Overview
Ear wax is made naturally to protect and clean the ear canal, but sometimes it builds up and hardens into a plug that blocks hearing. This is more likely in people who use cotton buds, which push wax deeper, or who wear hearing aids or earphones. A blockage causes muffled hearing and a feeling of fullness. It is easily and safely cleared by a doctor, and cotton buds should be avoided.
Symptoms
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Mild earache or itching
- Occasional dizziness
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the ear feels blocked, hearing drops, or there is pain — do not dig into the ear with buds or sharp objects.
Causes
Natural over-production of wax, narrow ear canals, hearing aids and earphones, and pushing wax deeper with cotton buds.