Earwax Impaction: Causes, Risks, and What to Do
When earwax impaction, a blockage of the ear canal by hardened earwax. Also known as cerumen impaction, it happens when the ear’s natural cleaning process gets disrupted—often by cotton swabs, hearing aids, or earplugs. It’s not dirt. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene. It’s just wax that got stuck where it shouldn’t be.
Most people don’t need to clean their ears. The ear is designed to push wax out on its own. But when you stick something inside—like a cotton swab—you’re not cleaning. You’re pushing wax deeper. That’s how impaction starts. It’s common in older adults, people who wear hearing aids, and those with narrow ear canals. Symptoms? Muffled hearing, ear fullness, ringing, dizziness, even coughing. If you feel any of these, don’t dig. Don’t flush with oil or water unless a doctor says so. You could rupture your eardrum or trigger an infection.
Safe removal usually means seeing a provider. They use gentle irrigation, suction, or special tools under a scope. Over-the-counter drops can help soften wax, but only if the blockage isn’t severe. If you’ve had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or tubes, skip the drops entirely. And never use ear candles—they’re dangerous and useless. Earwax impaction is treatable, but it’s not something to guess your way through.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on related issues: how certain medications affect ear health, why some people are more prone to buildup, and how to avoid common mistakes that make things worse. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re based on what doctors see every day—what works, what doesn’t, and what can actually hurt you.
Earwax Impaction: What It Is, How to Recognize It, and Safe Ways to Remove It
Earwax impaction is a common hearing issue caused by hardened wax blocking the ear canal. Learn the symptoms, safe removal methods, and why cotton swabs make it worse. Professional care is the safest solution.
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