Ceruminous deafness refers to a condition characterized by hearing loss or impairment caused by excessive or impacted earwax within the ear canal. The term "ceruminous" comes from "cerumen," which is the medical term for earwax.
When earwax accumulates, it can block or partially obstruct the ear canal, leading to a reduction in the ability to hear. This can result in a range of symptoms, including muffled sound perception, difficulty understanding speech, earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness or clogged ears.
Ceruminous deafness can impact individuals of any age, but it is more commonly observed in older adults due to changes in the composition and production of earwax. Other factors that increase the risk of ceruminous deafness include excessive earwax production, the use of hearing aids or earplugs, frequent use of cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears, and certain anatomical considerations that result in narrower or more curved ear canals.
Treatment for ceruminous deafness typically involves the removal of the excess earwax by a healthcare professional. This can be done through various methods, such as irrigation with warm water, suction, or manual removal using specialized instruments. In some cases, over-the-counter earwax removal kits may be recommended. Preventive measures, including regular ear hygiene practices and avoiding the use of objects like cotton swabs for cleaning, can help reduce the risk of ceruminous deafness.
