Earwax and other ear problems

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Earwax and other ear problems

Earwax is usually eliminated from the ears naturally. Earwax occasionally builds up, hardens, and compacts against the eardrum. The hard earwax produced by adults is more likely to become stuck (impacted) in the ear canal or against the eardrum than the earwax produced by children.

Earwax is normally produced only in the outer half of the ear canal and will not become deeply impacted unless it is pushed in. The ear canal may become blocked when attempts to clean the ear with cotton swabs, bobby pins, or a finger push wax deeply into the ear canal. Hearing in the affected ear may be muffled, or your ear may feel full or plugged.

Other symptoms, such as mild nausea or difficulty with balance, may also be present. This is not usually a serious problem. Symptoms should improve when you remove the earwax with warm mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or warm water. However, if you cannot remove the wax after several days of home treatment, a visit to your health professional may be necessary.

Earwax does not usually cause severe vertigo. Unsteadiness or problems with balance may indicate a more serious condition.

See your health professional if you have severe or persistent hearing loss, ear pain, severe vertigo, or other problems with balance.

Credits

Last updated:	February 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer