Earwax Blockage

What is Earwax Blockage?

Earwax blockage occurs when too much earwax may accumulates in your ear and becomes too hard to wash away naturally. The excess earwax can block your ear canal, causing an earache and decreased hearing in the involved ear.

Earwax is part of your body's natural defenses. It protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. Earwax is also called cerumen.

Earwax blockage is also called ear impaction, cerumen impaction, ear blockage and ear wax.

What Causes Earwax Blockage?

The exact cause of earwax blockage is unknown.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

The most common symptoms of earwax blockage are:

• Partial hearing loss
• Noises in the ear
• Earache
• Fullness in the ear or a sensation that the ear is plugged

Can Earwax Blockage be Treated?

Yes. Earwax blockage can be treated. Your doctor can remove excess wax using a small, curved instrument called a curette. Your doctor can also flush out the wax using a Water Pik or a rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water.

If earwax buildup is a recurring problem, your doctor may recommend that you use a wax-removal medication.

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