Our ears naturally produce ear wax, also known as cerumen, to protect the inside of the ears and prevent injury or infection from debris and pathogens like viruses, fungi, and bacteria. However, some people make more ear wax than others and the ear wax itself can cause problems. When ear wax fills the ear canal it is known as ear wax or cerumen impaction. Discomfort, pressure, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears along with dizziness are common symptoms of ear wax impaction.
Young children and older adults are more likely than others to have ear wax impaction, but it can occur in people of all ages. One common cause of ear wax impaction is having narrow ear canals which makes it easy for the ear wax to accumulate and get packed in. With age, wax can harden and get thicker, making it more difficult for the wax to clear out of the ear as it should. Cotton swabs or other tools used to clean out ear wax can actually push the wax deeper into the ear instead of getting it out. Some people also make more ear wax than others through no fault of their own. They may have normal ear canals, be young, and not use cotton swabs; but for no reason at all, they produce a large amount of earwax. Ear wax accumulation can occur in one or both ears, and it is often a recurrent issue.
Various treatments exist to treat cerumen impaction. If there are no symptoms, there is no need to remove the ear wax. Alone, it poses no health threat if left in the ear, and it is only removed if causing discomfort and/or hearing loss. To remove the ear wax, many people start with ear drops that work to dissolve and break apart the wax, most of which can be purchased now without a prescription. Ear drops are not recommended if you think you have an ear infection or perforation to the eardrum. At doctors’ offices, cerumen removal often involves having your ear canal flushed with warm water or other liquid aimed to break up the wax and flush it out. Otolaryngologists frequently use special tools including a small vacuum to pull the wax out. It is a very delicate process and done only by those who are trained and skilled at doing so. The ear canal is very tender and easily irritated. and too much force or improper technique can puncture the eardrum. Therefore, if you suspect you may have a blockage from ear wax, have a medical professional take a look in your ear first.