Earwax is a natural substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It plays an important role in protecting the ears by trapping dust, debris, and other foreign particles. Normally, earwax moves toward the outer ear where it can be washed away or fall out naturally. However, when too much earwax builds up, it can lead to discomfort and other issues like headaches. In this blog, we’ll explore how earwax buildup can lead to headache and when it might be necessary to seek professional care.
For same-day ear cleaning and earwax removal, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our board-certified medical team is available seven days a week to provide convenient and professional ear cleaning services. Just walk in or check-in online below!
Understanding How Earwax Buildup Happens
Earwax buildup can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people naturally produce more earwax than normal, while others may experience blockages due to habits like using cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it. Earwax buildup may also occur due to wearing earbuds, hearing aids, or other devices that block ventilation. When the wax becomes impacted or hardened, it can press against sensitive areas of the ear. This can cause a variety of symptoms including earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, heating loss, and even dizziness. In some cases, this pressure can lead to headaches.
How Earwax Buildup Causes Headaches
As mentioned, earwax buildup can certainly cause headaches, though it’s not the most common cause. When excess earwax accumulates and creates pressure within the ear, it can irritate the nerves surrounding the ear canal. This irritation may result in discomfort or pain that radiates to other parts of the head, causing a headache. The sensation of fullness or pressure from impacted earwax can also lead to tension in the neck and head muscles. This tension may manifest as a full, throbbing headache. While the pain typically originates in the ear area, it can easily spread to the sides of the head or the forehead, making it feel like a typical headache.
In addition to headaches, earwax buildup can cause several other symptoms, including:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
- Partial hearing loss or muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with a headache, it’s possible that earwax buildup could be the culprit.
How To Treat and Prevent Earwax Buildup
If you suspect that earwax buildup is causing your headaches or other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention rather than attempting to remove it yourself. Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears can push the wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially worsening the problem. At an urgent care center, a healthcare professional can safely remove earwax. Your provider will use special tools and techniques to remove any wax or debris that has built up in the ear canal. To prevent earwax buildup in the future, avoid inserting anything into your ears. If you’re prone to earwax blockages, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help keep the issue under control.
Get Walk-In Ear Cleaning at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
If you are experiencing persistent headaches, ear discomfort, or hearing issues due to earwax buildup, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Prompt treatment can relieve your symptoms and help prevent complications like ear infections or further ear canal irritation. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments to be seen by a board-certified medical provider. Seeking medical attention for safe earwax removal is the best course of action if you’re experiencing any discomfort. We accept most insurance plans and offer cost-effective payment options for those without. If you have any additional questions about ear cleaning or earwax removal, please contact our medical team directly at (908) 677-5900.
