Your symptoms may indicate a change in hearing clarity, especially in understanding speech, rather than a problem with hearing volume. At the age of 60, this can commonly occur due to age-related hearing changes or other medical conditions affecting hearing, where certain sound frequencies needed for clear speech may reduce. Other possible causes include earwax buildup or other ear-related problems. It is recommended to consult an ENT specialist and undergo a hearing test (audiometry) to identify the exact cause and receive appropriate advice.

A scarred eardrum (tympanosclerosis) is a very common, harmless result of past healed ear infections. In most cases, it does not affect your hearing and requires no treatment at all. Importantly, there are no ear drops or medications that can dissolve or treat scar tissue on the eardrum. If scarring is extensive and causes noticeable hearing loss (which is rare), a surgical procedure like tympanoplasty can be considered. For the vast majority of people, a scar is just a sign of past healing and is nothing to worry about. If you have concerns about your hearing, a routine check-up with an ear specialist is recommended.

A blocked ear is very common and usually easy to treat. It is most often caused by earwax buildup or fluid congestion behind the eardrum. For earwax, you can use over-the-counter ear drops containing carbamide peroxide or even plain olive oil to gently soften the wax over a few days. If the blockage is due to sinus congestion or allergies, a nasal spray containing fluticasone or an oral decongestant like pseudoephedrine may help relieve the pressure. Please avoid inserting cotton swabs into your ear canal. If you experience pain, dizziness, or persistent hearing loss, please see a doctor for a safe ear examination.

It is best to avoid using any ear drops until a doctor has examined your ear, as using drops on an unchecked eardrum can cause irritation. Your discomfort is likely a temporary reaction to the loud volume. For now, give your ears some rest in a quiet environment. If you have mild pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Please avoid inserting cotton swabs or any objects into your ears. If the discomfort, muffled hearing, or any ringing persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, please consult an ENT specialist for a quick, routine examination.