It is quite common to notice that one ear feels more blocked than the other. You may have muffled hearing on one side, a feeling of fullness, or simply feel that your ears don’t sound quite the same.
Ear wax is one possible explanation, but it isn’t the only one.
Can ear wax affect just one ear?
Yes.
Ear wax doesn’t necessarily build up evenly. One ear may produce or retain considerably more wax than the other.
The shape of your ear canals, use of earphones or hearing aids, and previous problems with ear wax can all influence how wax accumulates.
What else can cause one blocked ear?
Other possible causes include:
- Water trapped in the ear canal
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Congestion following a cold
- Allergies
- An ear infection
- Fluid behind the eardrum
This is why repeatedly treating a blocked ear with wax-softening drops isn’t always the answer.
Should I try to clear it myself?
Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear.
If wax is present, this can push it further into the canal and make the blockage worse.
A professional ear examination can establish whether wax is actually present before deciding whether removal is necessary.
When should you seek advice?
Arrange an assessment if the blockage persists, particularly if there is noticeable hearing loss.
Seek prompt medical advice for sudden hearing loss, significant pain, discharge, severe dizziness or other concerning symptoms.
How Ear Tone Clinic can help
Ear Tone Clinic is the dedicated ear health service from Skin Tone Clinic.
We can examine your ears to establish whether ear wax is responsible for the blocked sensation and provide professional ear wax removal where appropriate.
If wax isn’t the cause, we’ll explain what we can see and advise you about the appropriate next step.
Book an Ear Health Assessment
If one ear constantly feels more blocked than the other, don’t simply assume it’s wax.
Contact Ear Tone Clinic by Skin Tone Clinic to arrange an ear health assessment and find out what’s actually happening inside your ears.
