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Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test — What Ear Wax Has to Do With It
Hearing loss often creeps in slowly — so subtly that many people don’t realise it’s happening until conversations become difficult or their favorite music sounds distant. One important but often overlooked factor in hearing changes? Ear wax buildup.
While age, noise exposure, and medical conditions can all affect hearing, excessive ear wax (cerumen impaction) is a surprisingly common and reversible cause of hearing difficulties. So how do you know when it’s time for a hearing test — and whether ear wax might be part of the problem?
Common Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take your hearing seriously:
- Muffled or blocked hearing in one or both ears
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV or phone volume higher than usual
- Struggling to hear clearly in noisy places
- Feeling mentally drained from straining to listen
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding phone conversations
Many of these symptoms overlap with those caused by ear wax buildup, especially muffled hearing, pressure, and fullness in the ears.
