Earwax – Cerumen Impaction
Earwax (cerumen) is a natural, protective secretion produced by glands in the ear canal. It moisturises the canal and forms a barrier against dust and microbes. Normally it migrates out by itself with chewing and jaw movements. In some people, however, it accumulates and hardens until it blocks the canal — a condition called cerumen impaction.
Symptoms
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Reduced hearing (often sudden after a shower or swimming)
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Itching, occasionally pain
- Hearing your own voice louder (autophony)
Why do some people produce more wax?
Narrow or curved ear canals, age-related changes, dense canal hair, hearing aids and in-ear headphones all promote build-up. The most important factor, however, is cotton swab use: swabs push wax deeper and compact it instead of removing it.
Why home cleaning is not recommended
Cotton buds, hairpins and similar objects can injure the eardrum, trigger outer ear canal infections, and pack the wax into a complete blockage. Softening drops from the pharmacy may help loosen wax, but once a blockage has formed, the solution is examination and removal by a physician.
How is impacted wax removed?
During an ENT examination the canal is visualised under a microscope or otoscope, and the wax is removed painlessly within minutes using suction, a curette, or irrigation — whichever is appropriate. For very hard plugs, softening drops may be advised for a few days beforehand. If an eardrum perforation is suspected, irrigation is avoided; your doctor will choose the safe method.
When should you see a doctor?
If blockage lasts more than a few days, hearing is reduced, or there is pain or discharge, see an ENT specialist. People who repeatedly form wax plugs benefit from a check-up and preventive cleaning every 6–12 months.
Earwax removal at our practice
At our clinic, earwax removal is performed under the microscope during the same visit, usually within minutes. Call +90 532 345 05 20 or use our appointment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I clean earwax at home?
Home cleaning is not recommended; cotton swabs push wax deeper and risk eardrum injury. Safe removal is performed by an ENT physician.
My ear suddenly feels blocked - could it be wax?
Yes. Sudden hearing reduction after a shower or swimming is typical: dry wax swells with water and seals the canal.
Do ear drops dissolve a wax plug?
Softening drops may loosen wax but often cannot clear an established plug; use them as preparation before professional removal.
Is earwax removal painful and how long does it take?
Microscopic removal by suction or curette is painless and usually takes a few minutes per ear.
How often should I have my ears cleaned?
People who repeatedly form plugs or use hearing aids/earbuds benefit from a check-up every 6-12 months.
Would you like to book an appointment?
You can call our office or pick a convenient time slot on DoktorTakvimi.