Wax Blockage of the Ear Canal What Is It? In the outer part of
the ear canal, cells produce a wax called cerumen that traps
particles of dust and dirt. The wax also repels water,
protecting the delicate eardrum from damage. The wax is moved
outward gradually by the lining of the ear canal, carrying any
dirt it has trapped. Eventually, the wax dries and falls out of
the ear in small, unnoticeable flakes. Normal production of
earwax is healthy and good for your ears. If too much wax is
being produced, it can block the ear, but more commonly, the ear
becomes blocked because of improper ear care and ear cleaning.
If you push cotton swabs, pencils, your finger or other objects
into your ear canal to try to remove wax, the force can push the
wax further into the ear and compress it against the eardrum.
Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common
cause of temporary hearing loss. Your ear may feel stuffed or
full, similar to the feeling some people get when they travel by
airplane. You may have hearin