Earwax is the secretion of ceruminous glands in the skin of the external auditory canal, also known as cerumen. When cerumen is overproduced or its expulsion is obstructed, it gradually forms a mass and blocks the external auditory canal, which is called cerumen embolism of the external auditory canal. Symptoms of cerumen impaction include hearing loss, tinnitus, earache and even dizziness, and it can also stimulate the ear branch of the vagus nerve in the external auditory canal, causing reflex cough. Cerumen expands when exposed to water and can cause a sudden drop in hearing when it completely blocks the external auditory canal. Repeated irritation of the external auditory canal by cerumen can cause otitis externa. For patients with cerumen embolism, it is best not to pull out the ears by themselves, and it is recommended to go to the Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of the hospital.