Earwax Impaction: Causes, Risks, and What to Do

When earwax impaction, a blockage of the ear canal caused by accumulated cerumen. Also known as cerumen impaction, it’s not just a nuisance—it can mess with your hearing, trigger dizziness, and even cause ear pain. Most people think earwax is dirty and needs to be removed, but your ears make it for a reason: to trap dust, protect the skin, and fight off infections. The problem starts when this natural process goes wrong—when wax builds up faster than your body can clear it.

Some people are more prone to earwax buildup, the accumulation of cerumen that can lead to blockage because of narrow ear canals, excessive hair in the ear, or even wearing hearing aids or earplugs regularly. Using cotton swabs is one of the biggest mistakes—instead of removing wax, you’re often pushing it deeper. That’s why so many end up in urgent care with a packed ear canal. ear cleaning, the safe removal of excess earwax by a professional isn’t something you should DIY. Irrigation, manual removal with tools, or softening drops are the only safe methods—and they’re best done by a provider who can see what they’re doing.

Left untreated, earwax impaction can mimic other issues like ear infections or even hearing loss from aging. You might think your hearing is fading, but it’s just blocked. Or you might feel off-balance, not realizing your inner ear is being pressed on. The good news? It’s usually easy to fix once you stop poking around and get help. And if you use hearing aids, swim often, or have a history of ear problems, you’re not alone—many people need regular checkups to keep things clear.

What you’ll find in the articles below isn’t just advice—it’s real-world insight from people who’ve dealt with this, providers who’ve seen the damage from wrong approaches, and studies that prove what actually works. From safe home remedies that don’t risk injury to when you absolutely need to see a doctor, this collection cuts through the noise. No myths. No scare tactics. Just what you need to know to protect your ears without making things worse.