Common Ear Symptoms
Hearing Loss
- A common symptom of ear wax blockage
- May also be due to any problem with the outer, middle or inner ear
Ear Pain
- If severe wax impaction/hard wax, this may be uncomfortable
- May be due to underlying ear infection
Tinnitus/Ringing
- Can be a symptom of ear wax blockage
- If does not resolve following wax removal, may need investigation (especially if one-sided)
“Popping Ears”
- E.g. when swallowing or blowing nose – more likely due to middle ear fluid build up
Discharge from the ear
- Most likely due to outer ear infection
- Soft/wet wax may cause discharge too
Fullness of the ear
- May be deep ear wax blockage
Blockage
- Very common symptom of ear wax build up/impaction
Dizziness/Imbalanced feeling
- Usually not a symptom of wax blockage but may be
Itching/Irritation/Discomfort
- Often due hard wax
- Sometimes due to ear canal eczema/dryness
- Can be a symptom of infection