Ear Wax Blockage Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

1. Ear Wax Blockage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment When cerumen, also known as earwax, accumulates in the ear or becomes too stubborn to be removed by washing, a blockage can result. Earwax is an essential and necessary defensive substance. It removes ear canal debris and prevents bacteria buildup by coating and sealing the area. If a buildup of earwax becomes problematic, your ear doctor can safely and painlessly remove it. Symptoms Some possible symptoms of earwax buildup are: Earache A stuffed-out sensation in the ear. Otic disturbances, such as ringing or noises (tinnitus) Troubles with hearing Dizziness Cough Problems with ear itching Discharge from the ear or a foul odor Discomfort or infection in the ear Causes Glands produce your ears' natural wax in the skin of your external auditory canal. Ear wax and little hairs in these passages filter out debris that could otherwise penetrate further into the ear and cause damage to the eardrum. In most people, earwax occasionally emerges through the ear canal. It gets washed out or falls out of the top as fresh wax is poured in. Too much earwax production or ineffective earwax removal can lead to an obstructed ear canal. When people try to remove earwax on their own, often with cotton swabs or other objects, they block their ear canals. Instead of removing wax, this method usually pushes it further into the ear. If you're not feeling well, it's time to see a doctor. In cases where there are no outward signs of an earwax blockage, the buildup may dissolve. However, if you experience any of the symptoms above, you should visit your doctor for ear infection treatment. There may be an underlying medical cause for the symptoms. Too much earwax can only be diagnosed by having someone else, typically a doctor, look in your ears. Not everyone who experiences symptoms like an earache or diminished hearing has wax buildup. You may have some other medical issue that needs to be treated. A medical professional is the best choice for safe wax removal. The ear canal and the eardrum are sensitive parts of your body. If you have had ear surgery, have a perforation in your eardrum, or are experiencing pain or drainage in your ear, you should not attempt to remove earwax on your own by inserting anything, such as a cotton swab, into your ear canal. Ear examinations are a standard part of pediatric checkups. The ear doctor can clean your kid's ear if there's too much earwax.