Earwax: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have earwax buildup and other ear problems?

See significance of other ear problems if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate to severe vertigo?

Yes

Do you have tubes in your ears and earwax causing moderate to severe discomfort?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have tubes in your ears and earwax is causing mild symptoms that have not improved over 2 or 3 days?

Yes

Do you have a hearing problem related to earwax buildup that has not gotten better after 5 days of home treatment?

Yes

Do your ears feel full or plugged after 5 days of home treatment?

Yes

Do you still have ringing in your ears after 5 days of home treatment that you think is caused by earwax buildup?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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