Sometimes earwax can accumulate and become compacted in the ear canal. This can happen if wax is pushed deeper into the ear, if a person naturally produces more wax, or if the ear canal does not clear wax effectively.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:

• a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• ear pain or discomfort
• reduced hearing
• ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear (tinnitus)
• itching in the ear canal
• dizziness in some cases

Possible Causes

Earwax blockage may occur when the ear’s natural cleaning process is disrupted. Factors that may contribute include:

• inserting objects into the ear such as cotton swabs
• frequent use of earplugs or hearing aids
• narrow ear canals or excessive ear hair
• naturally producing larger amounts of earwax

References

Content adapted from information provided by Ontario Health – Health811:https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/medical-library/condition?name=earwax%20blockage