Routine hearing tests can detect surprising problems
When Darren McConachie, a 30-year-old journalism student in Glasgow, woke in the night with intense pain and pressure in his left ear, he thought something had ruptured. It eventually turned out that the pain was caused by a tiny pink Lego brick that had been lodged in his ear canal for nearly 20 years.
Unexpected Childhood Obstruction Discovered After Two Decades
“I hadn’t played with Lego since I was a wee boy,” said Darren, who had long assumed his deafness was just something he’d have to live with. Doctors had recently prescribed antibiotics for what they thought was a persistent infection. But the sudden appearance of the childhood toy was both a relief and a shock.
At a follow-up appointment, even his GP struggled to believe it. The piece had remained undetected since Darren was about 10 years old, masquerading as a hearing problem. Following its removal, Darren’s hearing has improved markedly. “It’s cleared out all the gunk,” he said.
His story may be unusual, but it highlights a broader public health issue. Hearing loss is increasingly common among younger people, often from preventable causes, and can go undiagnosed for years. Experts say that stories like Darren’s, whilst unusual, reinforce the need for regular hearing checks, which can reveal not only medical issues but also simple, completely natural blockages such as earwax.
Reinforcing the Value of Routine Ear and Hearing Assessments
Micaela Stonestreet, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®, which offers clinical hearing tests and microsuction ear-cleaning services, said Darren’s case was an extreme example of a very common issue. “This is not the first time I have heard of a foreign body being stuck in an ear canal for years, without detection,” she said.
“Having regular hearing and ear health checks, especially at a regulated clinic using a microscope, can help identify problems before they have a significant impact. In countries like the UK, we’re lucky to have access to services that can prevent years of avoidable discomfort.”
The NHS and private providers alike now recommend routine checks for anyone who frequently uses in-ear devices, which is most young people nowadays! And for anyone who notices changes in hearing or experiences ear pain. While most cases aren’t as dramatic as Darren’s, they often involve manageable conditions that can be resolved quickly and safely through modern treatment options.
References
- NHS Earwax build-up – Advice on how to recognise and manage earwax build-up, including when to seek help
- Ear Foreign Body Removal – Overview of foreign body removal from the ear, nose and throat - especially in children.
- Mayo Clinic Foreign object in the ear – Advice on first steps to take if something is stuck in the ear.
- NHS inform Earwax build-up – Information on symptoms, self-care and medical options for earwax prevention.
