4. Ear Wax Build-Up
Everyone has ear wax that builds up in the ear, although too much ear wax can sometimes be produced and get stuck in hard-to-clean areas – and this can lead to a range of different problems for your ears including repeated ear infections, temporary deafness, and pain in the ears. It’s dangerous to go “digging” for ear wax like this with an earbud: Instead, it might require an appointment with your doctor to dislodge stubborn wax, though in the early stages this can be fixed at home.
For stubborn wax that’s starting to cause a problem, the best course of action before seeing a doctor is to attempt to soften the wax before trying to remove it. Going to dig for it with earbuds can only risk damaging the ear canal or drum, which can itself lead to hearing loss.
It’s always best to see a doctor if this becomes a chronic problem or one you can’t solve at home.