Ear wax (cerumen) plays an important role in protecting your ears. It helps trap dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures of the ear canal and eardrum. But sometimes, when too much wax builds up, it can cause problems. Excessive or impacted ear wax may lead to:
● A feeling of blocked or full ears
● Itchiness, discomfort or earache
● Coughing
● Reduced hearing or sudden hearing loss
● Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
● Dizziness or balance issues
People who wear hearing aids or ear buds can experience wax build-up more often, as these devices can push wax deeper into the ear canal and affect sound quality or device performance.