Earwax blockage

Low urgency
Common-

It is the obstruction of the ear due to the accumulation of wax. It is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.

The earwax is produced by the glands in the auditory canal produced by the glands in the auditory canal. The excess production of wax can build up, harden and block the auditory canal.

It manifests with deafness, a feeling of fullness, and pain in the affected ear.

It is diagnosed through medical history and physical examination, in particular of the ear canal with an otoscope.

The earwax plug must be removed with the help of ear drops, oils and/or washing out with warm water injected using a syringe. If the plug remains, it will be necessary to visit a Family Doctor or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist to have it removed.

Bibliographic references
  1. Elizabeth A Dinces. Cerumen. UpToDate Jul 30, 2015.
  2. Hand C, Harvey I. The effectiveness of topical preparations for the treatment of earwax: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 2004; 54:862.
  3. Oron Y, Zwecker-Lazar I, Levy D, et al. Cerumen removal: comparison of cerumenolytic agents and effect on cognition among the elderly. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2011; 52:228.
  4. Browning GG. Ear wax. BMJ Clin Evid 2008; 2008.
  5. Burton MJ, Doree C. Ear drops for the removal of ear wax. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; :CD004326.
  6. W Becker, H H Naumann, C R Pfaltz. Otorrinolaringología. Manual Ilustrado. 2ª edición (1993) Editorial Doyma. p49
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Total hearing loss


    Partial hearing loss in one ear


    Sensation of pressure inside the ear


    Ear discomfort


    Buzzing in the ears

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Eye and/or ear pain.
Continuous ear bleeding

Self-care

Use baby oils, ear drops, glycerin or water to remove earwax.
Avoid using cotton swabs.