Glands in the outer ear canal produce wax to protect the canal. The amount produced varies from person to person. Some people produce so little wax that it never accumulates in the canal. Others produce enough to block the canal every few months.The symptoms of wax blockage are a feeling that the ear is plugged, partial hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and sometimes earache. No serious risks are involved

What is the Treatment?

Self-help: The best self-help for wax blockage is prevention. If you work in very dusty conditions, which can trigger wax blockage, consider wearing ear plugs.

Do not try to remove the wax with a stick or swab. It is all too easy to pack ear wax against the eardrum and cause damage.

Professional help: After examining your ear, your physician may soften the wax with eardrops before removing it. When wax is very difficult to remove, the doctor may dislodge it with a probe or electric suction apparatus.