Everyone has earwax. But when earwax builds up and presses against the eardrum or blocks the ear canal, it’s called impacted earwax. Impacted earwax can cause a blocked feeling in the ear, trouble hearing, discomfort, or itching.

If the impacted earwax is causing symptoms or making it hard for the healthcare provider to see the eardrum during an exam, the healthcare provider will remove it in the office or prescribe ear drops that can be used at home.

• If recommended by your healthcare provider, use ear drops as directed.
• Only use the removal method prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never use ear candles. They can cause burns, block the ear canal, and damage the eardrum.
• Don't use a cotton swab, finger, or anything else to clean the ear canal. These can injure the ear canal or eardrum or push the wax in even more.
• If your healthcare provider removed the wax, follow any special instructions they gave you to care for your child's ears afterward.

Your child:

• Has symptoms that continue after following your healthcare provider's instructions
• Develops ear pain or fever
• Does not seem to hear normally

Why do we have earwax? Earwax provides a waterproof lining of the ear canal, protecting it and the eardrum from water and germs that can cause infection. It also traps dirt, dust, and other particles, so they don't irritate or injure the eardrum.

What causes earwax buildup? Earwax buildup can be caused by:

• Ears naturally making a lot of earwax
• Narrow ear canals that get blocked easily
• Using cotton swabs (such as Q-tips®) that push earwax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it
• Hearing aids or ear plugs that push earwax deeper into the ear.