Ear Wax Buildup Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to cerumen impaction. These symptoms may be caused by other, less or more serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

Symptoms include:

Itchy ear
Pain in the ear
Tinnitus (ringing) in the ear
Hearing loss

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. When you go to your doctor, he or she will look into your ear with a special flashlight called an otoscope. Your doctor will look for impacted earwax.

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.