estimated 2026 premium of $206.50/month.
Advantage Plans
The Good News
- They often include additional benefits (dental, vision, hearing), that traditional Medicare does not cover.
- They usually include coverage (Part D), which is extra in Traditional Medicare.
The Bad News
- Many doctors and hospitals are dropping out of Advantage Plans because of declining reimbursement and paperwork nightmares.
- They require permission for testing and limited access to physicians and hospitals that are part of the group. Going out of network can mean higher costs or no coverage at all.
- Prior authorization is required for many services, which can delay or prevent needed care.
- Although premiums may be lower, Advantage Plans have higher co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums (in 2025, the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage Plans is $9350 for in-network services).
- They may not offer coverage outside of their service area, which can be a problem when you travel.
Bottom Line
- Open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th. This is the only time you can choose or change plans.
- Check the notice your current plan sent you. How much have premiums and costs risen? Are your doctors and hospitals still in the Plan?
Resources to help you:
- Medicare.gov
- eHealth.com
- Boomerbenefits.com
- For personalized help, make sure you use a licensed individuals – not from an Advantage salesperson who earns a larger commission for selling those plans.
The ear is a dark, warm, moist place…the perfect environment for growing fungi, germs, and bacteria. Hearing aids reside in this environment 13 to 16 hours/day.
Guess what? Every time you remove your hearing aid from your ear, it is loaded with fungus, germs, and bacteria.
Reinserting your hearing aids without cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting them can irritate the lining of your ear canals, leading to redness, swelling, itching, pain, unpleasant odors, and infections.
Here are our best tips on how to clean and disinfect your hearing aids.
Do I Have To Clean or Disinfect My Hearing Aids?
There are three key reasons why you should always clean and disinfect your hearing aids:
- Protect your ears
- Upkeep for optimal performance
- Avoid broken parts
A hearing aid, similar to an earbud or any type of headphone that sits in your ear, collects earwax, dirt, dust, and debris over time. While little bits of that won’t hurt, over time, all of those materials mixed within your ear can lead to ear infections and skin irritations.
Long-term, you might experience other ear-pain-related issues, all because you didn’t clean your hearing aids.
Like most electronics, the better you take care of them, the better they’ll work. Hearing aids are no different.
To maintain your ability to hear and the clarity with which sound comes through your hearing aid, you must clean it regularly. Debris (especially earwax and moisture) clogs microphones, receivers, and vents.
And of course, when your hearing aids start to break down, they just won’t last as long. Well-maintained hearing aids can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, but if you aren’t keeping up with cleaning, that time will shorten quickly.
While Hearing Health Center is always ready to help with any repairs you might need, we also want your hearing aids to last as long as possible to save you money and protect your hearing.
How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
Step 1: Wipe with a non-alcohol sanitizing wipe (like Audio Wipes).
Step 2: Keep your hearing aids in a drying system (Dry and Store) or the new (PerfectClean) explicitly designed to sanitize and pull out the moisture inside the hearing aids that accumulated from your ear.
Drying systems utilize desiccants and heated, moving air to dry the hearing aid both inside and out. The built-in ultraviolet light sanitizes and kills germs while removing moisture.
Using a drying kit will:
- Increase the life of your hearing aids
- Prevent costly repairs
- Increase battery life
- Maintain the peak performance of your hearing aids
- Relieve itchy ears by killing germs
**Pro Tip!** Never use alcohol on hearing aids or ear molds. It will ruin and erode the surfaces and special plastic materials used in the manufacturing process. Alcohol will also damage the delicate components of the hearing aid.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
1. Do NOT use household cleaning products to clean hearing aids.
It might be tempting to grab something underneath your sink to clean out your dirty hearing aids, but let me stop you there.
Not only could the chemicals cause your hearing aids to malfunction, but certain products may also harm your ears.
Instead, stick to cleaning products specifically designed for use with hearing aids. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the Hearing Health Center team.
2. Do NOT use sharp objects to clean hearing aids.
The products around your house, such as pins, needles, or even pencils, should never be used to clean something out of your hearing aids.
If an object is sharp, you have a good chance of puncturing and scratching the inner workings of your device, which increases the likelihood of breakage.
3. Do NOT submerge hearing aids in water to clean them.
We know it sounds obvious, but hearing aids are not waterproof. They might be water-resistant, but that isn’t the same thing. Instead, use a damp cloth with hearing aid-specific cleaning products to wipe them down.
4. NEVER use compressed air to clean hearing aids.
Your hearing aids are fragile, so a single blast from a can of compressed air could cause a lot of problems. The power is too much for the inner workings of your hearing aids to function, so whatever you do, do not use compressed air.
Need Help with Your Hearing Aids? Call Hearing Health Center Today.
Whether your hearing aids need tuning up or you’re in the market for a new pair, the team at Hearing Health Center has you covered. Our experienced audiologists conduct a comprehensive hearing exam to ensure your hearing aids are a perfect match for your needs.
Don’t delay; call Hearing Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
You get out of the shower or start getting ready for the day, and you see a Q-tip on your counter. Next thing you know, it’s swirling around in your ear, only to make things muffled or hard to hear.
It’s pretty standard for patients to think they can clean their own ears, but unfortunately, it often leads to a pretty bad experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common earwax cleaning myths and why you should work with an audiologist the next time you think you might have too much earwax.
Why Do I Have Earwax?
EWWW…EARWAX! DISGUSTING!
Why is everyone so grossed out by earwax?
Well, for one, it looks gross. It’s brown, greenish, gunky and sometimes gooey and sticky. Just seeing it can make you feel unclean and in need of hygiene.
But get over it! Everyone has earwax.
And, it’s a good thing you do, or you’d be in a lot of trouble.
There’s a reason you have earwax. It creates a waterproof lining in your ears that keeps them dry, which prevents germs and bacteria from causing constant infections.
Earwax traps dirt and dust, and little pieces of cotton (from those nasty Q-tips), and all the stuff that gets stuck in the hairspray you accidentally sprayed in your ears.
Wax keeps your ears lubricated and repels fungi, insects, and water.
Earwax has a purpose. It protects your ears.
Are There Different Kinds of Earwax?
Having too little earwax or over-cleaning your ears can cause dry, flaky, and itching ears and trigger infections.
Some wax is dry and flaky, and some wax is gooey and sticky. What kind you have is basically genetic. In general, Asians have dry earwax while European and African populations produce “wet” earwax.
Should I Clean My Own Ears?
GET THAT Q-TIP, BOBBY PIN, PEN KNIFE, SAMURAI SWORD OUT OF YOUR EAR!
Most ears are self-cleaning. Every time you chew or talk, the movement of your jaw causes the dusty, germ-laden wax to be pushed toward the opening of your ear, where it usually flakes and falls out. Meanwhile, the glands in your ear canals are producing new, protective, fresh wax.
When you stick objects in your ear, you’re really not helping. You’re pushing all the wax deeper into the canal and causing it to keep building up. Then the wax gets impacted.
- You get hearing loss
- You get an earache
- You get tinnitus (ringing in your ear)
- Your ears itch
- Your ears smell bad
- You puncture your eardrum
5 Things That Can Cause Excessive Earwax Build-Up
There are five main reasons why you might have excessive earwax. Some of these are things you can control, whereas others are just part of our genetics.
- The number one cause of excessive wax buildup is self-cleaning attempts.
- Genetics – some people just produce too much. It runs in the family
- Headphones*
- Hearing aids*
- Age – the ears produce less moisture, and the ear canals can narrow, causing the dry wax to get stuck.
*Your ears need to breathe and get air. Wearing headphones and using hearing aids can block the ears from performing their natural self-processing.
Common Earwax Cleaning Myths
We get patients every day who tell us about something they’ve heard online, or from a friend about cleaning their ears. Next thing you know, they tried something, and it made everything worse.
Here are some of the most common earwax cleaning myths we’ve heard:
Myth: Ear candling is a safe and effective way to remove earwax and toxins.
Ear candling, or ear coning, involves placing a lit, hollow candle into the ear canal, with the belief that it creates suction to draw out earwax and impurities.
Medical experts and scientific studies have consistently debunked this practice as both ineffective and highly dangerous.
It does not remove earwax; instead, it can lead to severe burns, introduce candle wax into the ear canal, cause ear infections, or even puncture the eardrum.
The residue found in candles after use is typically just candle wax and soot, not earwax.
Myth: You should clean your ears daily to maintain good hygiene.
While it’s important to keep the outer ear clean, the inner ear canal is remarkably self-cleaning.
Your ears are designed with a natural “conveyor belt” system, where old earwax is gradually moved out of the ear canal through jaw movements (like chewing and talking).
Attempting to clean your ears daily, especially by inserting objects, can disrupt this natural process, push wax deeper, and cause more problems than it solves.
For most people, simply wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth is sufficient.
Myth/Fact: Over-the-counter ear drops are a universal solution for all earwax problems.
Ear drops can help soften earwax, which can aid in its natural expulsion or make professional removal easier.
Many over-the-counter drops contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that work to break down earwax.
However, they are not a universal solution.
Ear drops should be used with caution and often under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or ear tubes.
For significant or impacted earwax, drops alone are usually not enough, and professional removal by an audiologist or doctor remains the safest and most effective method.
Cleaning Your Ears Isn’t a DIY Project. Call Hearing Health Center Today to Get Your Ears Cleaned Today.
Cleaning your ears isn’t a do-it-yourself project. Even if you use an over-the-counter remedy, how do you know if it worked? You can’t see what you’re doing in there.
If you think you have earwax buildup, do NOT try to fix it yourself. Your audiologist or doctor can remove it quickly, easily, comfortably, and professionally.
Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists at Hearing Health Center for a comprehensive hearing exam and be on your way to better hearing.
Are you having trouble hearing? You might just have a problem with wax buildup. The best way to find out if you have wax buildup is to come in and have us examine your ears with our video otoscope.
Every one of us secretes wax in our ears. Wax not only serves to protect the skin in our ear canal but also provides lubrication and can protect our ears from bacteria, insects, and fungi. Most of us barely notice the presence of our wax, but for others, it can build up without actually removing itself, causing a blockage in our ear canal.
What is Ear Wax?
Nobody likes ear wax, but it’s essential to protecting your ears.
Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance produced within the ear canal. While it’s called ear wax, it’s a mixture of ear secretions, shed skin cells, and trapped debris.
Ear wax is the first line of defense for your ears. It traps dust, dirt, and other small particles that could otherwise penetrate deeper into the ear and potentially damage your eardrum. Additionally, ear wax provides lubrication, preventing the ear canal from becoming dry and itchy.
You may have found that ear wax can be in many colors, including off-white, yellow, and brown. If your ear wax is green, it’s time to see a doctor, as you might be fighting off an infection.
The Complications of Ear Wax
Ear wax is generally beneficial, but if it accumulates too much and becomes impacted, it can threaten the health and well-being of your hearing.
Impacted ear wax occurs when the cerumen becomes lodged deep within the ear canal, often blocking it entirely. If that happens, you’ll typically experience the following symptoms:
Hearing Loss
The most common symptom of too much ear wax is when the blockage prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum effectively, resulting in muffled or diminished hearing.
Ear Ache
Another common symptom of impacted ear wax is ear pain because of the pressure exerted by the ear wax against the eardrum or the ear canal walls.
Tinnitus
You may have tinnitus if you’ve ever experienced ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears. There are different causes for tinnitus, but impacted ear wax is one of the more common ones.
Vertigo
Impacted ear wax sometimes causes balance problems because the ear plays a vital role in maintaining equilibrium. If you feel dizzy or have vertigo, it might be from too much ear wax.
Ear Infection
Because areas in the ear canal are blocked, they become breeding grounds for bacteria growth. If that happens, you will end up with a lot of ear pain and an ear infection.
If you experience any of these issues, reaching out to your audiologist before attempting to clean your ears yourself is important.
How Do You Clean Your Ears?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you should clean your own ears. Most common at-home ear cleaning attempts end in serious, long-term damage to your hearing. Sometimes, the damage is even permanent.
While seen on TV and in movies, the cotton swab is one of the last things you want to stick in your ear. Using them oftentimes pushes the ear wax further into the ear canal, causing more impact on the ear drum.
If you’re not careful, cotton swabs can scratch or puncture your ear drum.
Another common at-home solution is an ear candle. There is no medical proof that ear candles work, but there is evidence that usage causes burns, additional blockages, and perforation.
There is no best home solution for cleaning your ears. Sticking anything in your ear is a recipe for serious and long-term damage, which is why you should always go to a doctor or an audiologist if you are experiencing symptoms of impacted ear wax.
How Do You Prevent Ear Wax Buildup?
While being proactive about protecting your ears might make sense, many at-home remedies are dangerous. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and overdoing it disrupts this process, leading to excess ear wax.
Two methods to prevent impacted ear wax are gentle cleaning after showers and using a humidifier.
After showering or bathing, gently wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth. This helps remove any excess wax that naturally migrated outward.
Dry air sometimes causes dryer ear wax, which can be more prone to impaction. Using a humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture levels.
Of course, the best prevention is scheduling regular appointments with an audiologist who can check and clean your ears. The audiologists at Hearing Health Center are trained in all forms of ear wax removal, including suction, curettes, flushing, and more.
Ear Wax and Hearing Aids
For all of the good ear wax does, its existence complicates things for people wearing hearing aids.
One of the biggest concerns is that wearing hearing aids prompts the glands in the ear canal to produce more wax, preventing it from moving out because of the barrier created by the hearing aid.
Ear wax can accumulate on the hearing aid’s receiver (speaker), blocking sound transmission and causing muffled or distorted sound.
This is a common issue, especially with in-the-ear (ITE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.
When Ear Wax Becomes a Problem, We Have a Solution: Ear Wax Removal!
As audiologists, we are trained in our academic coursework and through specialized wax removal courses.
Wax removal can take many forms, depending on the wax type, the wax buildup, and what is necessary for the most uncomplicated removal.
Come in, find out if it’s just wax, and get it taken care of at Hearing Health Center with our specialized audiology team!
This is the rallying cry from baby boomers all over the country that ruined their hearing going to concerts and listening to loud music.
Millions of baby boomers are experiencing the foibles of their youth and suffering the consequences.
“My average patient used to be in their late seventies,” said Dr. Ronna Fisher, AuD. Of Hearing Health Center. “Today my average patient is in their early sixties.” Fifty percent of people over the age of sixty have a significant hearing deficit that interferes with their everyday life.
Yet, at the same time, some of these baby boomers still perceive hearing problems as an old person’s issue. “They still think, “hearing = old,” and refuse to recognize and admit they have difficulty hearing and understanding,” said Dr. Fisher.
“Hearing loss runs in my family,” proclaimed Dr. Fisher, who has been wearing hearing aids since she was fifty. “At first, I used to think, ‘I’m too young to wear hearing aids. Then I realized, I’m too young not to wear hearing aids.”
Baby boomers are all about living longer, being more active and communicating their vast knowledge…to their employees, to their children, and anyone else willing to listen to their wisdom.
Astute baby boomers understand that communicating is a two-way street. making the rest of their lives the best of their lives. And they’re realizing that it’s all about communicating.
Age doesn’t matter. Book a FREE hearing test today.
You might think your hearing problem only affects you, but your spouse, family, friends, and co-workers might have already had it up to here.
Untreated hearing problems are a major cause of stress in relationships, especially with those closest to us.
Researchers who conducted a qualitative study of couples, where one partner had hearing loss, found that hearing loss produces feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and distress…especially for the partner without hearing loss.
Day-to-day communication, whether about important matters or trivial, is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. When communication breaks down, frustration creeps in. Frustration leads to resentment, then to further breakdown in intimacy.
Both partners in the study bemoaned the loss of spontaneity, small talk, and sharing small, unexpected incidents. Those small asides, including jokes and humor, bring about shared companionship and reflection. And relationships, especially marriages, experience a significant loss in the absence of that communication. And both partners agreed there had been a meaningful change in the nature and content of their communication because of hearing problems.
EMOTIONS CONNECTED WITH DECREASED HEARING ABILITY
- Frustration
- Resentment
- Loneliness
- Curtailing social activities
- Decrease in intimacy, joking, interacting with friends and family.
- Decrease in shared activities (even watching TV)
- Loss of companionship
- Less communication (words are kept to a minimum)
TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR PARTNER ABOUT THEIR HEARING
- Tell them it is affecting your relationship. Your partner might be concerned about the stigma of wearing hearing aids, but saying, “what,” “huh,” “pardon me,” all the time is often irritating to others and frustrating to have to repeat everything.
- Tell them you are concerned for their health. When hearing loss is left untreated, the speech and language areas of the brain can atrophy, leading to auditory deprivation and putting a person at increased risk of cognitive decline. Early detection and treatment of hearing problems is the number one factor under your control to prevent and delay dementia.
- Tell them you are concerned about your own health. The additional stress of worrying about your other half’s health and safety can take a physical and emotional toll on your own health. Plus, it is no fun to listen to the TV or stereo when it is cranked up too high, and could be damaging your own hearing, or having to shout or constantly repeat yourself.
- Make an appointment to have your own hearing evaluated and ask them to go with you. First, it is something you should do anyway. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends everyone over fifty get a baseline hearing evaluation. Secondly, it’s always good to have another set of ears to hear what the hearing care provider has to say, no matter who that patient is.
HOW HEARING AIDS IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS
Wearing hearing aids not only improves your hearing, but it also improves your intimate relationships. Opening that extra channel of communication can stimulate conversation and reduce frustration, providing better understanding of one another.
They reduce miscommunication.
What was that? Did you say, “answer the phone” or “Sarah is home?” Hearing loss can result in a lot of confusion for the person experiencing it. Mistakes made from mishearing your partner could result in fighting and a decline in overall happiness. Relationships are enough work as it is without factoring in the added burden of hearing loss. A hearing aid is a simple solution to reducing miscommunication and maximizing your hearing potential.
They lower frustration and tension
Living with hearing loss requires extra effort. But it requires a lot less effort if you take the available options to improve your hearing. Doing so will not only relieve the stress you experience every day but reduce the stress it places on your loved one. Constant communication is necessary in a relationship, and communication comes much easier when you can hear one another.
Hearing aids make it easier to have a real conversation
People with hearing loss tend to withdraw into themselves because conversation becomes embarrassing and difficult. You may not realize it at first, but you are putting distance between yourself and your loved one by avoiding conversation, whether that be in person or on the phone. Hearing aids, which take some getting used to, allow you to engage in conversation and maintain your connection with your partner much better than if you did not wear them.
They allow you to tune in to each other
All the extra communication opportunities hearing aids provide you allow you to become better tuned to your partner’s needs. Cohabitation becomes much easier when a couple’s understanding of each other improves. Plus, when your partner sees you trying to improve your hearing condition, they are more likely to put in an effort also.