Ear Wax Blockages in Older Adults: Causes, Symptoms, Risks.

Ear wax is easy to overlook until it starts to affect hearing, balance, comfort, or day-to-day conversation. For many older adults, a build-up can happen slowly. A person may not notice it until the television sounds too quiet, phone calls become harder, or a hearing aid suddenly seems to stop working properly.

This guide explains why older adults are more suseptible to wax-related problems, symptoms your loved one may present with and risks if left unattended to.

*This blog is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP, clinician or pharmacist*

Why are Ear Wax blockages more common in Older Adults?

Ear wax typically moves out of the ear naturally, as jaw movement (such as talking and chewing) encourages it along the ear canal where it dries and flakes away. As we age, several factors may render this process less effective.

• Ear wax can become drier and harder

The wax producing glands become less active so there is less oil mixed into wax leaving it dry and hard. The skin in the ear canal also becomes thinner and drier. Dry wax and skin increases the risk of an ear blockage.

• Ear canal hairs can be coarser

In many older adults, especially men, thicker ear hairs can trap and hold onto wax, making it more likely to accumulate and compact.

• Hearing aids and Earplugs

Hearing aids are helpful and often life-changing, but they can also affect wax movement. A hearing aid mould or dome can press wax deeper into the canal and form a physical barrier to wax moving out - the longer it remains there, the harder and drier it becomes.

The same can happen with regular earplug use and in-ear headphones.

• Cleaning Methods

Many people use cotton buds with the best intentions. In reality, cotton buds often push wax further in, where it becomes compacted.

They can also scratch the delicate skin in the ear canal increasing infection risk, and if a cotton bud goes to far, it can breech the membrane, causing a perforation and/or hearing loss.

• Health Conditions

Dry skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis can increase skin flaking in the ears, and reduce oil availability. Diabetes, cognitive changes and medications, can also alter the conditions in the ears. To discuss this further, please contact Ear Muse.

Symptoms of Ear Wax build-up:

Ear wax build up presents in many ways. It may be a gradual onset of symptoms that begin to affect everyday life.

Common symptoms include:

• Reduced hearing clarity

  
  

Sounds may seem muffled, dull, or distant. This may affect one ear or both.

• A blocked or full sensation in the ear

  
  

The ear may feel plugged, as if there is water trapped inside.

• Ringing or buzzing

  
  

Some people notice tinnitus, such as ringing, humming, or buzzing.

• Earache or discomfort

  
  

The ear may feel sore, itchy, or irritated.

• Dizziness or unsteadiness

  
  

A blockage can sometimes affect balance or make a person feel light-headed.

• Coughing

  
  

Pressure in the ear canal can trigger a cough reflex in some people.

• Hearing aid feedback or poor performance

  
  

Whistling, reduced sound quality, or an aid that seems blocked may point to wax build-up.

A sudden change in hearing, severe pain, discharge, fever, or spinning vertigo should be checked promptly. These signs can point to something other than wax, such as infection, injury, or sudden hearing loss.

Risks of leaving Ear Wax blockages untreated, especially in Older Adults:

A wax blockage is often treatable, but ignoring it can create avoidable problems.

• Hearing loss can become isolating

Blocked wax can cause temporary hearing loss. When hearing drops, conversation takes more effort. A person may withdraw from social situations, stop joining group conversations, or feel embarrassed when asking people to repeat themselves.

Family members may notice before the person does. They may see signs such as missed doorbells, louder television volume, or confusion during conversations. These changes deserve patience and support.

• Safety

Poor hearing can make it harder to hear alarms, traffic, instructions, phone calls, or someone calling from another room. For older adults living alone, this can increase safety concerns. It may also complicate general health appointments and lead to a loss of independance.

• Falls Risk

Ear wax is not the most common cause of falls, but dizziness or unsteadiness linked to ear problems can add to existing risks. Older adults may already be managing changes in vision, muscle strength, blood pressure, or medication side effects.

• Ear infections and irritation can develop

Wax can trap moisture and debris. This can irritate the skin and may raise the chance of an ear infection which can have a signficant impact on an older adults mobility and wellness.

• Hearing aids may stop working well

Wax can block the sound outlet of a hearing aid. It can also cause whistling feedback. A person may assume the device is broken or that their hearing has worsened, when the issue is wax.

How can Ear Muse can help?

Katy has a academic background in Human Neuroscience (including Ears!), alongside full-time employment in the ambulance service as a qualified clinican. Ear Muses' mission is to make ear care accessible, and promote quality of life in older adults. We provide ear health checks, and wax removal through warm water irrigation and/or microsuction - best suited to the clients medical history and presentation. We provide flexible, affordable appointments in your home or care environment - providing adaptations to suit your needs. This may include longer appointment times, mobility assistance or assessing you in your comfiest arm chair!

Contact Katy to discuss your worries and we can tailor a plan to your needs.