There is no clinical term for “earwax impaction”, but it may refer to cerumen impaction, which is formed by the accumulation of metabolic products secreted by ceruminous glands, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and so on, in the ear canal.
Cerumen is a sticky yellowish secretion secreted by the ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal, which is also known as “earwax”. Cerumen dries in thin sheets. Usually, when we speak or chew, the dried cerumen can be discharged with the movement of the surrounding tissues.
If the cerumen is overproduced and oily, it is not easily discharged and accumulates in large quantities, which can lead to cerumen embolism when it crusts over and forms a hard mass in the ear canal. Patients usually experience unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus and ear pain.
If cerumen impaction is diagnosed, it is recommended to consult a medical professional to remove the cerumen. Regular inspection of the ear canal and cleaning of the dislodged cerumen should be carried out to avoid re-embolization. For more information, please consult a doctor specializing in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT).