What Is Wax Impaction

Impacted cerumen (se-ROO-men) is when earwax (cerumen) builds up in the ear and blocks the ear canal; it can cause temporary hearing loss and ear pain.

What does impacted wax feel like?

Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include: Earache. Feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)

What causes cerumen impaction?

This problem may be caused by: The ear not naturally clearing itself—the earwax dries and hardens. The ear producing too much earwax. Putting objects into the ears—this pushes earwax deeper into the ear canal.