Over a quarter of adults believe their hearing has got worse since they started working from home

A study of 2,000 adults who work from home found they now wear headphones for an average of three-and-a-half hours on a typical day – an hour longer than before the pandemic.

But this prolonged usage of audio equipment has left 43 per cent suffering from sore ears, with 23 per cent of those experiencing this multiple times a week.

While 36 per cent have noticed an increase of earwax build up in the last two years.

Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) have tried to remove their earwax, although 73 per cent turned to cotton buds which can make the problem worse.

Clogged ears

The study marks the launch of Specsavers’ ‘An ear in review’ Hindsight Report, which explores the nation’s relationship with earwax and its impact on our hearing.

It comes after a 317 per cent increase in earwax removal searches online, along with a 257 per cent increase in people asking why their ear is clogged.

Chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, said: “This research highlights just how reliant the nation's home workers are on their headphones.

“But it is important these items are used in moderation as increased exposure can lead to a range of problems.

“And one of the most common is the build-up of earwax – which can lead to problems such as hearing loss and discomfort, as well as infection or even a perforated ear drum.

“It seems many people have been searching for solutions and treating their wax problems at home, particularly during the pandemic.