What’s the Deal with Earwax? Problem or Necessary?
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Causes
Cerumen impaction is usually caused by inability of the ear to naturally clear itself, and unsuccessful attempts to remove earwax. By inserting a cotton-tipped swab into your ear, you actually jam the more solid part of the earwax deeper into your ear. Your ear has a harder time trying to get rid of this harder, bulkier wax, and the impaction or blockage begins.
Factors that contribute to cerumen impaction include:
- Trying to remove cerumen with a cotton-tipped swab
- Putting objects into your ears that may push the cerumen in the ear canal deeper
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing cerumen impaction:
- Individuals who obsessively try to clean their ears and try to remove the wax
- A twisted, narrow, or complicated ear canal
- Ears that overproduce cerumen
- Age: affects the elderly and causes hearing loss
- Mental retardation
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.