What Is It?

In the outer part of the ear canal, cells produce a wax called cerumen that traps particles of dust and dirt. The wax also repels water, protecting the delicate eardrum from damage. The wax is moved outward gradually by the lining of the ear canal, carrying any dirt it has trapped. Eventually, the wax dries and falls out of the ear in small, unnoticeable flakes.

Normal production of earwax is healthy and good for your ears. If too much wax is being produced, it can block the ear, but blockage more commonly is caused by improper ear care and ear cleaning. If you push cotton swabs, pencils, your finger or other objects into your ear canal to try to remove wax, the force can push the wax further into the ear and compress it against the eardrum. Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss.

Your ear may feel stuffed or full, similar to the feeling some people get when they travel by airplane. You may have hearing loss that gradually worsens. Some people also experience earache or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

If the symptoms are familiar to you, you may be able to diagnose your earwax blockage yourself. If you visit a doctor, he or she will shine a light in your ear to see if wax is causing your problem.

If the blockage is removed successfully, the problem goes away.

Never put any objects into your ear canals. Cotton-tipped swabs should be used to clean the outer ear only. Do not place them in the canal.

If you have previously had earwax blockage and recognize the symptoms, you can try treating the blockage at home before seeing a doctor. If you think you may have a hole or tear in your eardrum, or if you have ever had surgery on your ear, do not try removing the blockage yourself because you could cause an infection.

To treat earwax blockage yourself, you can use one of the following:

• An over-the-counter earwax remover
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Warmed (not hot) baby oil or mineral oil
• Liquid docusate sodium

Tip your head so the ear points toward the ceiling. Using a dropper, fill the ear canal with liquid. Keep your head tipped for at least five minutes, then cover your ear with a towel and straighten your head so the liquid drips out. Repeat this process one to two times a day for the next few days. If this does not remove the wax, visit your doctor.

Hydrogen peroxide will bubble in your ear and leave water behind. These moist conditions can increase your risk of infection. So if you use hydrogen peroxide, follow it with a rinse of rubbing alcohol to dry up the water. If the alcohol causes pain, you may have a perforated eardrum and should visit your doctor.

If you go to your doctor to have the wax removed, your doctor may flush, scrape or vacuum your ear, or he or she may prescribe an earwax softener that you can use at home. In rare cases, you may need to visit a specialist to have the wax removed.

If you have never had earwax blockage and are unsure what is causing the problem, visit your doctor. Other common causes of hearing loss include:

• Exposure to repetitive loud noises, such as gunshots or trucks
• Aging
• A tumor on the hearing nerve called an acoustic neuroma

A doctor or nurse can be helpful when home treatments fail to relieve a wax blockage. A doctor should treat your blockage if you have had a ruptured eardrum in the past.

The prognosis for removing earwax blockage is excellent. Some people may have torn or perforated eardrums that require different treatment.

Diseases and Conditions Center

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.