International Week of Deaf People takes place from 21 to 27 September 2026. Led by the World Federation of the Deaf, this year’s theme is “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
The week celebrates Deaf people, Deaf culture and sign languages while promoting equal access to education, healthcare, employment and community participation.
It also provides an opportunity to discuss ear and hearing health. However, it is important to recognise that Deaf identity, permanent hearing loss and temporary hearing changes associated with earwax are not the same.
What is International Week of Deaf People?
International Week of Deaf People is observed around the world during the last full week of September. It is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf and has been celebrated since 1958.
The 2026 campaign focuses on putting Deaf people’s human rights into practice. This includes recognising national sign languages, providing access to information and ensuring that Deaf people can participate in decisions that affect their lives.
In Australia, many members of the Deaf community use Auslan Australian Sign Language. Deaf people may also communicate through spoken language, written communication, lip-reading, hearing technology or a combination of methods.
Healthcare providers should ask each person about their preferred form of communication rather than make assumptions based on their hearing.
Understanding Deaf identity and hearing loss
The words “Deaf,” “deaf” and “hard of hearing” can have different meanings.
Deaf, with a capital “D”, commonly refers to people who identify with the Deaf community and share a language, culture and collective identity. The term deaf may describe an audiological level of hearing, while hard of hearing is used by some people with mild to severe hearing loss.
Every person’s experience is different. Not all Deaf people want their hearing changed or view deafness as a condition requiring treatment.
International Week of Deaf People is therefore not simply a hearing-loss awareness campaign. It is primarily about human rights, language, identity, accessibility and inclusion.
Can earwax affect hearing?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a normal substance produced in the ear canal. It helps collect dust, dead skin and other particles and usually moves out of the ear naturally.
Sometimes earwax accumulates or becomes impacted. When wax partially or completely blocks the ear canal, it may interfere with sound travelling through the outer ear.
Possible symptoms of earwax build-up include:
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ringing or other sounds in the ear
- Itchiness
- Ear discomfort
- Changes in the fit or performance of a hearing aid
According to Healthdirect Australia, excessive earwax can occasionally contribute to temporary hearing loss.
These symptoms may also be caused by other ear or hearing conditions. An examination is required to determine whether earwax is present and whether removal should be considered.
Earwax removal does not treat every type of hearing loss
Earwax removal may address an obstruction in the ear canal, but it does not treat permanent hearing loss, Deafness or conditions affecting the middle or inner ear.
A change in hearing should not automatically be attributed to earwax. Other possible causes include:
- An outer or middle ear infection
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- A perforated eardrum
- Noise-related hearing changes
- Age-related hearing loss
- Certain medications or health conditions
- An issue affecting the hearing aid or its settings
If hearing remains reduced after the ear canal has been examined or wax has been removed, a hearing assessment or medical review may be recommended.
Earwax and hearing aids
Some Deaf and hard-of-hearing people use hearing aids, while others do not. The choice to use hearing technology is individual and should be respected.
Hearing aids and earmoulds sit in or around the ear canal. In some people, this may interfere with the ear’s natural wax movement. Earwax may also obstruct parts of a hearing aid or affect how it fits in the ear.
A person who notices a change in hearing-aid performance may need:
- An examination of the ear canal
- Cleaning or maintenance of the hearing aid
- A review by their audiologist or hearing-care provider
- Further medical assessment if other symptoms are present
Removing earwax will not necessarily improve hearing-aid performance, as the cause of the change must first be identified.
Should you use cotton buds to remove earwax?
Cotton buds and other objects should not be inserted into the ear canal. They may push wax deeper, irritate the skin of the ear canal or cause injury.
The World Health Organization advises that earwax generally does not need to be removed unless it is causing symptoms. It also recommends that people avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into their ears.
If you are experiencing blocked ears or changes in hearing, consider arranging an ear examination rather than attempting to remove the wax yourself.
What happens during an earwax appointment?
At Crystal Clear Ears, an AHPRA-registered Division 1 Registered Nurse will ask about your symptoms, ear history and relevant health information.
The nurse will examine the ear canal using magnification. If earwax is present, the nurse will assess its position and consistency and discuss whether removal is appropriate.
Microsuction may be used to remove earwax under direct observation. Other ear-care instruments may be considered depending on the examination findings.
Individual experiences and treatment requirements vary. Earwax may not always be removed in one appointment, particularly when it is firm, deeply positioned or when continuing the procedure would not be appropriate.
If the examination suggests that the symptoms may not be related to earwax, the nurse may recommend assessment by a GP, audiologist or another healthcare practitioner.
When should you seek medical care?
Arrange medical assessment if you have ongoing hearing difficulty, pain, discharge or other concerning ear symptoms.
Seek prompt medical attention for:
- Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss
- Blood or fluid coming from the ear
- Significant ear pain
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Hearing changes following a head injury
- Facial weakness or other neurological symptoms
- A foreign object or button battery in the ear
Sudden hearing loss should not be assumed to be caused by earwax.
Supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients in healthcare
Accessible healthcare begins with respectful communication. Healthcare providers can support Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients by:
- Asking how the patient prefers to communicate
- Arranging a qualified Auslan interpreter when required
- Speaking directly to the patient
- Providing written information in clear language
- Using visual information where appropriate
- Reducing unnecessary background noise
- Allowing time for questions
- Checking that important healthcare information has been understood
- Respecting the person’s identity and healthcare decisions
Friends or family members should not automatically be expected to interpret clinical information. Patients should be involved directly in discussions about their health and treatment.
Recognising International Week of Deaf People 2026
International Week of Deaf People reminds us that access to communication and healthcare is a human right.
Earwax removal has a limited and specific role in ear care. When impacted wax is obstructing the ear canal, it may be associated with temporary hearing changes. However, earwax removal is not a treatment for Deafness or every form of hearing loss.
Recognising these differences helps promote accurate health information while respecting Deaf culture, language and identity.
If you have a blocked-ear sensation, a change in hearing or concerns about earwax, you can arrange an ear examination with a Registered Nurse at Crystal Clear Ears.
No referral is required.
Appointments are available at our Brighton, East Melbourne, Epping, Glen Waverley, Surrey Hills and Truganina clinics.