Occasionally, people comment that their ear feels muffled after ear wax removal, even though we can see with the video otoscope that it is clear. Here is the scientific explanation :
“Persistent subjective ear fullness following wax removal is commonly observed, likely related to cortical sensory adaptation after prolonged occlusion ( Scott-Brown’s Otorhinolaryngology 8th ed).”
When the ear canal has been blocked by wax for a prolonged period, the brain adapts to the altered sensory input — both from sound and from somatosensory receptors in the canal and TM.
The auditory cortex and somatosensory pathways have been "trained" to expect reduced stimulation.
When the obstruction is suddenly cleared (via syringing or micro suction), the auditory input normalises quickly — but the brain may still "perceive" a sense of blockage. This is sometimes called "phantom blockage" — analogous in concept to phantom limb sensation after amputation.”