Symptoms
A blocked feeling, reduced hearing, ringing, itchiness, or discomfort.
Causes
Earwax can accumulate naturally or be pushed deeper by cotton swabs or other objects.
Risk factors
Narrow ear canals, hearing devices, earplugs, skin conditions, and attempts to clean the ear canal.
Testing
A clinician can look in the ear canal to confirm whether wax is contributing.
Treatment
Clinician-guided removal or appropriate softening methods may be recommended. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
When to seek medical attention
Seek care for pain, drainage, bleeding, sudden hearing loss, or if you have ear surgery history or a known eardrum perforation.
Which professional can help?
A primary-care clinician, audiologist, or ENT may help depending on local practice and your ear history.
Find a hearing-care professionalThis guide is educational and is not a diagnosis. A qualified clinician can help you understand symptoms in the context of your personal health history.