How Audiologists Check for Earwax Blockage
Earwax blockage is one of the most common reasons for a sensation of muffled hearing and is often checked by an audiologist before any hearing test can be performed.
Why Earwax Is Checked First
This means that before any hearing test can be carried out the audiologist must first check for wax blockage in the ear canal. This is because a blocked ear canal will affect how sound travels to the eardrum and if the wax is not cleared from the ear canal before any hearing test is carried out you will receive a false reading for your hearing and the audiologist will not know whether you have a permanent or temporary hearing loss.
Looking Inside the Ear
A blocked ear canal can greatly affect how sounds travel to your eardrum and as a result, any hearing test could give false results. So, before carrying out any hearing test properly, your audiologist will first check for any signs of a blockage in your ear canal. They will first of all use an otoscope (a small, handheld device with a light and magnifying glass on the end of a flexible tube) to look down your ear canal to check for any signs of wax blockage or any other problems in your ear. They will also check your eardrum to make sure it is intact and not red or swollen and to check for any signs of wax compacted against your eardrum.
Testing Middle Ear Function
Tympanometry is a test which sends a small puff of air into the ear canal and measures the eardrum’s movement in response to the change in pressure. The results of the test are shown on a graph and a straight line down at the bottom of the graph indicates that the eardrum is not able to move freely. This could be due to a number of reasons such as fluid in the middle ear, wax pressed against the eardrum or a middle ear problem.
Deciding Whether Wax Needs Removing
Not all earwax needs to be treated. If it is soft and is located near the entrance to the ear canal and is not pressing on the eardrum then it will be left alone. Hard compacted earwax that is affecting the results of the hearing test or causing symptoms will be offered for removal.
Removal Options Available
For removal of earwax blockage, there are a number of methods that are available, including the use of microsuction, syringing and ear drops. Most cases of earwax blockage can be managed with the use of ear drops that are used at home initially. An audiologist in Bristol can use an otoscope to examine your ear canal and determine the most suitable method of removal for your individual case.
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Once Wax Is Cleared
With the canal cleared, the audiologist will then retest your hearing and, as the results will be reliable, they will be able to diagnose any problems with your hearing and discuss the necessary treatment with you. In many cases, it will be found that the blockage was the only problem with your hearing but, if not, further investigation will be required.