Hearing Loss or Wax

Hearing Loss or Wax? How to Know the Difference

If You Think You’re Having Trouble Hearing

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing—such as sounds seeming quieter, conversations becoming harder to follow, or a feeling of fullness in the ear—it’s a good idea to schedule a hearing evaluation.

During your appointment, we can examine your ears and perform a hearing test to determine whether your symptoms are due to:

• Hearing loss
• Earwax buildup
• Another hearing-related concern

This helps ensure you receive the right recommendation for treatment.

If You Already Know You Have Earwax Buildup

If you are confident that earwax is the issue and are seeking removal, we recommend contacting your primary care physician. They can safely remove earwax and address any related concerns.

When to Schedule a Hearing Test

You may benefit from a hearing evaluation if you notice:

• Muffled or reduced hearing
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Difficulty hearing in conversations or group settings
• A sudden change in how clearly you hear

A hearing evaluation can quickly determine whether the issue is hearing loss or something temporary like earwax.