Blocked ears can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, especially during the cold winter months in Auckland. As winter dawns upon us, this common audiological issue can become more prevalent due to various factors such as earwax buildup, colds, or ear infections. The discomfort and hearing difficulties caused by blocked ears can significantly impact your quality of life.
In this blog, we'll cover the following topics to help you understand and address blocked ears:
Common Causes of Blocked Ears: Learn about the various factors that can lead to blocked ears, from earwax buildup to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
The Link Between Blocked Ears and Ringing: The causes behind blocked ears and the accompanying ringing.
The Risks of Home Remedies For Blocked Ears: Discover why common home remedies might do more harm than good and what dangers to avoid.
The Benefits of Professional Audiological Help in Auckland: Discover why visiting an audiologist in Auckland at Family Hearing Centre is the optimal choice for safely and effectively clearing blocked ears.
What to Expect When Visiting Our Auckland Audiology Clinic for Blocked Ears: Get a detailed overview of the procedures and techniques an audiologist at Family Hearing Centre might use to diagnose and treat your blocked ears.
How to Prevent Blocked Ears: Gain valuable tips and advice on how to prevent ear blockages from recurring this winter season in Auckland.
1. Common Causes of Blocked Ears:
Blocked ears can result from a variety of factors, and understanding these can help you manage and prevent the discomfort. Here are some common causes, particular relevant in the New Zealand climate:
a) Earwax Buildup:
The most common cause of blocked ears is the accumulation of earwax. Earwax serves to protect your ear canal by trapping dirt and debris. However, excessive buildup can lead to blockages that impair hearing and cause discomfort.
b) Moisture-Related Blockages:
During the wet winter season in Auckland, moisture-related ear problems can be more prevalent. Excessive moisture in the ear canal can lead to earwax becoming sticky and accumulating more easily. This creates a perfect environment for blockages. Additionally, trapped moisture can promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infections, which can further contribute to blocked sensations in your ears, followed by discomfort.
c) Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:
This occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose becomes clogged, often due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections. Auckland’s seasonal pollen and frequent weather changes can contribute to this condition, causing pressure and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
d) Ear Infections:
Middle ear infections, common during cold and flu season here in Auckland, can cause fluid buildup, leading to a blocked sensation in the ears. Children are particularly susceptible to ear infections, which can result in temporary hearing loss if not treated promptly.
e) Seasonal Allergies:
Seasonal allergies are common in New Zealand. Allergies can cause nasal congestion and Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to blocked ears.
f) Altitude Changes:
Often while travelling changes in altitude during flights can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction. This can lead to temporary ear blockages.
2) The Link Between Blocked Ears and Ringing:
Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, is a common condition that can accompany blocked ears. Tinnitus can manifest as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even roaring sound. Here’s how blocked ears and tinnitus are connected:
a) Pressure Changes:
Blocked ears can cause pressure changes in the ear canal and middle ear, leading to tinnitus. This pressure can affect the sensitive structures in the ear, triggering ringing or buzzing sounds.
b) Earwax Impact:
Excessive earwax can not only block the ear canal but also press against the eardrum, causing tinnitus. The pressure and contact can stimulate the auditory system inappropriately.
c) Fluid and Infection:
Fluid buildup or infections in the ear can lead to inflammation and pressure on the auditory system, often resulting in tinnitus.
d) Nerve Irritation:
Blockages can irritate the auditory nerves, leading to abnormal signals being sent to the brain, which are perceived as ringing or buzzing sounds.
If you’re struggling with tinnitus in addition to blocked ears, learn more about our tinnitus hearing consultations at Family Hearing and take proactive steps to protect your ear health.
3) The Risks of Home Remedies for Blocked Ears:
We often hear of many instances where our Auckland patients attempt to clear blocked ears using various home remedies. These methods can be risky and often exacerbate the problem. Some of the common home remedies are:
a) The Use of Cotton Swabs
Using cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, is a widely popular method for attempting to remove earwax and blockages. However, this practice can be detrimental for several reasons:
Pushing Earwax Deeper:
Rather than removing earwax, cotton swabs often push the wax deeper into the ear canal. This can lead to a more severe blockage, making it harder to hear and increasing discomfort.
Damage to the Ear Canal: The delicate skin inside the ear canal can easily be scratched or irritated by a cotton swab. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and even infection.
Risk of Eardrum Puncture: Inserting a cotton swab too far can puncture the eardrum, which can cause severe pain, hearing loss, and potential infection. This is a significant risk, especially if used without proper care.
b) Over-the-Counter Drops
Over-the-counter ear drops are another common remedy for blocked ears. While these products can sometimes provide temporary relief, they also come with risks. They may mask the underlying issue without fully addressing it, leading to recurring blockages and discomfort. Additionally, improper use of ear drops can cause irritation or even exacerbate existing problems.
4) Why Professional Help from an Audiologist is Beneficial for Blocked Ears
Visiting an audiologist at Family Hearing Centre in Auckland ensures that your blocked ear is addressed safely and effectively. Here are some reasons why professional help from an Audiologist can beneficial:
Accurate Diagnosis:
An audiologist can determine the exact cause of your blocked ear. Whether it’s due to earwax buildup, an infection, or another issue, an accurate diagnosis of the root cause of your blocked ears is the first step to effective treatment.
Identifying Underlying Hearing Problems:
Sometimes what feels like blocked ears could actually be a sign of an underlying hearing problem. Our experienced Auckland audiologists at Family Hearing Centre can conduct comprehensive hearing tests to determine if the issue is related to hearing loss or another auditory condition. Early detection of hearing issues is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Safe Removal of Earwax:
If earwax is the culprit, we can offer ear wax removal using microsuction. Microsuction ear wax removal in Auckland is far safer and more effective than attempting to remove earwax yourself, reducing the risk of pushing the wax further into the ear canal or causing damage.
Management of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:
Our audiologists at Family Hearing Centre can recommend treatments and exercises to help open your Eustachian tubes and relieve the blockage.
Preventing Recurrence:
Our Auckland audiologists can provide personalised advice on preventing future blockages. This includes ear care tips and recommendations, and guidance on using hearing aids or earplugs correctly.
5) What to Expect When Visiting Our Auckland Audiology Clinic for Blocked Ears
During your visit to our Auckland audiology clinic, you can expect a thorough examination of your ears. Our expert audiologists will use an otoscope to inspect your ear canal and identify the cause of any blockage.
At Family Hearing Centre, our audiologists utilise microsuction ear wax removal if your blocked ears are due to excessive ear wax. Microsuction involves using a small vacuum to gently suction out earwax or other blockages. This precise technique minimises the risk of damage to the ear canal.
After these procedures, our audiologists will advise if you need additional hearing checks or treatments and provide comprehensive guidance on maintaining ear health and preventing future blockages. These recommendations will ensure you leave our Auckland audiology clinic with a clear understanding of your ear health and a plan for ongoing care.
6) How to Prevent Blocked Ears
Blocked ears can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but there are several steps you can take to prevent this common issue. Here are some tips to help you maintain ear health and avoid blockages:
Keep Your Ears Dry:
Moisture can contribute to earwax buildup and infections. After swimming or bathing, make sure you dry your ears thoroughly with a towel.
Avoid Cotton Swabs:
Using cotton swabs to clean your ears can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages.
Avoid Using Earphones for Extended Periods:
Prolonged use of earphones can lead to earwax buildup and blockages. Give your ears regular breaks and keep your earphones clean.
Manage Allergies and Colds:
Allergies and colds can cause congestion and ear blockages. Treating these conditions promptly and effectively can help prevent ear issues.
Regular Check-Ups:
Schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist to monitor your ear health and address any potential issues before they become problematic.
Final Thoughts
While a blocked ear may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. Seeking professional help from one of our audiologists at Family Hearing Centre ensures that your ears are treated safely and effectively.
With accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and expert advice on prevention, an audiologist can help you maintain clear and healthy ears.
If you're experiencing a blocked ear this winter in Auckland, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Family Hearing Centre. Professional care is the best way to ensure your ears remain healthy and your hearing stays sharp. Taking proactive steps today can prevent complications tomorrow, ensuring your overall ear health and well-being.
Contact Family Hearing Centre today to get expert treatment for your blocked ears and experience the difference in your hearing clarity and comfort.
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