What is ear wax and why does it block my ears?

Believe it or not, ear wax has a purpose. One component of ear wax — cerumen — is produced by specialized glands that line the outer portion of the ear canal. This waxy secretion lubricates the ear canals and also helps to prevent infections. By virtue of its stickiness, it traps tiny bits of debris — hair, bugs, bacteria, and dirt — and keeps contaminants away from the delicate eardrum. Keratin from sloughed skin cells combines with the cerumen, dirt, oil, and sweat in the ear canal to form ear wax. Flakes of ear wax normally become dislodged and fall out of the ears as a result of head and jaw movements. Most people do not need any type of intervention to assist this natural process. However, some people are susceptible to ear wax accumulation and impaction. Risk factors include: 1) greater-than-normal ear wax production; 2) superfluous hairs growing in the ear canals that interfere with the self-cleaning mechanism; 3) hearing aids that prevent ear wax from leaving the ear canal; 4) regular use of cotton-tipped swabs to clean ear canals. Impacted ear wax can cause a variety of problems including conductive hearing loss, pain, dizziness, infection, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ears.