Do I Have Earwax Blockage?

Do you have an earache?

Do you have the feeling of plugged hearing or fullness in your ear?

Do you have reduced hearing on the affected ear (partial hearing loss that gets worse)?

Do you have tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) or other odd noises in the affected ear?

Do you have a feeling of itchiness in the ear?

Do you have an odor coming from your ear?

Do you have any kind of ear discharge?

Do you have pain in your ear that doesn't subside?

Do you feel dizzy?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have earwax blockage. Having cerumen (earwax) in the ear canal is perfectly normal. Cerumen is a self-cleaning agent, meaning that the old earwax whit dead skin cells are constantly being transported from the eardrum to the ear opening by the motion of your jaw joint while chewing and talking. Also, earwax has protective, lubricating, and antibacterial properties. If you have any discomfort in your ears, that could be the sing of another medical condition involving your ears, so please see an ENT specialist for further analysis.

Based on your answers it is likely that you have an earwax blockage. Earwax blockage means that the earwax is buildup in your ear or become too hard to wash away naturally. Earwax blockage is usually caused by unproper cleaning of the ears. Many people often probe their ears with things such as cotton-tipped swabs, hair clips, or twisted napkin corners, but in that way you push the earwax deeper in the ear canal. At home, you can place a few drops of mineral oil in the ear in order to soften the earwax, but it is best to consult your ENT specialist.