A member asked:

I haven't had ear wax for the past 3 yrs. can this lead to hearing loss?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Ear Wax: An accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal can lead to blockage of the canal and act like an ear plug greatly reducing your ability to hear. Q-tips compound the problem by sometimes packing the wax in tightly making it worse. Removal by your physician or an ENT is helpful. Debrox available over the counter can soften the wax and allow for easier removal. Ear candles are just dangerous.

Answered 1/8/2015

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Please clarify: Do you mean literally that you haven't noticed ear wax in the past 3 years or that you haven't had ear wax cleaned out in three years? An excessive amount of ear wax, especially if it's pushed up against the ear drum, can cause hearing loss. One the wax is removed, hearing returns to baseline. In any case, don't stick anything into your ear canal--that can just make matters worse. Ouch!

Answered 1/8/2015

3.3k views

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