Wax build-up can frequently be flushed out of the ear (gently) with ear syringes (available in drug stores) and warm water. Wax softeners (like Cerumenex) may be needed if the wax is hard and impacted.
Care should be taken when removing foreign bodies. Unless it is easy to get to, have your health care provider remove the object. Don't use sharp instruments to remove foreign bodies.
Call your health care provider if:
Hearing problems are persistent and unexplained
Hearing problems adversely affect lifestyle
There is an association with other symptoms such as
ear pain
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting hearing loss in detail may include:
Is the hearing loss in both ears or one ear?
Is the hearing loss mild or severe?
Is all of the hearing lost (inability to hear any sound)?
Is there decreased hearing acuity (do words sound garbled)?
Is there decreased ability to understand speech?
Is there decreased ability to locate the source of a sound?
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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