Senior Audiologist • 11/29/2025
Many people think, “Is it just earwax, or am I actually losing my hearing?” when they suddenly have trouble hearing clearly or feel like their ears are blocked.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by audiologists, so you’re not alone. The symptoms of hearing loss and earwax accumulation are similar, but the causes, remedies, and long-term fixes are very different. You can receive the appropriate care at the appropriate time if you are aware of the differences.
We’ll go over how to determine what is actually impairing your hearing in this guide, as well as when to get professional assistance.
Glands in the ear canal naturally produce ear wax, also known as cerumen. Its objective is to:
Earwax usually clears on its own.
However, it can momentarily block sound if it accumulates too much or solidifies.
Typical Signs of Blocked Ear Wax
Damage to the following causes hearing loss:
Ageing, exposure to noise, genetics, infections, or illnesses can all contribute to it.
Typical Hearing Loss Symptoms
| Factors | Ear Wax Blockage | Hearing Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden or rapid | Gradual / slow |
| Pain or discomfort | Often present | Rare |
| Tinnitus | Possible | Common |
| Balance issues | Rare | Possible |
| After cleaning | Hearing improves | No improvement |
| Treatment | Ear cleaning or irrigation | Hearing aids, medication, or surgery |
| Affected ear | Usually one ear | Often both |
Yes, if wax impaction is the cause of your hearing loss.
Hearing usually returns to normal immediately after professional cleaning with microsuction or irrigation.
You should arrange a hearing test if there is no improvement, though, as you might actually have hearing loss.
Seek expert assistance if:
A hearing aid might be necessary if:
Modern digital and AI-powered hearing aids enhance natural hearing, lessen background noise, and improve speech clarity.
Concluding Remarks
For appropriate treatment, it’s critical to distinguish between actual hearing loss and earwax obstruction.
A professional evaluation is the safest first step.
👉 Schedule a free hearing test at Insono Hearing and let professionals help you if you’re still not sure what’s affecting your hearing.
1. Is it possible for earwax to temporarily impair hearing?
Indeed, temporary but reversible hearing loss can result from impacted earwax.
2. Is it safe to get rid of earwax at home?
Cotton buds push wax deeper, so stay away from them. Professional cleaning is always preferred.
3. Does hearing loss ever improve on its own?
Most varieties don’t. The best outcomes come from early diagnosis and hearing aids.
4. What is the cost of earwax removal in India?
Depending on the clinic and technique, professional removal usually costs between ₹500 and ₹1,500.
5. How frequently should my hearing be assessed?
Once a year, or right away if you see abrupt changes.
