Loading icon
Health Information Center

Cerumen Impaction

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Cerumen Impaction

(Earwax; Earwax impaction; Ear Impaction; Ear Blockage)

Definition

Cerumen impaction is a buildup of earwax that blocks the ear canal. Earwax normally cleans and protects the ear canal. When too much builds up, it can affect hearing and cause other problems.

The Ear Canal.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

si55550929_96472_1_with ear waxhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=77087708si55550929.jpgsi55550929.jpgNULLjpgsi55550929.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55550929.jpgNULL40NULL2008-12-10260400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Ear wax impaction may be caused by:

  • The ear not naturally clearing itself—the earwax dries and hardens
  • The ear producing too much earwax
  • Putting objects into the ears—this pushes earwax deeper into the ear canal

Risk Factors

Earwax impaction is more common in males, older adults, and children.

Other things that raise the risk are:

  • Intellectual disability
  • Use of hearing aids, ear plugs, or headphones placed in the ear
  • A small ear canal
  • Skin conditions such as eczema
  • Use of cotton-tipped swabs to remove earwax

Symptoms

Symptoms of earwax impaction may be:

  • Hearing loss
  • Pain, itching, or fullness in the ear
  • Ringing in the ear—tinnitus
  • Ear discharge or odor
  • Hearing aids making noise or not working properly

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam may be done. The doctor will do an ear exam to diagnose the condition.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to remove earwax from the ear canal. This can be done with:

  • A curette—an instrument shaped like a scoop
  • Suction—vaccuming the loosened earwax
  • Flushing—the impacted earwax is flushed out
  • Ear solutions to soften earwax and ease removal

Prevention

The risk may be lowered by:

  • Not putting anything in the ears—including cotton tipped swabs
  • Using medicines to prevent the buildup of earwax
  • Seeing the doctor to remove earwax buildup, as advised
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cerumen impaction. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage.
  • Cerumen impaction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cerumen-impaction.
  • Michaudet C, Malaty J. Cerumen impaction: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(8):525-529.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.