The outer portion of the ear canal produces a wax, which is medically known as cerumen.
This wax actually plays an important role in keeping our ears clean.
The wax traps dust and dirt, and does not allow them to enter deep into the ear canal.
In addition, it helps to keep water out of the ear canal so that the eardrum is protected.
The wax waves outwards carrying all the debris and usually it falls out of the ear in the form of flakes that we do not notice.
It is normal for the ears to produce wax.
However, when the ears produce too much wax, it tends to block the ear.
However, usually the blockage occurs because of improper ear hygiene or cleaning techniques.
People tend to push objects like pencils or ear swabs in an effort to remove the wax in the ear canal.
Instead of facilitating the removal, these objects tend to push the wax deeper into the ear.
And, they also tend to compress it.
This causes earwax blockage in the ear.
It is also known as cerumen impaction in medical terms.
Wax blockage of the ear canal leads to temporary loss of hearing.
Some of the symptoms of this blockage include the following: oFeeling that the ear is full or stuffed oThe hearing loss gradually goes from bad to worse oYou can suffer from earache oYou can also suffer from tinnitus or ringing in the ear If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should visit a doctor who will be able to make proper diagnosis.
If the wax blockage of the ear canal is removed, the problem tends to dissipate.
It is best to allow a doctor to remove the ear wax so that you do not end up causing any damage to the eardrum.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe a wax softener that can be used at home to remove the wax.