Ear Wax and Hearing Tests: Remove the Wax Before Testing?

If you are booking a hearing test and notice earwax build-up, it is an intelligent question to ask. Earwax (or cerumen) is entirely normal and protective, but when it comes to blocking your ear canal, you might not hear as well as you would normally during the test even if its not that bad.

Is wax a problem with hearing tests?

Yes. This presence of a lot of fluid can result in what is recognised as a temporary ‘conductive’ loss, this means sound does not move quickly towards the ear drum. You might notice:

Experiencing a loss of hearing or some sounds being blocked

Ringing (tinnitus)

Needing the TV louder

Better hearing from one ear than the other.

If wax is there, your clinician might not be able to see the eardrum properly which may restrict what tests they can do in a safe and reliable way.

Do you need to get wax removal before your test?

If you suspect or have had trouble with earwax in the past, the best first option is generally to get a check for wax. This is so you can either get your ears cleaned (such as by microsuction) at the hearing centre and have some wax removed already before testing, or they will send you elsewhere to clear it up prior to going back for a hearing test. For Ear Wax Removal Gloucester, visit www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/gloucester

What you shouldn’t do

Do not stick cotton buds in your ears and “poke” the ear wax. It can only serve to push wax further down, irritate your ear canal and leave you open for an infection.

When to book the hearing test

After taking off the wax, you can usually have a hearing test straight away or within a few days. If your ear is hurt or uncomfortable, justlet it be.

If you are experiencing an acute deterioration in hearing, severe pain or discharge (pus) from your ear is not normal if you have a cochlear implant; consult with the specialist to ask for help.