Relief After Weeks of Blocked-Ear Discomfort

Patient: Patricia, 68

The challenge

Patricia contacted Tranquil Hearing Care after experiencing several weeks of pressure and discomfort in her right ear. Her hearing on that side had gradually become muffled, and she described the ear as constantly feeling blocked.

She had tried using ear drops at home to soften the wax, but the feeling of blockage remained. Patricia had experienced similar problems several years earlier and had undergone ear syringing at the time. She remembered finding the procedure uncomfortable, so she was understandably apprehensive about having her ears treated again.

She booked a hearing assessment at Tranquil Hearing Care to have the blockage investigated and to check how well she was hearing.

Our approach

We began by talking through Patricia's symptoms, hearing concerns and relevant medical history. Both ears were then examined to establish whether wax was present and whether microsuction was appropriate.

There was a significant build-up of wax in Patricia's right ear, which was consistent with the blocked sensation and muffled hearing she had described.

Before starting, our audiologist explained exactly how microsuction ear wax removal works and how it differs from the ear syringing Patricia had experienced previously. Microsuction is a dry procedure that uses a fine suction device to remove wax while the audiologist views the ear canal under magnification.

Knowing what to expect helped Patricia feel more comfortable about going ahead. The wax was removed carefully, with regular checks throughout the procedure to make sure she remained comfortable. She also knew that she could ask to pause at any point.

There was a significant build-up of wax in Patricia's right ear, which was consistent with the blocked sensation and muffled hearing she had described.

Checking Patricia's Hearing

Ear wax can cause temporary hearing difficulties when it blocks the ear canal, but it isn't the only possible reason for reduced hearing.

As part of Patricia's Ear Health Assessment, we completed a 4-point audiogram after addressing the wax. This provided a baseline indication of her hearing levels at four key frequencies and helped us check whether there were signs of hearing difficulty that might require further investigation.

The results were discussed with Patricia so she understood what the hearing check had shown and whether any further assessment was needed.

Ear wax can cause temporary hearing difficulties when it blocks the ear canal, but it isn't the only possible reason for reduced hearing.

The results were discussed with Patricia so she understood what the hearing check had shown and whether any further assessment was needed.

The outcome

Once the impacted wax had been removed, the pressure and blocked sensation in Patricia's right ear improved and she noticed that sounds were clearer on the affected side.

Having the 4-point audiogram alongside the microsuction also gave Patricia useful information about her hearing rather than assuming that every change she had noticed was caused by wax.

For Patricia, one of the most important parts of the appointment was how different the experience felt from her previous ear syringing. Having the procedure explained beforehand, being kept informed as the wax was removed and knowing she could pause whenever she needed helped her feel much more comfortable throughout the appointment.

She left with clearer ears, a better understanding of her hearing health and greater confidence about seeking professional ear wax removal if she experiences another blockage in the future.

Please note: Patient names have been changed to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Once the impacted wax had been removed, the pressure and blocked sensation in Patricia's right ear improved and she noticed that sounds were clearer on the affected side.

Having the 4-point audiogram alongside the microsuction also gave Patricia useful information about her hearing rather than assuming that every change she had noticed was caused by wax.

She left with clearer ears, a better understanding of her hearing health and greater confidence about seeking professional ear wax removal if she experiences another blockage in the future.

Please note: Patient names have been changed to protect confidentiality and privacy.