When earwax impaction, a buildup of hardened earwax that blocks the ear canal. Also known as cerumen impaction, it happens when the ear’s natural cleaning process gets stuck—often from using cotton swabs, hearing aids, or earplugs that push wax deeper instead of removing it. It’s not rare. Up to 1 in 10 children and 1 in 5 older adults deal with it at some point, and it’s one of the top reasons people visit the doctor for ear issues.
Earwax isn’t bad—it’s meant to trap dust, protect your eardrum, and keep your ear canal moist. But when it builds up too much, it can cause hearing loss, a temporary drop in hearing ability caused by physical blockage, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or even ear infections. You might notice muffled sounds, feel like your ear is full, or hear your own voice echo. If you’ve tried cleaning your ears with cotton swabs and it got worse, you’re not alone—most cases of impaction start because of well-meaning but wrong cleaning habits.
People who use hearing aids, earplugs, or headphones often have more trouble because these devices block the natural movement of wax out of the ear. Older adults and those with narrow ear canals are also more likely to develop ear blockage, a condition where wax physically obstructs sound from reaching the eardrum. Even water from swimming or showering can soften wax and cause it to swell, making the blockage worse.
What you shouldn’t do is stick anything into your ear canal. No cotton swabs, no bobby pins, no ear candles. These don’t remove wax—they pack it tighter. And they can tear your eardrum or push wax against it, causing pain or permanent damage. Instead, the safest fix is often a simple irrigation done by a nurse or doctor, or over-the-counter drops that soften the wax so it comes out on its own. If you’ve had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or frequent infections, skip the drops and see a professional.
The posts below cover real cases and practical advice—like how to tell if your hearing loss is from wax or something else, what happens when you ignore it too long, and why some people keep getting it back even after cleaning. You’ll find advice on safe home care, when to call a doctor, and how certain medications or devices make earwax buildup more likely. This isn’t about myths or quick fixes. It’s about what actually works, based on real patient experiences and medical evidence.
Earwax impaction causes hearing loss, earaches, and dizziness - often from trying to clean your ears. Learn the safe ways to remove it, what not to do, and when to see a doctor.