Clearing the Way for Hearing

Fact checked by Jim Lacy

Earwax buildup can block hearing and affects roughly 15% of the U.S. population, rising to more than 30% in older adults. A visual ear exam can identify the problem, and professional cleaning often restores clarity quickly.

At birth, humans have approximately 16,000 hearing cells in each ear. However, hearing loss often goes unnoticed until it’s significant. Usually, about 30% of those cells must be damaged or dead before an audiologist can detect the loss on a standard exam. 

“A baseline hearing exam detects small changes before they become permanent problems,” says Lori Halvorson, AuD, of Lake Forest Hearing Professionals.

One unexpected culprit of reversible hearing loss is the common cotton swab. “Cotton swabs can push wax deep into the canal,” Halvorson says. This action packs the wax tightly against the eardrum until professional removal becomes the only safe option. 

A specialist removes the wax using a curette (a small tool), suction, or gentle irrigation. This process requires precision to protect the delicate lining of the ear because, Halvorson says, “The ear canal is the only orifice in the body that is skin-lined.” This unique anatomical feature makes it particularly prone to infection if the skin is scratched or irritated.

Once the specialist establishes a baseline — a process that typically takes 45 to 60 minutes — Halvorson advises people to take regular sound breaks and wear ear protection when noise is unavoidable.

Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2026 print issue.