Earwax

1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Gayle M Galletta, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

• Earwax Overview
• Earwax Causes
• Earwax Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Earwax Diagnosis
• Earwax Treatment
• Earwax Home Remedies and Removal
• Earwax Medical Treatment
• Earwax Prevention
• Earwax Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Earwax from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Earwax - Treatment

Earwax (also spelled ear wax), medically referred to as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching and potentially damaging the eardrum. Earwax may also prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ear canal.

Blockage, or impaction of earwax occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is the most common ear problem doctors see.

• The most common cause of this is the use of Q-tips in the ear canal (and other objects such as bobby pins and rolled napkin corners), which pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal.
• Hearing aid and earplug users are also more prone to earwax blockage.

Picture of the ear and earwax build-up

Must Read Articles Related to Earwax

Foreign Body, Ear Getting an object stuck in the ear is a relatively common problem, especially in toddlers. The vast majority of items are lodged in the ear canal, which is the ...learn more >>

See the Entire Earwax Topic Guide »