Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. Excess or compacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude (block) the external auditory canal or hearing aids, potentially hindering hearing.

Many factors could determine how much wax we produce:

• Diet
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Personal anatomy
• Genetics Ethnicity

For some reason, some people produce excessive wax that requires frequent microsuction treatment.

Signs of earwax buildup include:

• sudden or partial hearing loss, which is usually temporary
• tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear
• a feeling of fullness in the ear
• earache

Unremoved earwax buildup can lead to infection. Contact your doctor if you experience the symptoms of infection, such as:

• severe pain in your ear
• pain in your ear that does not subside
• drainage from your ear
• fever
• coughing
• persistent hearing loss
• an odor coming from your ear
• dizziness

It’s important to note that hearing loss, dizziness, and earaches also have many other causes. You should see your doctor if any of these symptoms are frequent. A full medical evaluation can help determine whether the problem is due toexcessive earwax or another health issue entirely.