Wax blockage

Alternative names:

cerumen impaction; ear blockage; ear impaction; ear wax

Definition:

Blockage of the ear canal with cerumen (wax).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The ear canal is lined with hair follicles and glands that produce a waxy oil called cerumen. This protects the ear by trapping dust, microorganisms, and foreign particles and prevents them from entering and damaging the ear. The wax usually makes its way to the opening of the ear where it falls out or is removed by washing.

In some people, the glands produce more wax than can be easily excreted out the ear. This extra wax may harden within the ear canal and block the ear. More commonly, the ear canal may be blocked by wax when attempts to clean the ear push wax deeper into the ear canal and causes a blockage. Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.