How does impacted cerumen cause deafness?

Impacted cerumen, also commonly referred to as earwax blockage, can cause hearing loss of various degrees. Here's how impacted cerumen can lead to hearing impairment:

1. Physical Obstruction: When earwax accumulates excessively and becomes hard, it can form a plug in the ear canal. This plug acts as a physical barrier, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum effectively. As a result, sounds are muffled or may not be heard at all, causing temporary conductive hearing loss.

2. Changes in Sound Resonance: The presence of a cerumen plug changes the natural resonance and acoustics of the ear canal. The ear canal is designed to amplify and channel sound waves toward the eardrum. The blockage alters these sound properties, affecting sound perception and clarity.

3. Pressure Imbalance: Impacted cerumen can create a pressure imbalance between the external environment and the middle ear. This pressure difference can affect the functioning of the eardrum and the ossicles (small bones) in the middle ear, disrupting the normal transmission of sound vibrations.

4. Secondary Infections: Impacted cerumen can trap moisture and debris in the ear canal, providing a suitable environment for bacterial or fungal growth. Infections can lead to inflammation, swelling, and further obstruction of the ear canal, worsening the hearing loss.

5. Tinnitus: In some cases, impacted cerumen can cause tinnitus, a condition characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ear. This is thought to occur due to changes in the pressure and mechanics of the inner ear caused by the blockage.

The extent of hearing loss due to impacted cerumen varies and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, proper removal of the cerumen plug by a healthcare professional can restore normal hearing. However, if the blockage persists or is accompanied by infection, additional medical treatment may be required to address the hearing loss effectively.