cerumenimpaktio

Cerumen impaction, commonly known as earwax blockage, occurs when earwax accumulates in the ear canal to the point of obstructing hearing. Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural secretion produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves protective functions, trapping dust and foreign particles, and possesses antibacterial properties. Normally, earwax moves out of the ear canal naturally through jaw movements, but sometimes this process is disrupted.

Factors contributing to cerumen impaction include the use of cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal, or the presence of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals. Overproduction of earwax, a characteristic that can be hereditary, also plays a role. Certain medical conditions and the use of hearing aids or earplugs can also impede the natural clearing of earwax.

Symptoms of cerumen impaction can vary but often include a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing or partial hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and earache. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional who can visualize the ear canal using an otoscope. Treatment options include ear drops to soften the wax, irrigation to flush it out, or manual removal by a doctor. It is generally advised to avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.